Resident Sparks....WAGO - the way to go or no?

[Andy_R]

So...eventually getting around to replacing the 12V Halogen downlighters in our kitchen with LEDs (they keep on fading off and coming back on about 20 minutes later so I suspect it's a thermal problem with the transformer)

My plan is to replace the existing MR16s with LED GU10s - the Halogen lamps are held in to the light fitting with what can only be described as a large circlip type spring. When that is removed the lamp comes out with a tail that is connected to the low voltage cabling, and the lamps are approximately the same diameter (50mm - 51mm).

If I replace the low voltage cabling with .75mm twin and earth, and get rid of the transformer, my thoughts are that using WAGO connectors instead of your everyday choccybox type connecters or junction boxes I can make a much better fist of the job. What have I missed, or is it good to go?

 

[bruce1530]

I’ve just fitted some of the screwfix led down lighters, about 65 quid for 10 of them.

Very impressed, and they’re really easy to fit. Two sets of pushfit connectors on each, to allow you to loop in and out. No screwdrivers, no choc block, no junction boxes.

Replacing your units might be easier than faffing around with the old fittings and finding the right sort of connectors

 

[slowmotion]

I bought a handful of WAGO connectors to extend a 32 amp ring main, but I haven't got round to it yet. I'll be very interested in what people say. Thanks for posting.

EDIT: They are a lot smaller than a 30 amp junction box but I think they should be enclosed in something insulated.

 

[irw]

View attachment 433775 I bought a handful of WAGO connectors to extend a 32 amp ring main, but I haven't got round to it yet. I'll be very interested in what people say. Thanks for posting.

EDIT: They are a lot smaller than a 30 amp junction box but I think they should be enclosed in something insulated.

What you need is a Wagobox...
https://www.screwfix.com/p/wagobox-junction-box/7355f
Almost like it was designed for the job...

 

[slowmotion]

What you need is a Wagobox...
https://www.screwfix.com/p/wagobox-junction-box/7355f
Almost like it was designed for the job...

I think I'll wrap them in insulating tape and put them in an existing socket back box.

 

[irw]

I think I'll wrap them in insulating tape and put them in an existing socket back box.

Fair enough- I think I've done something similar in one of my sockets. Just make sure the back box is still suitably earthed.

 

[cosmicbike]

A wonderful little invention. the 2 - 6 way single use blocks are great for lighting circuits, whilst the larger grey de-mountable ones (mind your fingers!) are excellent for linking socket circuits through in the box whilst decorating, or using as a temporary link if you happen to drill through your ring main....

They are also maintenance free, so back in the old days where you were ok to use JB's shoved under the floor (a no-no nowadays as they are 'inaccessible'), you can now use WAGO's. Personal preference is that I can access every single joint, an I'd always box the connections too.

 

[subaqua]

Yes . WAGO are amazing. However all of the joints must be in an enclosure. The cables entering the enclosure must also be supported ( strain relief ) .

They are only maintainance free when used in the manufacturers system and marked MF in the little circle . Yes there is a product standard ...

 

[Andy_R]

Yes . WAGO are amazing. However all of the joints must be in an enclosure. The cables entering the enclosure must also be supported ( strain relief ) .

They are only maintainance free when used in the manufacturers system and marked MF in the little circle . Yes there is a product standard ...

The WAGO connectors worked a treat, and are now sitting in their WAGOBOX junction box. I seem to have pulled about 7 miles of low voltage cable out of my kitchen ceiling!

 

[subaqua]

The WAGO connectors worked a treat, and are now sitting in their WAGOBOX junction box. I seem to have pulled about 7 miles of low voltage cable out of my kitchen ceiling!

All you need to do now is notify your local authority building control if in England/Wales. Scotland has similar but not sure of the titles ..

It’s all notifiable work under building regs