Wago connectors in inaccessible places - any specific rules apply?

[tin...@isbd.co.uk]

We're about to put solid wood floor down in a room which currently has
three access panels in the chipboard which open up to reveal ordinary
screw terminal junction boxes (which I put there many years ago when I
did some wiring in the room below).

I believe that Wago connectors are allowed in inaccessible places which
is what these will become when the solid wood is laid on top of the
chipboard. Are there any specific rules that have to be complied with
to use Wago connectors in this sort of location? I'll probably put
them in the standard Wago boxes.

--
Chris Green

[ARWadsworth]

The Wagos do need to be in an enclosure. And there are always

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/ASJ803.html

which are very good.

--
Adam

[Dave Liquorice]

On Thu, 3 Nov 2011 10:19:21 +0000, tin...@isbd.co.uk wrote:

> I believe that Wago connectors are allowed in inaccessible places which
> is what these will become when the solid wood is laid on top of the
> chipboard.

Talking to our spark yesterday there certainly are "push in" type
terminal blocks that are approved for inaccessable places.

Quick look on TLC's site:

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/ASJ804.html
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/ASJ803.html

Wago may make a similar product?

--
Cheers
Dave.

[Tim Watts]

It is generally accepted that if the manufacturers say "maintenance free"
then it is suitable.

Wagobox has strain relief for the cables which is good. You can of course
use any enclosure, eg a surface plastic box and blanking plate or an
adaptable box, but for a non strain relief enclosure, you *should* clip the
cables to the joist, close to the enclosure[1]

Given the price of Wagoboxes though (ie bugger all) it is a pretty good
default if they are big enough for the number of cables you require[2]

[1] Though there are probably millions of round junction boxes with no cable
clipping floating around on top of ceilings all over the country...

[2] Pleased to see they now do a "both ends entry" version - ideal for pass
through tap-offs. Wish they'd hurry up and make a bigger version with
several in slots around 3 sides - be really good for more complicated
circuits and central heating.

--
Tim Watts

[Ben Blaukopf]

I stuck some Ashley (similar push-fit thing) JBs in the ceiling void,
which are similarly inaccessible, and the inspector was happy with it.
They are pretty explicit about the fact that they can be used in your
situation - and cheaper than the WAGO stuff, I think.

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/ASJ803.html - 32A 3 terminal
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/ASJ804.html - 20A 4 terminal

Ben

[Tim Watts]

+1 Those are nice boxes and are extremely good for T+E to flex conversions
(eg downlighters) - slim, uncramped, excellent strain relief.
--
Tim Watts

[tin...@isbd.co.uk]

I've got the proper Wago boxes which work very well with either
push-in or lever type Wagos. I have *lots* of Wagos (bought for boat
wiring project) so I'll stick with them if I can.

--
Chris Green

[tin...@isbd.co.uk]

Tim Watts <tw+u...@dionic.net> wrote:
> tin...@isbd.co.uk wrote:
>
> > We're about to put solid wood floor down in a room which currently has
> > three access panels in the chipboard which open up to reveal ordinary
> > screw terminal junction boxes (which I put there many years ago when I
> > did some wiring in the room below).
> >
> > I believe that Wago connectors are allowed in inaccessible places which
> > is what these will become when the solid wood is laid on top of the
> > chipboard. Are there any specific rules that have to be complied with
> > to use Wago connectors in this sort of location? I'll probably put
> > them in the standard Wago boxes.
> >
>
> It is generally accepted that if the manufacturers say "maintenance free"
> then it is suitable.
>
> Wagobox has strain relief for the cables which is good. You can of course
> use any enclosure, eg a surface plastic box and blanking plate or an
> adaptable box, but for a non strain relief enclosure, you *should* clip the
> cables to the joist, close to the enclosure[1]
>

I'm aiming to use Wagoboxes as I have some (not many actually)
already, plus *lots* of Wago connectors.

> Given the price of Wagoboxes though (ie bugger all) it is a pretty good
> default if they are big enough for the number of cables you require[2]
>
> [1] Though there are probably millions of round junction boxes with no cable
> clipping floating around on top of ceilings all over the country...
>

Like mine you mean? :-)

> [2] Pleased to see they now do a "both ends entry" version - ideal for pass
> through tap-offs. Wish they'd hurry up and make a bigger version with
> several in slots around 3 sides - be really good for more complicated
> circuits and central heating.
>

Ah, that's interesting, I'll make up an order (probably CPC) as I need
a few other bits and pieces too (for the boat). A 'both ends' entry
box would be very useful in places. .... looks around, do you mean
the "Wagobox-Light"?

--
Chris Green

[Tim Watts]

tin...@isbd.co.uk wrote:


> Ah, that's interesting, I'll make up an order (probably CPC) as I need
> a few other bits and pieces too (for the boat). A 'both ends' entry
> box would be very useful in places. .... looks around, do you mean
> the "Wagobox-Light"?
>

I believe so.

Although it is not its stated purpose - and I have not tried, it looks like
you could pass a 1.0/1.5mm2 through and take upto two tap-offs, one each
end.

I have a very neat permiter run in basket tray for the main cables in my
roof (ie where they will not get stepped on!). I plan to run a bus-cable
round for permanant live, drop these boxes in the tray (or just under it)
for tap offs, then take the tap-off feed to a second wagobox nearby on a
joist, still near the roof perimiter (just under the edge floorboard
probably) and bring all cables from one circuit there. I worked out a single
wagobox could take a couple of switch drops (2way), a couple of lamp fitting
load cables and a permanant live in fairly comfortably.

The only thing with a wagobox is it is not technically a "tool required to
open" device which would be a no-no for an open accessible-by-kids location
- but I believe the industry standard answer to this is stick a tie-wrap
around it.

In fact, I *think* the new wagobox-light has a couple of tie wrap slots, so
they seem to have thought of this later.

Older original boxes could have a small hole drilled between lid and side
for the same effect, though with the body mouldings, I do not think a tight
tie wrap could be slid off anyway.

--
Tim Watts

[ARWadsworth]

As you already have the correct bits, then use them.

--
Adam

[js.b1]

There is a BS7671 amendment specifically re maintenance free JBs.

An installation note re conductor size & Wago...
- Wago Lever are limited to 2.5mm in solid conductor, the 4.0mm
capacity mandates fine stranded conductor not 7-strand conductor as
used in 4.0mm FTE or 4.0mm Singles (6242Y/B & 6491X/B respectively).
- Wago Push-In 3-Way will handle up to 6.0mm.
- Supp-Bonding, running a CPC back to CU, adding a CPC to a lighting
circuit that lacks CPC etc all use 4.0mm 6491X/B in Gr/Ye as the
smallest size singles that do not require additional mechanical
protection.

TLC stock both types - just something to remember in case you need to
joint larger sizes.

I still prefer accessible via a 1G or 2G box just above the skirting
board re power or heating circuits, very useful for inspection &
testing or extension.