Cables & Wiring: How to Use a Connecting Stripe

Cables & Wiring: How to Use a Connecting Stripe

 Contents

 – Step 1: Connect a classic connecting stripe

 – Step 2: Connecting WAGO quick connectors

 The connection of two or more electrical cables is often necessary for an installation. Two types of equipment exist today to make a connection: the classic connecting stripe equipped with screws that hold the wires in place and the WAGO or quick connector in which the cables are clipped.

 

 A connecting stripe, whatever its type, is part of essential electrical work, within reach of any handyman, even a beginner. 

 

 Caution: make sure to turn off the circuit breaker before any work to avoid the risk of electrification. If in doubt, call a professional. 

 

 Reminder:

 – The ground wire is usually in the middle of the outlet.

 – The letter N indicates the neutral (blue wire).

 – The letter L indicates the phase (red, brown, or black wire).

 Caution: An electrical outlet can conduct electricity even if the appliance connected to it is not working. Use a voltmeter or a voltage tester to make sure that no current is flowing through the outlet.

Step 1. Connecting a conventional stripe

Cables & Wiring How to Use a Connecting Stripe

 There are several types of connecting stripes depending on the section of the cables to be connected. Specifically, the diameter of the connection dice must be the same as that of the electrical wires used.

 To connect a connecting stripe:

  1. Strip about 5 to 8 mm of the electrical cables with the wire stripper.
  2. Loosen the screws on top of the connecting stripe to leave room for the cables.
  3. Thread the electrical cables on both sides of the connecting stripe.
  4. If the wires are flexible, twist them before threading them. The connecting stripe must completely cover the stripped part of the wires.
  5. Ensure that the two copper wires overlap in length inside the connecting stripe so that the two screws hold each one. Otherwise, the contact between them may be poor.
  6. Tighten with a screwdriver the 2 screws of the connecting stripe, which will immobilize the cables.
  7. Check the tightness by pulling slightly on the electric cables.

 Caution: do not overtighten the screws, as this would weaken the cables by crushing them.

 Step 2. Connecting WAGO quick connectors

Cables & Wiring How to Use a Connecting Stripe

 There are different types of quick connectors. To choose them, you must know the number of electrical cables to be connected and their diameter.

 The main advantage of this type of connector is its simplicity of use. The copper wire is clamped in metal frames, which does not allow easy removal of the cable. Removal is done by twisting the wire and pulling in the opposite direction to the insertion without risking damage to the functional elements of the quick connector.

 Another advantage of this type of connection is that it is possible to connect several electrical cables.

 This post is based on the connection of 2 electrical wires of the same diameter (2.5 mm2).

 

 Strip the wires with the wire stripper for about 7 to 10 mm. Insert the wires into each of the quick connect coupling ” holes, holding them firmly. Push them in all the way: the copper part must be covered entirely by the connector.

 

 Note: There are now quick connectors with manual locking. The copper wire is inserted into the fitting and clamped by pushing down a small lever. The advantage of this type of connection is that it is possible to wire and unwire almost indefinitely.

 Materials needed to connect a connecting stripe.

 Flathead screwdriver Starting at $1
 Wire stripper Starting at $3
 Electric connecting stripes $5 approx.
 Wago quick connectors Starting at $0.50 for the cheapest.
 Rigid copper cables $15 approx.
 Cutting pliers Starting at $5

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