Wago 221 - goes "Ex" rated

The popular Wago 221 series has gained a further vote of confidence with "Ex" approval rating, expanding time-saving advantages to installers working in hazardous location applications.

By Gordon Routledge
Friday 19th July 2019

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I've been using Wago screwless terminal technology, aka Cage Clamps, now for over 20 years, at first in designing lighting ballasts and then in machine panel building applications. In lighting ballasts, the simple open and close mechanism was a significant advantage over screw terminals. Screw terminals are often overtightened during installation, damaging solder connections on PCB's and resulting in warranty claims.

For many, the use of screwless connectors is still viewed with suspicion, how can something so effortless and straightforward possibly carry the rated current shown on the rating label? They still prefer to crank up a screw terminal until the cable inside is suitably deformed. Across the pond, our American friends still use an even more primitive method known as the wire nut, which, basically twists wires together.

Video - Gary and Joe look at the new Wago 221 Ex version

While screw terminals and wire nuts live on, Wago has continued to push the application space forward. The Wago 221 series perhaps being one of the best innovations in the electrical installation space for decades.

Now hazardous location applications can benefit from this time-saving technology. Hazardous locations in this context aren't building site toilets or electrical wholesalers on Monday mornings. They are electrical installations where a spark could cause some severe damage in the form of an explosion. Hazardous locations are more common than you might expect. The obvious ones being petrol chemical-related, but can also include applications within flour mills to paint spray booths in factories.

Products for use in defined hazardous location areas have a very rigorous approvals process which results in the "Ex" symbol appearing on the product. At the same time, you'll also notice a healthy price increase compared to none - Ex products, although they look very similar.

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Wago Ex 221

Now the popular Wago 221 is available in an Ex rated version, suitable for use in Ex rated junction boxes. However, the Ex rating comes with some conditions the first being that the 221 blocks must be fixed down within the junction box or enclosure. The second is that blocks must be suitably spaced when used at the higher 440 volt AC rating.

Our opinion

Achieving an Ex rating is a further boost of confidence in screwless termination technology.