Useful connectors from toolstation

[westward10]

unless I am mistaken, that whilst we use standardised colours. as long as the conductors are consistent in an installation, adequately labelled and clear to those working on it which is live, neutral , cpc etc then you can have 3 pink wires labelled 123 or abc etc or even purple,orange and pink. they key is that they are labelled so the next person knows what is what. would likely be considered a deviation from regs but they are non statutory.
at end of the day it is common sense to use brown, blue green/yellow etc as its the standard.

But it isn't identified, a cpc should be identified as green/yellow in the UK and not a number or letter.

 

[davesparks]

But it isn't identified, a cpc should be identified as green/yellow in the UK and not a number or letter.

The conductor should be identified yes, but I don't think there is any requirement for connectors used for the cpc to be coloured green/yellow.

 

[westward10]

The conductor should be identified yes, but I don't think there is any requirement for connectors used for the cpc to be coloured green/yellow.

I agree but the issue here is the use of brown and blue with a random yellow terminal clearly for use as earth. If they were all the same colour like orange for instance then it would not be important but this is clearly a manufacturing issue which would make me question the quality.

 

[davesparks]

I agree but the issue here is the use of brown and blue with a random yellow terminal clearly for use as earth. If they were all the same colour like orange for instance then it would not be important but this is clearly a manufacturing issue which would make me question the quality.

I have no doubt that the quality of these unbranded connectors is going to be terrible.

If they were all the same colour I think it would cause far more problems with confusion about how the internal connections actually work, most people would assume it is a six way commoning connector rather than a 3 way in line connector.

 

[westward10]

I have no doubt that the quality of these unbranded connectors is going to be terrible.

If they were all the same colour I think it would cause far more problems with confusion about how the internal connections actually work, most people would assume it is a six way commoning connector rather than a 3 way in line connector.

Yes good point.

 

[pirate]

That's the problem. It can be confusing if you always used to use choc-block, as they are straight-through connectors, whereas wago are not, so far.
But after a few bangs, you will learn, yes? I mean, really...2 seconds thought will determine the configuration.

 

[Ampo]

I would avoid them if they are not even brave enough to brand. A cheap socket burning out is one thing but these are usually tucked away in hidden places and could ruin your reputation fairly quickly if one melts. As for the colours it's a bit lazy but connector blocks are no different being clear or white. Cable conductor identification is what's important in my opinion

 

[pirate]

We come back to the nub of the matter, Ampo...
Quality and recognised brands.
Who is going to compromise the integrity of their installation by saving a fiver or a tenner by using untested brands?
Sadly, I think the answer is many people will do exactly that...and we know who these people are.
Happily, I would bet that all on here would refuse to cut corners for a few quid.
No return call-outs, no failures, proper gear...if there is a failure, you can't be blamed for cutting corners...and that is peace of mind, sleeping at night, pride-yes, pride-in a job well done. Avoid the cheap stuff!

 

[ipf]

The main question is, from my point of view, are they maintenance free?
I would imagine the answer is, no.
Useful from a temporary and fault finding point of view, though.
I might call in Elex at Manchester next week and see if there is any sign of them.

 

[pirate]

I'm thinking, as an amateur, even the wagos aren't mf unless installed in a suitable enclosure?
So it's the same dilemma really...they may be classed as mf if they are installed in a proper enclosure, but why would you put budget stuff in an enclosure if you have doubts about there initial quailty/integrity?
Preparing for onslaught...

 

[ipf]

I'm thinking, as an amateur, even the wagos aren't mf unless installed in a suitable enclosure?
So it's the same dilemma really...they may be classed as mf if they are installed in a proper enclosure, but why would you put budget stuff in an enclosure if you have doubts about there initial quailty/integrity?
Preparing for onslaught...

No P, wagos are MF 'in suitable enclosures', as you say but they are recognised as such. Are these?

 

[Lucien Nunes]

Who is going to compromise the integrity of their installation by saving a fiver or a tenner by using untested brands?

Well said. Brand reputation itself is not always what it used to be, not least because of the globalisation of manufacture, but it does count for something. Approvals are a start but they only compare the product against the lowest permissible standard. Sometimes you can judge the product for yourself but the contact integrity of a 222-clone is rather inscrutable even if you pull it apart. I would prefer to trust the verdict of the product engineers at a connector manufacturer with a global reputation, rather than a random unknown (who could be a kitchen utensil specialist, for all we know) simply tasked with copying something.

Clearly in this case there is the annoyance that the leading brand doesn't actually make this specific type of product.

 

[pirate]

ipf, that is exactly what I meant!
Wagos ARE mf in suitable enclosures... these cheap ones "may" be if in suitable enclosures, but the question still remains, are the cheap ones good enough to be classed as mf IF in suitable enclosures? We don't know, so why chance it?
Sorry if my post wasn't clear on this.
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Lucien, I agree that it is annoying that the leading brand doesn't make this type of connector, but I suspect that as their focus is on "commoning" connectors rather than "straight through" ones, they want to avoid the very confusion I alluded to earlier.
They are a market leader, they have the resources to have the manufacture done to the correct standard, and a huge, global reputation to protect. So, if you use them, and there is nothing better available, you have installed the best, and no-one can criticise you for that. However...install ones that are a few pence cheaper, and you will be seen for what you are...

 

[davesparks]

Clearly in this case there is the annoyance that the leading brand doesn't actually make this specific type of product.

But is there a real need for this type of product?

 

[pirate]

davesparks, yes is the answer...for those who love choc-block, want the space-saving , and the speed that lever connectors provide...at a really cheap price, which says it all, really.
However...if wago made them, i would use them for exactly the space-saving and speed reasons, where necessary...happy that they were fit for purpose.

 

[Lucien Nunes]

It would be very handy. I often want to do what it specifically does well; quickly make a compact inline joint between two 3-core cables of different constructions that are within the compatibility range of 222-type contacts.

 

[pirate]

Exactly, Lucien! One connector, three cores, joined safely. Handy indeed.

 

[ipf]

It would be very handy. I often want to do what it specifically does well; quickly make a compact inline joint between two 3-core cables of different constructions that are within the compatibility range of 222-type contacts.

I think most are in agreement there, that's why the disquiet.

 

[stevethesparks]

They appear to be quite expensive, but I can see there can be an advantage for a straight through connection.
I have just emailed Toolstation for a BS/EN number for these devices.
I'll advise on any reply.

 

[westward10]

I don't know the answer but maybe compliance is more difficult to achieve with a multi-pole connector which is why recognised brands do not bother, no demand?