[RE-wrenches] Wago Connectors (221 series)

[Dan Fink]

Esteemed Wrenches; I spoke with engineers at both Wago and 3M today
regarding the AC vs. DC ratings of Wago 221 and other wire splicing
products. Both engineers stated that standard UL486C (Splicing Wire
Connectors) applies to *both* AC and DC voltages unless the product is
specifically listed for *only *AC or DC.

They both gave the example that the same applies to the actual wire that is
being spliced: Is the THWN-2 wire we use inside DC OCPD panels specifically
UL rated for DC? *No (UL83)*. Is it acceptable for DC? *Yes,* we use it all
the time for DC circuits. How about USE-2 and MC? Can we use them for both
AC and DC? *Yes, *we use them all the time for both AC and DC. Is it
specifically UL rated for DC? *No. It doesn't need to be.*

Of course any wiring device that *disconnects *any circuit under load must
be rated for either AC, DC or both depending on the application. But wire
splicing connectors are not intended as a disconnecting device under UL486C.

I hope this clears up any confusion.

Best regards;

Dan Fink
Owner, Buckville Energy Consulting LLC
IREC Certified Instructor for PV and Small Wind Installation
NABCEP Certified PV System Inspector
NABCEP PV Associate
d <dan.fink at greendustrialtraining.com>anbob88 at gmail.com
970-672-4342


On Fri, May 7, 2021 at 3:43 PM Jason Szumlanski <
jason at floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:

> In another thread these connectors were discussed recently. There was a
> question regarding the suitability for DC circuits. I don't think we came
> up with any answers or consensus on that. I see the connectors are UL
> listed to the 486C standard. I can't determine whether that is applicable
> to AC and DC circuits. Does anyone know?
>
> I have only used these on AC circuits and they have been very effective.
> Now I'm curious whether they can be used on DC circuits up to 600 volts.
>
> While on the subject, I noticed they are UL 467 listed for grounding and
> bonding. That's helpful where you have EGC splices for conductors up to #10
> AWG inside junction boxes.
>
> Jason Szumlanski
> Florida Solar Design Group
>
>
>
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