Swapped out my old screw terminals for spring cage connectors on panel boards and saved 20 minutes per job

I used to spend forever tightening down screw terminals on alarm panels, especially in tight spaces where my screwdriver kept slipping. Last month after a frustrating install at a condo complex downtown, I grabbed a bag of Wago-style connectors from the supply house on a whim. Now I just strip, push, and go. No more stripped screws or loose connections on the terminal block. Has anyone else made this switch or found another connector type that works better for 24v zones?

2 comments

2 Comments

olivia4781mo ago

Oh man, the screwdriver slip thing is the worst. I started using the lever-style Wagos for 24v zones after crossthreading a terminal block on a service call last year. The push-in ones are good too but the levers give you a little more confidence when you're working blind behind a panel. Just watch out for the bigger gauge wires, they can be tight to get seated all the way. And keep a couple spares in your bag, I've had one crack on me before when I torqued it too hard trying to pull a wire back out.

elizabetht561mo ago

I swear I read somewhere that Wagos are becoming the standard in Europe for this exact reason, people are tired of messing with screw terminals. @olivia478, your tip about the lever ones for tight spots makes total sense, I've heard that's where they really shine.