The Different Types of Waterproof Wago Connectors
Condensation, heavy precipitation and powerful water jets – electricity does not like these things. They can cause moisture in junction boxes which leads to short circuits.
The waterproof WAGO Gelbox encapsulates the used terminal block in a silicone-free gel, providing protection against liquids. The box is easy to open and can be re-used. It is also label-free, which makes it suitable for use in all branches of industry.
IPX8
The IPX8 rating, which is the highest level of water resistance a device can have, allows devices to be submerged in a certain amount of water for a period of time without suffering damage. It also protects the device from splashes of water coming from all directions and from a wide range of pressures. However, it does not provide protection against solids.
The WAGO Gelbox, which is used in conjunction with 221 and 2273 Series lever-nut wire splicing connectors, meets these requirements. It uses a polyurethane gel with BBC Cellpack-brand quality and offers three main benefits waterproof wago connectors compared to conventional encapsulation: The Gelbox is ready for instant deployment, it’s re-accessible, and it can be stored indefinitely. This is particularly important in areas with a high risk of moisture and humidity, such as outdoors.
It saves time because it doesn’t require any mixing of the sealing compound. Installation is fast and easy: Simply open the box, insert the connectors, and close it. Then, remove the protective cap and test the connection.
While IPX8-rated devices don’t need any special care, it’s still wise to take steps to protect them from prolonged exposure to moisture. Moisture can cause short circuits and other damage, so it’s important to use the right type of protection for them. Ideally, the protection should be waterproof, but it should not compromise on the core features of the device.
IPX4
The IPX4 rating defines a device’s ability to resist water splashes. During the IP code testing, water is sprayed against the enclosure from all possible directions. The device must have no harmful effects from this exposure. The device doesn’t have to be fully submerged in water, however, and it isn’t tested for solid resistance.
Moisture can be a problem in electrical junction boxes, particularly when the weather changes quickly. This moisture can cause current to take new paths, which can lead to a short circuit. The Gelbox from WAGO can prevent this by offering optimal IPX8 protection. Meike Beimstroh, product portfolio manager installation connectors, demonstrates how to use the Gelbox with WAGO’s 221 Series lever-nut wire splicing connectors in this video.
The Gelbox features a Cellpack-brand gel, which offers three major benefits over traditional potting compounds. First, it saves time by eliminating the need to mix a sealing compound. Secondly, the Cellpack gel is silicone-free, making it safe to use in branches of industry that use varnishes and paints. Finally, the Gelbox can be re-accessed after installation for quick rewiring – something that’s not possible with other encapsulation methods.
The Gelbox is available in nine different sizes. The different housing styles allow several connectors to be accommodated in one box to free up space in the junction box. This can save time during the initial installation and rewiring processes.
IPX2
IPX2 is an ingress protection rating that tests the ability of devices and enclosures to resist dripping water. It is not as robust as other ratings, but it still offers good protection for electronics that may be exposed to light rain or a puddle of water. This rating is ideal for portable audio products, like earbuds and headphones. It also protects electronics from accidental contact with water in the workplace or garage.
During the testing process, a device or enclosure is placed in a drip tray and subjected to a water drop at a rate of three millimeters per minute. The test lasts ten minutes, but it is broken up into four 2.5-minute sections. During each section, the device or enclosure is tested at different angles of tilt. At the end of the testing period, the device or enclosure is inspected to determine whether it has been damaged by water ingress.
IP Code testing gives consumers a clearer picture of how waterproof or resistant a product is, rather than vague marketing terms like “waterproof.” However, there are certain conditions under which a device or enclosure will fail to meet its IP code rating. Some common reasons for failure to meet an IP rating include a lack of a watertight seal or a misapplication of water. Depending on the severity of the failure, the device or enclosure may not be covered under warranty.
IPX1
IPX1 is a standardised code that indicates the level of protection that a product offers against the ingress of solid objects and liquids. This code helps manufacturers confidently sell their products, knowing that minimal liquid exposure won’t affect the device’s performance or cause it to waterproof connector manufacturer fail. It also helps consumers choose the best equipment for their needs, and it meets quality and safety standards in various industries.
The WAGO Gelbox is a pre-filled box that provides the waterproofing necessary for electrical installations. It is available in different sizes and is compatible with both WAGO’s 221 Series COMPACT Splicing Connector for all conductor cross-sections up to 4 mm2 and 2273 Series COMPACT Push Wire Connectors. It is tested to EN 60998-1:2010 standards and rated IPX8 when combined with these connectors.
This rating is important because moisture can cause damage to electrical devices and lead to dangerous situations. For example, if there is a heavy rain or strong water jet close to a junction box, the moisture can enter the wiring and create short circuits. This can cause a fire or even be deadly.
WAGO Gelboxes are a great way to avoid this risk. They are pre-filled with gel and can be sealed immediately. This saves time because installers don’t have to wait for the potting compound to dry. Additionally, the gel is non-hazardous and can be stored indefinitely.