Questions regarding connecting wires to terminal boxes

[MrsSilenceDogood]

Hi, I am a noob when it comes to electrics, and I have a few questions regarding connecting wires to screw-in terminal boxes.

When connecting stranded wire, is twisting it and folding it over a the best way to prepare the wire if not using a ferrule?

As long as the wires fit, is it safe to put multiple wires in one screw-in terminal?

As long as the wires fit, is it safe to put multiple wires in one Wago terminal?

If it is, how do I ensure the terminal is not overloaded. I am worried that, if one adds more wires, one increases the current, thus creating a risk?

 

[pete01]

What is it thay your are connecting?

Ferrules are usually better for stranded wires..

 

[MrsSilenceDogood]

Hi Pete, I connected an outside light. The core of the wire was solid. I connected it with a screw-in terminal block.

I also connected some inside lights and the core of all wires was solid apart from the wireless receiver, which had stranded wire. I connected it using Wagos.

See attached photos.

My questions are quite general as I am trying to improve improve my general understanding.

 

[pete01]

All your connections look ok to me no copper showing etc....I always do a tug test to be sure.

Not sure whats happening in the box though...was that a socket?

 

[MrsSilenceDogood]

Thanks for the help. Yup, it was a socket. I removed the socket and connected two lights with a wireless receiver.

 

[pete01]

Probably best to put the socket back and feed your lights via a fused connection unit...

 

[EFLImpudence]

When connecting stranded wire, is twisting it and folding it over a the best way to prepare the wire if not using a ferrule?

Both methods can be done satisfactorily and both can be done unsatisfactorily.

As long as the wires fit, is it safe to put multiple wires in one screw-in terminal?

Of course - but solid and stranded should not be mixed.

As long as the wires fit, is it safe to put multiple wires in one Wago terminal?

Do they not stipulate only one per terminal?

If it is, how do I ensure the terminal is not overloaded. I am worried that, if one adds more wires, one increases the current, thus creating a risk?

Wires do not draw current; the appliances do.

 

[endecotp]

As long as the wires fit, is it safe to put multiple wires in one Wago terminal?

No?

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

When connecting stranded wire, is twisting it and folding it over a the best way to prepare the wire if not using a ferrule?

The idea should always be, to fill the terminal, to minimise resistance/maximise contact area.

As long as the wires fit, is it safe to put multiple wires in one screw-in terminal?

It depends on the terminal style, choc -block types, do not work well with multiple wires.

As long as the wires fit, is it safe to put multiple wires in one Wago terminal?

Never, no!

If it is, how do I ensure the terminal is not overloaded. I am worried that, if one adds more wires, one increases the current, thus creating a risk?

Connector current ratings are more of a guide to what you can get into them, rather than a strict limit. Using choc-blocks, I aim to try to get wires from both ends, pushed in far enough so both screws, catch both wires, so the current goes straight from one wire, to the others, rather than through the metal of the connector.

The general rule is, good workmanship, and give each individual wire a tug, to make sure - before calling it done.

 

[flameport]

. I connected it using Wagos.

Wago connectors are designed for one wire per terminal hole.
The connector bottom right of the picture with the brown wires is broken and will need to be replaced.