Connection Materials
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Discover the different types of connection materials for a robust installation
The market offers a variety of connection materials, each with specific properties and areas of application. It is important to understand the differences in order to make informed choices.
Connector terminals ensure quick and secure wire connections
Connector terminals, often also called push-in connectors or quick connectors, are a modern and widely used solution for quickly and safely connecting electrical wires. They have largely replaced the traditional wire nut and terminal block in many applications, particularly due to their ease of use and the consistency of the connection. There are various types of connector terminals, including variants suitable for both solid and stranded conductors.
- How connector terminals work: With a connector terminal, you simply insert the stripped wire into an opening. An internal spring mechanism then firmly clamps the wire, providing a durable and gas-tight contact. This minimizes the risk of loose connections and overheating.
- Reusable connector terminals offer flexibility: Some connector terminals, such as the popular WAGO 221 series, are equipped with an orange lever. This allows you to easily open the terminal to insert or release wires. This makes them ideal for situations where the connection may need to be adjusted in the future. Standard connector terminals, without a lever, are generally intended for a one-time, permanent connection.
- Applications in the home and beyond: Connector terminals are extremely suitable for connecting wires in junction boxes, central boxes, and for connecting switches and lighting. They provide a reliable solution for both extending circuits and making branch connections for extra sockets or light points, for example.
The transparent casing of many connector terminals makes visual inspection of the connection easy, allowing you to check whether the wire is properly inserted and whether the copper makes sufficient contact.
[Watch a video about using Wago terminals]Terminal blocks
Terminal blocks are the traditional connection method and consist of a plastic or ceramic housing with metal terminals that secure the wires using screws. Although they are widely known, they are nowadays less recommended for permanent installations, especially with solid core wire. However, they are still suitable for stranded wires, for example when connecting a lamp, provided that a ferrule is used to prevent fraying. Connecting multiple wires under a single screw is unsafe and should be avoided.
- How terminal blocks work: You strip the wire, insert it into the metal tube, and tighten a screw to clamp the wire. Each tube is designed for one or two wires.
- The necessity of ferrules: When connecting stranded wires (consisting of multiple thin copper strands) in a terminal block, it is absolutely necessary to use a ferrule. Without this, the strands can fray under the screw, which can lead to poor contact, heat build-up and even a fire hazard. A ferrule bundles the strands into one solid whole.
- Terminal blocks require care: The quality of the connection with a terminal block depends greatly on the installer’s skill. Overtightening can damage the wire, tightening too loosely leads to poor contact. In addition, terminal blocks offer no strain relief, so the weight of a connected device or lamp should not be borne directly by the block.
Power plugs safely connect devices to the mains
Power plugs are the visible part of the connection between an electrical device and the socket. They come in various types, depending on the current, voltage, and the presence of grounding.
- Grounded plugs offer extra safety: In the Netherlands, grounded plugs (type F, "Schuko") and sockets are the standard. The grounding pins on the side of the plug ensure that metal parts of a device are grounded. In case of a defect in the device, the current is safely discharged, preventing an electric shock.
- Perilex plugs are for heavier duty: For devices with higher power, such as electric cooktops or heavy-duty equipment, Perilex plugs and sockets are often used. These plugs have five pins and are designed for 2-phase or 3-phase connections, depending on the appliance and the installation.
- Mounting a new plug: Correctly connecting a plug to a cable requires precision. The phase, neutral, and ground wires must be connected to the correct contact points and the strain relief must be firmly secured to prevent the cable from coming loose under tension.
Ferrules are indispensable for stranded wiring
As already mentioned, ferrules are essential when using stranded electrical wires in screw connections, such as terminal blocks or some types of connector strips. They consist of a thin metal tube, often with a plastic collar in a color indicating the wire thickness, that is placed over the stripped end of a stranded wire and then crimped using a special crimping tool. This process, called “crimping”, firmly bundles the loose copper strands into a compact whole.
- Function of ferrules: Ferrules prevent the individual strands of a flexible cable from fanning out, breaking, or making poor contact under a screw. This greatly improves the reliability of the connection and reduces the risk of overheating and short circuits.
- Crimping for a perfect connection: A good crimp connection is both mechanically strong and electrically optimal. Always use the correct crimping tool specifically designed for ferrules and the relevant wire thickness. This ensures the right pressure and deformation of the ferrule to create a solid connection.
The right material choice for a durable installation
Besides the type of connector, the material properties of the conductors and the connection material are extremely important. The NEN 1010 standard, the principal standard for low-voltage installations in the Netherlands, sets strict requirements. A correct installation starts with understanding the wire colors and their functions, and the compatibility with the connection materials.
Understanding safety and wire colors
For a safe electrical installation, the standardization of wire colors is crucial. This ensures that everyone working on the installation can immediately recognize the function of each wire. Any deviations can lead to dangerous situations.
| Wire color | Function |
|---|---|
| Brown | Phase wire (carries voltage) |
| Blue | Neutral wire (returns voltage) |
| Yellow/Green | Earth wire (safety earth) |
| Black | Switch wire (for switched current, e.g. to a lamp) |
When connecting wires, always ensure that the correct functions are joined together. Connect brown to brown, blue to blue, and so on. This prevents short circuits and hazardous situations.
Wire thickness and the NEN 1010 standard
The diameter of electrical wires, expressed in square millimeters (mm²), determines the maximum current that can safely be carried. A wire that is too thin for a high current load can lead to overheating and fire.
- Minimum requirements: According to NEN 1010, outlets must be connected with installation wire of at least 2.5 mm². For lighting, 1.5 mm² is usually sufficient.
- Fusing: Each circuit in your fuse box is protected by an automatic breaker or fuse that switches off in case of overload. The wire thickness must always match the fuse value of the circuit to ensure that the fuse trips before the wire becomes too hot.
When selecting connection material, it is important that it is suitable for the relevant wire thickness. Many connectors and plugs indicate the permitted wire sections on the packaging or the product itself.
Frequently Asked Questions about connection material
When should I use a connector terminal and when a terminal block?
In most cases, opt for a connector terminal, especially for solid core (VD) wires and in situations where reliability and speed are crucial. Connector terminals provide a consistent, safe connection that is less dependent on manual skill.
Terminal blocks are still suitable for stranded wires, especially when connecting lamps, but always ensure you use ferrules. Avoid terminal blocks for connecting multiple solid wires under a single screw or in situations where vibrations or tension are a factor, as this can weaken the connection.
Can I reuse connector terminals?
Reusable connector terminals (with a lever, such as the WAGO 221) are designed to be used multiple times, provided they are undamaged. Standard push-in connectors without a lever are mostly intended for single use. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions.
How do I strip wires correctly for connection materials?
The length of stripped copper is crucial for a good connection. Too much copper may be exposed and cause a short circuit; too little copper can lead to poor contact. Connector terminals often have a strip length indication on the side. For terminal blocks, around 8-10 mm of copper is sufficient, so that no bare wire is visible outside the block once it is connected.
Choose quality connection material for a safe and durable installation
Selecting the right connection material and carefully applying the proper installation techniques are fundamental for the safety and reliability of any electrical installation. Invest in quality components and always follow the applicable standards and experts’ recommendations. A safe electrical connection starts with the right basics.