Are All Wire Lever Nut Connectors Created Equal?

Lever Nuts are my go-to wire connector for all my DIY electrical projects around the house. I have been using WAGO 221 lever nuts exclusively but there are some tempting options on Amazon that look the same for half the price. Today I decided to put a couple of these options to the test to see if there is anything unique about WAGO 221 or if any lever nut will do.

DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

[EverydayHomeRepairs]

DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

[davidyeager]

An important point is that Wago connectors are UL listed, most knock offs are not. I'm glad that you showed the spring design, I use Wago connectors for uneven wire sizes such as connecting a #12 wire with a light gauge wire from a celing fixture. The springs need to be independent.

[slushbilly]

I just used Wago's for the first time. I am sold! These connectors are amazing.

[AlanDavison]

I use the 222 model for electrical safety testing (think world leader in safety testing 😉). We reuse them hundreds of times and regularly put up to 40 amps through them. They are some of the most reliable connections that I have ever seen. They are completely safe for home use when installed properly.

[bradley]

My concern with the Wago clones of dubious origin is that even if one batch looks good, it's pretty much a crapshoot as to whether your next batch will be equally good. Or bad as the case may be. One thing you tend to get with a known, UL listed brand is that you can expect the quality to be pretty consistent.

[melissataylor]

Very interesting. I just used Wago connectors for the first time since I watched your first video on them. This video on the heat build up of the cheapest imposter is alarming. I wish this video would go viral. People need to understand what can happen to cause fires in their homes. Thank you.

[mcorrade]

my dad told me this growing up and I live by it especially with tools, "always buy the best and your never be disappointed" and this has held true in "most" cases :)

[tamazerd]

One strength of the Wago 221 compared to simpler push in variants is that you can mix solid and stranded wires, it would be interesting to see how the knockoffs perform in such a test scenario.

[markk]

I had never heard of wago connections until I hired on with a contractor thru my union hall. They were the only connection device approved for this project. After using wire nuts for so many years in my career, I was dubious about this new system. It took a while to become acclimated to them, but they are much easier to use. The twist bundle that wirenuts connect can have a pullout or missed connection. The wago holds each wire independently in each bay, making a very sound connection. We were mandated to wrap electrical tape around the wago after terminations were complete to prevent the levers from releasing upon installing into boxes or devices.

[rogerk]

Name brand for me all the way. Why save a few bucks on lesser brand? Call backs or fires are not worth the savings and you include those costs in your bid. Great content Scott just like always. Thanks.

[biblejournaling]

Great job and thank you. Electrician over 30 years, now Retired by still love the trade.

[georgemartin]

Extremely informative. If I hated my house, then I'd definitely use knock off #2!

[jefferylebowski]

Thanks so much for this video! I was hoping someone would do a comparison like this. I have a couple comments: 1) IDEAL brand "in-sure" seem to have some lever connectors now too, but I have only found them at Home Depot so far 2) Leviton "Edge" are decora outlets and switches with integrated levers (HD only right now) 3) I would like to see comparison testing on force required to yank out a wire, this has historically been the problem with "push in" connectors and "stab" type connectors on outlets/switches. Keep up the good work!

[FatherOfTheParty]

Started using the Wago's last year. Love them. Between them and Sharkbite plumbing connectors, my life as a handiman has gotten much easier.

[AXNJXN]

I for one REALLY appreciate you putting this out there! Not to crush the competition, but to SHARE the proclamation of safety when it comes to knock off products - that can hurt or kill you. Yes, it's small and yes a CB can usually stop it from progressing but that's not the point. Is the PRODUCT safe and you clearly showed the negatives of their design and dis-function. Enough for me to ONLY consider WAGO at this point after viewing this. Thank you!

[MrNerdHair]

I have used both original Wagos and Knockoff #1. Both are UL listed, well constructed, and have good pullout resistance.

[TheSlimHim]

I was looking for this sort of review a while ago and couldn't find anything. Thank you very much for making this!

[Eddy]

Cheaper is not always the way to go ... I've been using Wago's for 2-3 yrs with no worries or problems ...Thx for the demo ... I think Ideal would be ok as well ... Thx ✌

[PartTimeRonin]

If I'm sure I won't need to change anything soon I usually put heat shrink or electrical tape over the Wago to make sure the lever won't get snag and open itself up but I can still cut it open and reuse the connector quite easily.
The knock-off is quite useful for end-of-the-line connection to low-current stuff like LED light etc., other than that I definitely use the Wago.

[Blahnik]

Thank you for testing that, Scott. It's disheartening and scary to see the lack of quality controlled products that we have unobstructed access to.