connection terminals

Q: Are splicing connectors permanent or releasable?

Splicing connectors with lever mechanism (e.g. WAGO 221) are fully releasable – open the lever, withdraw the conductor, re-use the connector. Screw-type versions are also releasable. Only single-use butt connectors are not reusable.

Connecting conductors directly – fast and tool-free

Splicing connectors are compact field connectors for the direct connection of two or more conductors – without a DIN rail, without a control cabinet. Depending on the connection type, they are also known as push-in connectors or lever connectors (both types of plug-in terminal) or as choc blocks (screw connection). What they all have in common: all poles within a single connector are internally linked conductively – ideal for junction boxes, luminaire connections, and field wiring. At WATT24 you'll find splicing connectors in all common pole counts and cross-sections.

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What is a splicing connector?

A splicing connector is a compact field connector for the direct connection of conductors – without a DIN rail and without additional fixings. All connections within a single unit are internally linked conductively: current flows from every connected conductor to every other. This is what fundamentally distinguishes splicing connectors from rail-mounted terminal blocks, where current flows only from input to output.

Splicing connectors are used in junction boxes, luminaires, devices, and wherever conductors in the field – outside the control cabinet – need to be connected safely and releasably. Modern versions with lever mechanism accept all conductor types and enable tool-free, repeatedly releasable connections.

Important: Splicing connectors are not designed for DIN rail installation and are not intended for control cabinet assembly per IEC 60947-7-1. Always use rail-mounted terminal blocks for terminal strips inside control cabinets.

Splicing connectors at a glance

Type	Features	Typical application
Lever splicing connector	All conductor types, tool-free release, reusable	Junction boxes, luminaire connections, field wiring
Screw-type splicing connector	Proven, high clamping force, tool-required	Classic junction box connections, repairs
2-pole	Connects 2 conductors	Simple feed-through connections, cable extensions
3- to 8-pole	Connects 3–8 conductors internally	Branch connections, multiple loads from one circuit

Selecting the right splicing connector

Three criteria determine the right splicing connector:

Pole count: How many conductors need to be joined in one connector – 2-pole for simple feed-through connections, 3- to 8-pole for branching to multiple loads
Conductor cross-section: The connector must be rated for the cross-section of all conductors being connected – typically 0.5 mm² to 6 mm² for installation cables
Connection type: Lever mechanism for tool-free, repeatedly releasable connections; screw connection for maximum clamping force where conductor changes are infrequent

Tip: Lever splicing connectors such as the WAGO 221 series accept solid, flexible, and fine-stranded conductors without ferrules – ideal for mixed conductor types in junction box installations.

Applications for splicing connectors

Junction boxes: Connecting and branching installation cables in flush-mounted and surface-mounted installations
Luminaire connections: Connecting the supply cable to the luminaire's connection cables directly inside the luminaire or box
Field wiring: Wherever conductors outside the control cabinet need to be connected safely
Repairs and cable extensions: Fast, releasable connections without soldering or heat-shrink tubing

Frequently asked questions about splicing connectors

What is the difference between splicing connectors and rail-mounted terminal blocks?

Splicing connectors are compact field connectors without a DIN rail – they connect conductors directly inside junction boxes, luminaires, or field wiring. Rail-mounted terminal blocks are mounted on the 35 mm DIN rail inside control cabinets and are designed for professional control cabinet assembly per IEC 60947-7-1. Both connect conductors, but for fundamentally different installation situations.

How many conductors can a splicing connector accommodate?

Depending on the version, splicing connectors connect 2 to 8 conductors in a single unit. 2-, 3-, and 5-pole versions are most common. All connections within a single connector are internally linked conductively.

What conductor types can be connected to splicing connectors?

Modern splicing connectors with lever mechanism accept all conductor types: solid, flexible, and fine-stranded conductors with or without ferrules. The permitted cross-section range is indicated on the connector or in the datasheet.

Are splicing connectors permanent or releasable?

Splicing connectors with lever mechanism are fully releasable – open the lever, withdraw the conductor, re-use the connector. Screw-type versions are also releasable. Only single-use butt connectors are not reusable.

Can splicing connectors be used inside flush-mounted installation boxes?

Yes, provided the connector is approved for use in installation boxes. Check the manufacturer's approval and IP rating. In damp locations or outdoor installations, only connectors with an appropriate IP rating are permitted.

Buy splicing connectors at WATT24

At WATT24 you'll find splicing connectors in all common pole counts and cross-sections – as lever and screw-type versions for junction box installation, field wiring, and luminaire connections, available for fast delivery at fair prices for electricians and commercial customers.

Questions about selection? Our team is happy to help – by phone, email, or via our contact form.