Esteemed Wrenches; I spoke with engineers at both Wago and 3M today regarding the AC vs. DC ratings of Wago 221 and other wire splicing products. Both engineers stated that standard UL486C (Splicing Wire Connectors) applies to *both* AC and DC voltages unless the product is specifically listed for *only *AC or DC.
They both gave the example that the same applies to the actual wire that is being spliced: Is the THWN-2 wire we use inside DC OCPD panels specifically UL rated for DC? *No (UL83)*. Is it acceptable for DC? *Yes,* we use it all the time for DC circuits. How about USE-2 and MC? Can we use them for both AC and DC? *Yes, *we use them all the time for both AC and DC. Is it specifically UL rated for DC? *No. It doesn't need to be.* Of course any wiring device that *disconnects *any circuit under load must be rated for either AC, DC or both depending on the application. But wire splicing connectors are not intended as a disconnecting device under UL486C. I hope this clears up any confusion. Best regards; Dan Fink Owner, Buckville Energy Consulting LLC IREC Certified Instructor for PV and Small Wind Installation NABCEP Certified PV System Inspector NABCEP PV Associate d <dan.f...@greendustrialtraining.com>anbo...@gmail.com 970-672-4342 On Fri, May 7, 2021 at 3:43 PM Jason Szumlanski < ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote: > In another thread these connectors were discussed recently. There was a > question regarding the suitability for DC circuits. I don't think we came > up with any answers or consensus on that. I see the connectors are UL > listed to the 486C standard. I can't determine whether that is applicable > to AC and DC circuits. Does anyone know? > > I have only used these on AC circuits and they have been very effective. > Now I'm curious whether they can be used on DC circuits up to 600 volts. > > While on the subject, I noticed they are UL 467 listed for grounding and > bonding. That's helpful where you have EGC splices for conductors up to #10 > AWG inside junction boxes. > > Jason Szumlanski > Florida Solar Design Group > > >
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