WAGO GmbH & Co. KG Gelbox for Splicing Connectors

No relevant differences were ascertained when the splicing connectors were tested electri­cally before and after the DLG chamber test. A significant increase in electrical resistance at the tested connection points was ruled out. None of the test samples revealed any anomalies during either the final visual inspection or the gravimetric analysis before and after the chamber test.
The test results are briefly ­summarised in Table 1.

Table 1: Summary of test results

*  The DLG test framework provides the following options in its evaluation schemes:       
+++ or better = meets, exceeds or clearly exceeds the specified DLG standard,
++ = meets the legal requirements for marketability,
+ = failed

Description and specifications

The WAGO Gelbox is a small, compact box that is filled with silicone-free gel. It is a tested and certified complete system consisting of Gelboxes and WAGO Splicing Connectors.

The WAGO Gelbox offers WAGO Splicing Connectors protection against moisture in accordance with ­protection class IPX8. This therefore enables them to be permanently protected against moisture and the influence of ammonia.

Table 2 contains an overview of the most important characteristics of the gelbox.

The DLG-APPROVED individual criteria test concerning the resistance of barn components to ammonia was conducted as a laboratory test according to the DLG test standard for agricultural use. This laboratory test is intended to determine whether a product is suitable for withstanding the harmful effects of barn air over a period of 10 to 20 years.

To conduct the test, several gelboxes of different sizes were placed in the DLG test chamber together with multiple corresponding splicing connectors and were exposed to ammonia over a period of time. The test in the test chamber was conducted under the following climatic conditions:

The voltage drop measurement was conducted on the basis of DIN EN 60999-1:2000, whereby three identical samples were tested for each critical combination. A total of 30 samples were subjected to a voltage drop test. A permanent current line was routed to each connection within a gelbox. Measurement leads routed in parallel enable a voltage drop measurement to be carried out at each connection. In deviation from the standard, loading with rated current for one hour beforehand was forgone. 1/10 of the specified rated current was selected as the test current. In accordance with the standard, each connection point may drop by a maximum of 15 mV. A maximum of 3.0 mV is therefore permissible with reference to the selected test current and the measurement via a connection.

The gelbox/connector combinations were additionally tested as separate test samples in order to ascertain gravimetric changes. An untested sample was also available as a reference sample for each test sample.

Ammonia resistance

The resistance of the materials to ammonia was investigated in the form of a laboratory test according to the DLG test standard for agricultural use.

Visual inspection

During the visual inspection, no relevant changes were ascertained after the climate test. The slight dis­colouration of the gel may be due to the increased temperature in the test chamber. Following the chamber test, both the gelboxes and the splicing connectors corresponded visually to the specifications for proper operation.

Gravimetric analysis

No anomalies were determined during the gravimetric analysis. The comparable differences before and after the climate test were < 1 %.

Voltage drop test

The requirements for the permissible voltage drop were adhered to in accordance with DIN EN 60999-1:2000. Less than 3 mV were measured at all of the tested connections both before and after the climate test. The average comparable change in voltage before and after the climate test was 6 % to 7 %.

Based on the available results, it can be assumed that the gelbox is resistant to ammonia in combination with the corresponding splicing connectors.