Helpful video reference. eFIXX, a UK-based electrical training platform used by thousands of electricians for CPD, demonstrate the Wago 224 connector in their video "Wago 224 connector block demonstration - great for light fitting installation". It clearly shows how the push-in and screw-clamp sides work, and what correct conductor preparation looks like before inserting either type.
1. Understand what the Wago 224 is for
The Wago 221 and Wago 224 are often confused. They are designed for different tasks:
- Wago 221 lever connector - an inline connector for joining conductors inside a junction box or WagoBox. Both sides accept solid or stranded conductors via orange lever-operated terminals.
- Wago 224 pendant connector - designed for connecting the flex of a pendant luminaire to fixed wiring. One side has push-in terminals (for solid or stranded fixed conductors); the other has screw-clamp terminals (for the stranded flex of the lamp).
The 224 is available in 2-way (live and neutral), 3-way (live, neutral and earth) and other configurations. The 3-way version is the standard choice for a UK pendant light fitting, as the earth conductor should always be connected where one is present in the fixed wiring.
2. Isolate the lighting circuit
Switch off the correct MCB for the lighting circuit at the consumer unit. Confirm dead at the ceiling position using an approved two-pole voltage indicator. Do not use a neon screwdriver - it will not reliably detect all fault conditions.
In loop-in wiring (the most common UK domestic lighting arrangement), a permanent live conductor runs directly from the consumer unit to each ceiling rose or connection point. Even if the wall switch is off, this permanent live is present at the ceiling until you switch off the circuit at the board. Never skip this test.
3. Prepare the fixed conductors
The push-in side of the Wago 224 accepts solid and stranded conductors from 0.5 mm² to 2.5 mm². Strip approximately 10 mm of insulation from each conductor. If a fixed conductor is stranded, twist the strands together neatly before inserting.
Push each conductor firmly into the push-in terminal until it is fully seated. You should feel light resistance as the spring clamp engages around the conductor. Tug gently - a correctly inserted conductor will not pull free by hand.
4. Prepare the flex conductors
Cut the pendant flex to the length required for the fitting to hang at the correct height below the ceiling. For a ceiling of 2.4 m height, a pendant fitting hanging 200 mm below the ceiling needs roughly 200 mm of visible flex below the connector, plus enough extra inside the lampholder to reach its terminals.
Strip approximately 10 mm of insulation from each flex conductor. Pendant flex conductors are stranded and must go into the screw-clamp side of the 224. Do not push stranded flex into the push-in terminals - the push-in side is designed for fixed conductors, not flexible strands.
5. Insert and secure the flex conductors
Insert each flex conductor into its screw terminal on the 224: brown (live) to live, blue (neutral) to neutral, green and yellow (earth) to earth. Tighten each screw until the conductor is held firmly - it must not be possible to pull the flex free by hand, since the weight of the fitting will be supported partly by this connection.
Do not overtighten to the point of damaging or crushing the conductor strands, but a firm connection is essential. Once all three conductors are secure, double-check the polarity before restoring power.
6. Test before closing up
Before fitting any canopy, pattress or cover over the 224, restore the lighting circuit at the consumer unit and test the lamp. If it lights correctly, switch the circuit off again at the consumer unit and then fit the cover or canopy.
Most pendant fittings using the 224 do not need a separate ceiling rose, because the 224 provides the electrical connection and the fitting's mounting plate or canopy provides mechanical support. Check the canopy or mounting plate is rated to bear the full weight of the luminaire before relying on it.
When to call us
Replacing a like-for-like pendant fitting on an existing ceiling rose or 224 is often straightforward for a careful homeowner. Rewiring from a traditional rose to a 224 block, or dealing with junction box arrangements where multiple cable runs meet at one point, is more involved. Richard covers Sandwich and east Kent for small lighting jobs.
Lighting work in Sandwich and east Kent
Pendant fittings, downlights, outdoor lighting - Richard handles small lighting jobs at the £10 per 10-minute rate and can issue a Minor Works Certificate where required.
Contact Richard