Resolved OASIS Saga Part Deux (bad relay)

[TJ&LadyDi]

Hmmmmm! I can't conceive of that being just the result of a failed connector. Yes, it is possible to get a bad one (or, even, a bad batch) but there should be little heating in a proper connection. They are UL approved, so have been tested to the spec'd load rating. Obviously, the breaker did its job, but I suspect there's something else going on besides a failing connector.

One concern I do have is using them with different size wires in a given connection. And, while they are supposed to be rated for both solid and stranded wire, I am not sure I would mix types in the same connection. It seems to me that a larger wire on one side would reduce the force to a smaller or stranded wire on the other side.

I will be cautious when using them in high-amperage situations but will probably reserve them for 12V applications using similar size and type wires.

TJ

 

[Joe Dutchstar]

Neal, you might need the 10Ga wire Wago rated for 30amp for this application. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085P2WT8K/?tag=rvf01-20
COMPACT splicing connector (221-612) | WAGO USA

 

[Neal]

That's another problem with ITR OASIS and why are they using different wire types? Very odd stranded types of cable within connecting to romex. Regardless, it's interesting how some are jumping to defend this connector. It sounds like they realized there was an issue and upsized it. As stated, I'm leaving the ones that are intact alone, I put a wire nut on the one bad connection and hoping for the best going forward.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

That's another problem with ITR OASIS and why are they using different wire types? Very odd stranded types of cable within connecting to romex. Regardless, it's interesting how some are jumping to defend this connector. It sounds like they realized there was an issue and upsized it. As stated, I'm leaving the ones that are intact alone, I put a wire nut on the one bad connection and hoping for the best going forward.

@Neal, please don't mistake a discussion investigating the various aspects of the electrical connection with people just "jumping to defend" the Wago connector. Since this discussion began, I have spent a couple of hours looking into the use of Wago connectors and the consensus in the electrical industry is that they are well-regarded. And, they are certainly allowed by code.

That said, there are likely situations where the Wago Lever-Lock connector (aka "Lever-Nut") may not be the best choice in a given application. Wago does make other forms of this connector, including the "Wall-Nuts" that use a set screw instead of a lever lock. I'm suspecting (though I don't yet have any to verify this) that the Wago Wall-Nut might be a better choice where mixed wire sizes and types are involved.

TJ

 

[Neal]

Zone 2 passes about 15A. I'm not sure what could have caused this.

 

[Joe Dutchstar]

Neal, I'm no expert or electrician but stranded wire spliced to solid wire using a wire nut sounds like a bad connection just waiting to cause an issue. Not sure if the wire gauges are the same . You might want to consider a crimped Butt connector for this application.

 

[Neal]

Neal, I'm no expert or electrician but stranded wire spliced to solid wire using a wire nut sounds like a bad connection just waiting to cause an issue. Not sure if the wire gauges are the same . You might want to consider a crimped Butt connector for this application.

This is how Newmar wires these units. Wire nuts but no electrical tape to secure them. I'm no electrician, no clue what's going on here.

 

[stang37]

You might consider using an electrical split bolt connector although they may take up a little mores space vs wire nuts. It requires rubber tape and then electrical tape. I haven't been back to look at my connects in about 2 years and everything seems ok.

 

[RKins]

Stranded wire to romex is used all the time with a wire nut - look at your ceiling fans, recessed lights, outdoor lights. All of those have stranded wires and your home has solid romex. I've not had a problem and I just replaced 2 outside lights. I agree that there should be no heat if the connection is solid.

 

[Joe Dutchstar]

Stranded wire to romex is used all the time with a wire nut - look at your ceiling fans, recessed lights, outdoor lights. All of those have stranded wires and your home has solid romex. I've not had a problem and I just replaced 2 outside lights. I agree that there should be no heat if the connection is solid.

Good point. I guess the practice of wire nut connection between solid and stranded wire is more common than I realized.

 

[Joe Dutchstar]

Wago connector testing

 

[Joe Dutchstar]

More considerations with connectors

 

[Neal]

For those that have not looked at their OASIS wiring, it's not a pretty site. There is a mix of wire types and gauge. What's under the 120V junction box is one thing, what's under the hour meter and further down is another. "Braided" wire which looks like rope, small gauge (14-16??) connected to 120V wires for the relay. In my burn through it was heavy gauge stranded paired to a romex. Different sizes. The Wago use cases all seem to be like wire types and gauge. I think what happened in my recent situation was arcing. I don't know whether the wago is too small for the size (8-10 awg??) on one side and maybe the metal bridge was insufficient and the two wires laying side by side not in contact instead arc'd?

If there was building code for this setup I think it would fail. I'm glad I added Nest Smoke Detectors to my basement, one over the shore power reel which is close to the OASIS unit for coverage and one over the inverter. That gives me peace of mind for smoke/fire detection. I feel better with the wire nut connection of mismatched wire gauges such as this situation. The larger wag @Joe Goodxrvn pointed out is probably the better fit for the larger gauge stranded wire even though this connector is rated by V and A to be sufficient, the size is not.

I replaced the two smoke detectors in the house with Nest and added two to the basement. Here is a 4-pack should anyone else want to do the same, highly recommended and I really like these smoke detectors.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GF3Z5KK/?tag=rvf01-20

 

[RKins]

I think the safest connection is a terminal strip that you land a wire under each screw terminal with a ring crimp connector crimped onto each wire. Something like below.

https://www.bing.com/th?id=A2fbeac3...=110&h=110&c=7&rs=2&qlt=80&dpr=1.1&pid=SANGAM

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

I think the safest connection is a terminal strip that you land a wire under each screw terminal with a ring crimp connector crimped onto each wire. Something like below.

https://www.bing.com/th?id=A2fbeac3...=110&h=110&c=7&rs=2&qlt=80&dpr=1.1&pid=SANGAM

I was thinking the same thing. The next best might be the Wago Wall-Nut connectors as they are similar in concept to a terminal strip.

TJ