WAGO 221 vs. 2773: LEVER-NUT® or PUSHWIRE®?
Both connectors come from WAGO, both are tool-free, and both are UL-listed splicing connectors. The difference comes down to wire type and how often you'll reopen the splice. Here's the short version:
- Choose the 221 LEVER-NUT® when you're mixing solid, stranded and fine-stranded (flexible) wire, need 10 AWG, or expect to open and reconnect the splice. You lift the lever, insert the wire and close the lever. WAGO's US catalog lists 221 connectors for any combination of solid, stranded and flexible copper wire [1].
- Choose the 2773 PUSHWIRE® for straightforward solid-wire (or qualifying stranded-wire) splices where speed and box fill matter most. You strip the wire and push it in. WAGO calls it the smallest in the industry, which reduces box fill [1].
Specs side by side
From WAGO's US Electrical Installation Products catalog [1]:
| 221-41x LEVER-NUT® | 221-61x LEVER-NUT® | 2773 PUSHWIRE® | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rated voltage | 600 V (1000 V signs & fixtures) | 600 V (1000 V signs & fixtures) | 600 V (1000 V signs & fixtures) |
| Nominal current | 20 A | 30 A | 20 A |
| Conductors | 24–12 AWG, solid/stranded/flexible | 20–10 AWG, solid/stranded/flexible | Solid 20–12 AWG; stranded 16–12 AWG; 18 AWG tin-coated (<9 strands) |
| Strip length | 11 mm / 0.43 in | 13 mm | 13 mm / 0.51 in |
| Max. operating temp. | 105 °C | 105 °C | 105 °C |
| Operation | Lever | Lever | Push-in |
The international data sheets also list IEC ratings. Both the 221-413 and the 2773-402 show 450 V / 32 A, alongside UL ratings of 600 V / 20 A [3] [5]. Always check the ratings for the exact part number and the approval your job requires.
Where the 221 LEVER-NUT® shines
- Mixed and flexible wire. The 221 accepts solid, stranded and fine-stranded conductors in two size ranges, 12–24 AWG and 10–20 AWG [2]. That makes it the natural choice when a fixture whip or a flexible cord meets building wire.
- Easy re-entry. The levers open with little effort, so you can connect conductors without any tools [2]. In a carrier, conductors can be connected and removed before or after the connector is inserted [2].
- Testing. There are two test slots, one on the conductor-entry side and one on the opposite side, so you can check voltage even after installation [2].
- Panel and cabinet use. Mounting carriers are available for the 2-, 3- and 5-wire models. They snap onto DIN rail or screw onto smooth surfaces [2]. WAGO's catalog lists the 221-500 carrier for 12 AWG connectors and the 221-510 for 10 AWG [1].
Where the 2773 PUSHWIRE® shines
- Speed on solid wire. You strip to 13 mm (0.51 in) using the indicator on the side of the connector, then insert until the wire hits the backstop [4]. WAGO says this is up to 50% faster than a twist-type connector [1].
- Tight boxes. WAGO describes the 2773 as the smallest in the industry, which reduces box fill [1].
- Visual checks. The transparent housing shows that each wire is fully inserted. A built-in test port sits opposite the conductor entry [6].
- Approvals. The 2773 Series is UL certified to UL 486C [6]. It comes in 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- and 8-conductor versions [1], and there's a 2773-500 mounting carrier for DIN-35 rail [1].
One thing to keep in mind: the 2773-402 data sheet describes removing a solid conductor by holding it and twisting the connector alternately left and right while pulling [5]. It doesn't describe removing stranded wire. If you expect to rework a splice often, the 221's lever is the easier route.
Quick decision guide
| Your situation | Good fit |
|---|---|
| Fine-stranded/flexible wire in the splice | 221 |
| 10 AWG conductors | 221-61x |
| Solid wire only, crowded box, lots of splices | 2773 |
| Splice may be opened and reconnected | 221 |
| DIN-rail distribution in a cabinet | Either, with its mounting carrier |
FAQ
Can I use the 2773 with fine-stranded wire? WAGO's US catalog lists the 2773 for solid wire (20–12 AWG) and stranded wire (16–12 AWG, plus 18 AWG tin-coated with fewer than 9 strands). Fine-stranded wire isn't listed, so use the 221 for flexible conductors [1].
Which handles more current? In the catalog, the 221-61x (10 AWG) is rated 30 A. The 221-41x and the 2773 are both rated 20 A [1].
Do they need special tools? No. Both are tool-free: lever operation for the 221 [2] and push-in for the 2773 [6].
How many come in a box? WAGO's catalog lists boxes of 100 (221-412), 50 (221-413) and 25 (221-415), and boxes of 120 (2773-402), 100 (2773-403) and 80 (2773-404) [1]. Check the product page for the pack you're ordering.
Shop WAGO splicing connectors at USAC
- WAGO 221 Series LEVER-NUTS®: 221-412, 221-413, 221-415, and the 221-500 mounting carrier
- WAGO 2773 Series PUSHWIRE®: 2773-402, 2773-403, 2773-404
- WAGO Splicing Connectors, 221 Gelboxes, 221 Junction Boxes, and our WAGO 221 Series guide
Need a hand choosing?
Tell us what you're splicing (wire types, gauges and quantities) and we'll help you pick the right connector and put together a quote. Email sales@usac123.com, call (973) 376-6315, or visit usac123.com.
Sources
- WAGO USA, "Electrical Installation Products: Solutions That Make Wiring Easier" (catalog PDF; 221 Series p. 4, 2773 Series p. 9, accessories p. 12): https://www.wago.com/medias/603999507.pdf?context=bWFzdGVyfGltYWdlc3wzMTgyMjAzfGFwcGxpY2F0aW9uL3BkZnxhRFk1TDJnNVpTOHhOVEUzTlRjd05UY3lNamt4TUM4Mk1ETTVPVGsxTURjdWNHUm18YjE0MWQ4YjdiNWEzODNmYjQwODVjMDE1NTk5NzAwNWIxMjc0NTBjNmVjMTlmOTMwM2QyMmY3ZWU4MGVmYTJiYw
- WAGO USA, "221 Series Lever-Nuts®": https://www.wago.com/us/products/electrical-interconnect/discover-wire-and-splicing-connectors/221-series-levernuts
- WAGO data sheet, 221-413 (WAGO's data-sheet service): https://wago.priintcloud.com/datasheets/221-413/en
- WAGO USA, "2773 Handling Instructions": https://www.wago.com/us/2773-handling-instructions
- WAGO data sheet, 2773-402 (WAGO's data-sheet service): https://wago.priintcloud.com/datasheets/2773-402/en
- WAGO USA, "2773 Series PUSHWIRE®": https://www.wago.com/us/products/electrical-interconnect/discover-wire-and-splicing-connectors/2773-series-wall-nuts