Good wiring won’t save you if your connectors fail. Poor contact, arcing, or a loose wire can undo everything — and pose a serious fire risk.
⚠️ The Hidden Dangers of Chocolate Blocks and Wire Nuts
❌ Screw-type Terminal Blocks (“Chocolate Blocks”)
These rely on tightening a screw onto the wire. They’re outdated and dangerous for LED strip installs.
- Stranded wire gets crushed — leads to poor contact
- Screws loosen over time = arcing and flickering
- Zero strain relief — wire can pull out easily
- Fire risk increases at higher current (12V/24V systems)
❌ Wire Nuts (Twist-on Connectors)
Common in AC work, but poorly suited to low-voltage DC LED applications.
- Best for solid-core wire — poor grip on stranded
- Can loosen over time, especially with vibration
- Don’t apply consistent pressure across all wires
- Only use gel-filled wire nuts outdoors and only where absolutely necessary
✅ Use Wago 221 Lever Connectors – Every Time
We only recommend and stock Wago 221 series connectors — for good reason:
- Spring-loaded clamps maintain solid contact over time
- Works with both solid and stranded wire
- Clear housing lets you verify correct insert depth
- No tools required — reliable, fast, and code-compliant
Other common field problems
🧰 Recommended Accessories
We stock all the connectors and tools you need for pro installs:
- Wago 221 lever-nut connectors in 2-, 3-, and 5-port
- Wago waterproof gel-filled lever-nuts housings (for outdoor use)
- IP-rated cable enclosures and junction boxes
Browse LED Wiring Accessories →
🔥 Real Risks of Cheap Connectors
- Melting plastic due to loose contact and high resistance
- Arcing inside chocolate blocks = invisible heat buildup
- Flickering, dimming, or total system failure
📸 Watch for Our Next Post:
We’ll show you how to identify connector failures before they happen — and how to correct wiring without redoing your install.
Next up → Part 4 – Mounting, Cooling & Wiring Your PSU Correctly
