With the launch of the splicing connector in 1974, WAGO revolutionized the world of electrical installation – and laid the foundation for its current position as the global market leader in spring pressure connection technology. Half a century later, this family-owned company is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its successful product. At “Light + Building,” the world’s leading trade show for lighting and building technology in Frankfurt, tribute was paid to both the exceptional success of this connector and its continued importance for the electrical industry.
Thanks to an ingenious idea, WAGO achieved a breakthrough five decades ago with the 273 Series Splicing Connector. The reason for its success: The 273 Series was the first electrical installation product with spring pressure connection technology, which at that time was an entirely new approach to screwless connection of electrical conductors and had been approved by VDE (the German Association of Electronics Information Technology). The VDE test seal signaled to even spring clamp skeptics that this type of installation meets Germany’s high standards and can be used without hesitation. At the same time, the new WAGO connector was small enough for use in a distribution box or flush-mounted box, allowing fast, reliable, clearly organized wiring even in very tight spaces.
Hailed as a “million-dollar idea” at the time, this classic remains very popular. “With the introduction of the splicing connector 50 years ago, the Hohorst family had one major goal in mind: easy, reliable solutions for the electrical trade. Today, we can look back with pride on our success in achieving this goal – and many others too. The WAGO Splicing Connector not only has changed the way we connect electrical conductors, but has also set new standards of quality and reliability in our industry throughout the world,” says Dr. Heiner Lang, CEO of WAGO.
With the success of the iconic splicing connector, a small family-owned company for spring pressure connection technology, based in Minden, Westphalia since the 1950s, grew into the WAGO Group, with around 9,000 employees and 31 WAGO companies worldwide. For some time now, WAGO has no longer been limited to electrical interconnection technology, offering a broad portfolio of solutions for automation technology and interface electronics as well. Today, the products and solutions provide reliability and efficiency in sectors including industry, buildings and energy.
The splicing connector’s impressive success is due in no small part to the company’s dedication to continuous improvement. Over the decades, the splicing connector has become more compact, flexible and user-friendly. Looking to the future, WAGO is focusing more and more on sustainability. Last year, it put a new spin on one of its most popular products: the 221 Series Splicing Connector. The 221 Series Green Range is produced from partially bio-circular and recycled plastics, making it significantly more sustainable than its predecessor. This represents a major step towards greater sustainability, without compromising quality standards and certifications.
This year, the company is paying tribute to the success of this splicing connector. For its 50th anniversary, a birthday anthem, “Hey, Hand Me a WAGO!” was composed specially for the occasion and premiered at Light & Building. The musical idea also has a historical background: The sequence of notes was derived from the number of the original patent (838778).