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Viega Manifold Actuator Wires

I was trying to fit two actuator wires into one terminal of a Taco zone valve control and noticed that the end switch wires fit easily, but it was a struggle to get two of the 24 volt wires to go in until I noticed they were a different gauge. Surely, the smaller gauge would be adequate for both?
The red wires are end switch.
Max Inrush Current: 300 mA for 2 minutes maximum
Operating Power: 1W
Micro Switch: 24VAC/0.5A

8.33 lbs./gal. x 60 min./hr. x 20°ΔT = 10,000 BTU's/hour

Two btu per sq ft for degree difference for a slab

Comments

  • 109A_5
    109A_5 Member Posts: 1,589
    This is maybe a long shot, but maybe they engineered it that way to discourage the way you were trying to hook it up. I've seen two different gauge wires under a screw head without an pressure equalizing plate causing an intermittent connection to the smaller diameter wire. Do you have a picture of what you were trying to do?
    National - U.S. Gas Boiler 45+ Years Old
    Steam 300 SQ. FT. - EDR 347
    One Pipe System
  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 6,298
    Are the ends of the wires crimped? If you strip it back it little and get the stranded wire. Twist it and slide them in. 

  • pedmec
    pedmec Member Posts: 1,060
    that's how the get you to install there brand across the board. bet it fits easily into there control
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 23,270
    Maybe cut the crimp ferrules off the ends, they make the wire a bit larger.

    Plenty of room under the Caleffi connections, high and low voltage terminals😉

    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • I like the crimp ferrules because stranded wire gets frizzy and hard to handle when you miss the opening; easy for this far-sighted plumber. It can also splay and short out on a neighboring wire. I ended up ganging the wires with a wire nut and running a single wire to the control.

    @109A_5 Sorry, I didn't take a picture.

    I was just curious why the manufacturer would go to such trouble; if there's a reason. Perhaps an electrical code requirement?
    8.33 lbs./gal. x 60 min./hr. x 20°ΔT = 10,000 BTU's/hour

    Two btu per sq ft for degree difference for a slab
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 23,270
    I've been told that ferrules or soldered ends are code, on stranded wire, in European markets? I bought a ferrule kit at one of the Euro trade shows, it is a handy tool to own for the reasons you mentioned.
    The lower right ferrules accept two wires for a single connection.

    www.ferrulesdirect.com has kits and tools.
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • I always thought you were a feral kind of guy. 
    8.33 lbs./gal. x 60 min./hr. x 20°ΔT = 10,000 BTU's/hour

    Two btu per sq ft for degree difference for a slab
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 16,400
    Stranded wire under a pressure plate if it is small wire like 16, 18, 14 etc I will strip it long and fold it back over itself to get a little more "meat"