Viega Manifold Actuator Wires

Alan (California Radiant) Forbes

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

109A_5

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?

HVACNUT

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

that's how the get you to install there brand across the board. bet it fits easily into there control

hot_rod

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😉

Alan (California Radiant) Forbes

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?

hot_rod

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.

Alan (California Radiant) Forbes

I always thought you were a feral kind of guy. 

EBEBRATT-Ed

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"