hi, we’re looking for alternatives to molex connectors for signal wire splicing. I’ve read here that wago 221 (squarish transparent ones with orange levers) can damage fine stranded wires. are 222 (gray curvy levers) any better? has anyone used wago 873 (luminaire disconnects) or 243 (micro push wire)? any other good options?
If it’s a long term splice I recommend solder splices, easy to install with a heat gun. For temp connections I like these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098MK4ZQT they lock together.
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I’d suggest soldering the wires straight up, or using crimped connectors (not the solder ones, they’re actually not as strong as a standard crimping connector!).
This is a good set and comes with everything you’ll need other than a heat gun: https://a.co/d/bf6z4gs
If you want quick access to the wires, and removal, go with the item linked by @Drakxii. Generally crimped connectors OR soldering will be stronger though in my experience.
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What is the nature of the damage to the wires.
It is more likely that the person reporting the damage to the wire doesn’t know how to properly use the connectors and/or more likely, they don’t know how to properly strip the wires and possibly cutting into the conductors.
Wago connectors are well designed and thoroughly tested for their intended application. I have used parts from them for many years in my work without any problems.
Soldering can be good if, and only if, the people doing the work have been selected for being careful and selective and have been trained properly. What most teams miss is that throwing warm bodies at electrical work is a recipe for disaster leading to sitting dead on the field.
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from reading that thread that they are referencing it seemed like potentially no/not enough strain relief near the connectors. Not sure if that is true or not and thinking from memory on cause.
On our team, we’re a big fan of the wago inline splicer (like the one you described) and ferrules on the ends of the wires. This will help prevent any fraying or damage to the individual wire strands. Works for anything smaller than 12 gauge (the 12 gauge ferrules are too fat 
)
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We use Wago 222 style connectors all over our bot to splice/extend wires >16 awg wires. We use Anderson’s for the 10-16 awg.
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That could be true. All connectors require that no tension be applied to the wires so strain-reliefs are also required.
I’m an automotive engineer and built the wire harnesses for several prototype vehicles. The easiest to use and basically the best connectors I’ve ever seen are Deutsch connectors and they are available on Amazon. I’m looking at JRready ST6308 DT Connector Kit now on Amazon.
I haven’t seen Deutsch used much in FTC. Every FTC connector I’ve seen is miserable. I was honestly very disappointed with the FTC connectors that are commonly utilized.
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thanks all, i do like the wagos and the little levers, and i’m encouraged by the thought about strain relief. one other idea, an example from 668, they made little interface boards for their canbus wiring so they could use ethernet cabling.
We have switched to Deutsch connectors for our CAN bus and have not had a failure since switching. They are more expensive, and take longer to initially set up, but they are rock solid.