Banana Plugs

[raptor1956]

I mentioned in the thread on the Probemaster meter leads that an old set of Fluke meter leads was acting up and I wound up cutting off the safety banana plugs as all but one was causing a variation in resistance when the banana barrel was turned as might happen when connected to a DMM etc.  I did not want to count on them with uncertainty in the connection.  The wire still seems in good shape so I'm thinking about putting a new set of banana plugs on them for use as general purpose banana-to-banana plug cables. 

So, what are some good choices for banana plugs that are reliable, have low resistance, and not crazy expensive?  Gold plated would tend to offer a more reliable electrical connection but I'm not sure how long or short the plating lasts.  I would also prefer plugs that permit soldering for improved connection.


Brian

[nanofrog]

I'd suggest checking out Pomona (click me).

For example, a 6383 + 6384 would be one set to consider (straight, no shroud, with strain relief). They're made of nickel plated beryllium copper and can be soldered or crimped (although they're not gold plated, they'd be excellent for your needs). They've others however, including RT. angle, gold plated straight, or even retractable types if you prefer.

Keep your wire size in mind during your selection process, as the gold plated ones are 20 - 22AWG for example, while most quality silicone test leads are 18AWG (i.e. watch the specifications closely).

[ManateeMafia]

For test equipment adapters I have used these http://www.newark.com/abbatron-hh-smith/289-102/banana-plug-stud-red/dp/82T5309

They are a little pricey since they are bought in packs of 5. It was difficult finding shrouded retractable gold plated banana plugs.

[nanofrog]

FWIW, Onlinecomponents.com sells ^ individually (Abbatron P/N 289-102 = red, 289-103 = black).

There's also the Multi-Contact version, which is also stackable (nickel plated rather than gold). Here.

You can also find equivalents on eBay that are gold plated (example).

Do note on these last two there isn't any strain relief, but you might be able to add some heat shrink tubing to create one.  And at $5.00 for a pair of the eBay version shipped, it's worth the gamble IMHO.

[raptor1956]

What about some of the speaker plugs that tend to be able to handle heavier gauge wire going down to 8AWG in some cases?  I can see a case for having really heavy wire when the current needs are high.  I'm thinking about making a set of leads using 14AWG or even 12AWG wire to get down towards 20mOhm/meter.


Brian

[ManateeMafia]

I bought mine assembled from Digikey. https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/mueller-electric-co/BU-2323-10-36-2/314-1239-ND/4303480

Not cheap at $45 USD a set but they are good quality cables.

You can probably put something together with heavy duty wire and connectors for less. At least shop around for comparison to pre-made and see if it is worth building.

[raptor1956]

That looks interesting and 10AWG is even a bit heavier than I was thinking.  I think I'll make my own but it's nice to know there's options.


Brian