Banana and Tip Connectors

Banana and Tip Connectors - Jacks, Plugs

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
BU-P3452 Mueller Electric Co.	CONN DBL TIP PLUG STACK SLDR BLK	551157
CT3134-2 Cal Test Electronics	CONN BANANA JACK SOLDERLESS RED	172
CT2238-9 Cal Test Electronics	CONN BANANA JACK QC WHITE	542
9202 R/B E-Z-Hook	CONN BANANA PLG SOLDERLESS 2PC	346
CT2911-1 Cal Test Electronics	CONN BANANA JACK QC BROWN	133
105-1104-001 Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions	CONN TIP JACK SOLDER GREEN	449
BU-31607-0 Mueller Electric Co.	CONN BANANA JACK THRD BLACK	1511099
2142-3 Pomona Electronics	CONN BANANA JACK MIN TURRET ORAN	11
6387-ST-T-0 Pomona Electronics	CONN BANANA JACK TURRET BLACK	570
3276 Pomona Electronics	CONN BANANA PLUG MINIATURE THRD	230
CT3151SP-1 Cal Test Electronics	CONN BANANA JACK SOLDER BROWN	113
105-0610-001 Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions	CONN TIP JACK TURRET BLUE	358
73093-6 Pomona Electronics	CONN BANANA PLUG STACK SLDRLESS	27
108-2302-801 Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions	CONN BANANA JACK SOLDER TABS RED	3814
2143-0# Pomona Electronics	CONN DBL BANANA JACK MIN TURRET	0
CT2243-9 Cal Test Electronics	CONN BANANA JACK THRD WHITE	87
BU-3110410-4 Mueller Electric Co.	CONN BANANA PLUG STACK SOLDER	429858
CT2243-1 Cal Test Electronics	CONN BANANA JACK THRD BROWN	114
CT2914-8 Cal Test Electronics	CONN BANANA JACK PRESS-FIT GRAY	120
105-0302-001 Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions	CONN TIP PLUG SOLDERLESS RED	2330

Banana and Tip Connectors - Jacks, Plugs

1. Overview

Banana and Tip connectors are single-pole electrical connectors commonly used in electronics testing, audio equipment, and educational laboratories. Their spring-loaded design ensures reliable contact while allowing quick insertion/removal. The banana connector's 4 mm diameter metallic plug with a sprung segment enables self-retention in sockets, while tip connectors (e.g., 6.35 mm/3.5 mm) use conductive tip-sleeve configurations for signal transmission. These connectors are critical for temporary connections in R&D, audio signal routing, and low-voltage power distribution.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Key Features	Applications
Banana Plug	4 mm diameter, spring-loaded, high current capacity (up to 30A)	Lab power supplies, multimeters, battery chargers
1/4" (6.35 mm) Tip Plug	Mono/Stereo configurations, 3-contact rings, low-resistance path	Guitar cables, studio monitors, headphone jacks
3.5 mm Tip Plug	Miniaturized design, 2/3 contact segments, compact signal transmission	Mobile headphones, consumer audio devices, sensors
Combination Connectors	Integrated banana + tip in one housing, multi-channel support	Test benches, industrial control panels

3. Structure and Components

Typical banana plug consists of a conductive phosphor bronze probe (0.8-1.2 mm thickness) with gold/nickel plating, insulating PVC body, and screw terminal (4-6 mm wire capacity). Jack receptacles feature beryllium copper spring contacts (5000+ mating cycles durability) and die-cast zinc housing. Tip connectors use oxygen-free copper tip segments with thermoplastic insulation, where stereo versions add an additional insulating ring between tip and sleeve.

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Value Range	Importance
Current Rating	5-30 A	Determines power handling capability
Contact Resistance	5-30 m	Affects signal integrity and heating
Voltage Range	0-150 VAC	Safety and insulation requirements
Mating Cycles	1,000-10,000	Lifespan and durability indicator
Temperature Range	-20 C to +75 C	Environmental compatibility

5. Application Fields

Electronics Testing: Oscilloscopes, function generators, breadboard power supplies
Audio Equipment: Mixing consoles, instrument cables, studio headphones
Educational Labs: Student experiment kits, circuit training systems
Industrial Control: Sensor signal routing, PLC interface modules

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Product Line	Key Features
Amphenol	Industrial Banana Plugs	IP54 rated, 25A capacity, vibration-resistant
Switchcraft	ONA Series Jacks	10k cycle durability, ultra-low contact resistance
Neutrik	SpeakON Connectors	Locking design, 100A rating for pro audio
Keithley	5mm Safety Banana	Double-insulated, 600V CAT III certified

7. Selection Recommendations

Consider: 1) Current requirements (select 30% higher rating), 2) Environmental conditions (choose sealed variants for humid environments), 3) Compatibility (match plug diameter and jack geometry), 4) Certification (UL/CSA for safety-critical applications). For high-vibration scenarios like automotive testing, specify connectors with mechanical locking features.

8. Industry Trends

Market drivers include miniaturization demands (sub-3mm tip connectors for wearables), increased use of hybrid connectors combining power/data transmission, and adoption of eco-friendly materials (halogen-free insulation). Emerging trends show growing demand for 24K gold-plated contacts in high-fidelity audio systems and integration of smart connectors with built-in current sensing capabilities.