Banana and Tip Connectors - Jacks, Plugs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
9218GRY

9218GRY

E-Z-Hook

CONN TIP JACK TURRET GRAY

0

9388RED

9388RED

E-Z-Hook

CONN BANANA PLUG SOLDER RED

0

9408BLK

9408BLK

E-Z-Hook

CONN DBL BANANA JACK SOLDER LUG

0

9283RED

9283RED

E-Z-Hook

CONN BANANA JACK MINI TURRET RED

0

9284ORN

9284ORN

E-Z-Hook

CONN BANANA JACK TURRET ORANGE

0

DB500BLK

DB500BLK

E-Z-Hook

CONN DBL BAN PLUG STACK SLDRLESS

0

9283BLU

9283BLU

E-Z-Hook

CONN BANANA JACK MINI TURRET BLU

0

9283VLT

9283VLT

E-Z-Hook

CONN BANANA JACK MIN TURRET VIOL

0

9202RED

9202RED

E-Z-Hook

CONN BANANA PLUG SOLDERLESS RED

0

9218BLK

9218BLK

E-Z-Hook

CONN TIP JACK TURRET BLACK

0

9388GRN

9388GRN

E-Z-Hook

CONN BANANA PLUG SOLDER GREEN

0

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

TypeKey FeaturesApplications
Banana Plug4 mm diameter, spring-loaded, high current capacity (up to 30A)Lab power supplies, multimeters, battery chargers
1/4" (6.35 mm) Tip PlugMono/Stereo configurations, 3-contact rings, low-resistance pathGuitar cables, studio monitors, headphone jacks
3.5 mm Tip PlugMiniaturized design, 2/3 contact segments, compact signal transmissionMobile headphones, consumer audio devices, sensors
Combination ConnectorsIntegrated banana + tip in one housing, multi-channel supportTest 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

ParameterValue RangeImportance
Current Rating5-30 ADetermines power handling capability
Contact Resistance5-30 m Affects signal integrity and heating
Voltage Range0-150 VACSafety and insulation requirements
Mating Cycles1,000-10,000Lifespan and durability indicator
Temperature Range-20 C to +75 CEnvironmental 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

ManufacturerProduct LineKey Features
AmphenolIndustrial Banana PlugsIP54 rated, 25A capacity, vibration-resistant
SwitchcraftONA Series Jacks10k cycle durability, ultra-low contact resistance
NeutrikSpeakON ConnectorsLocking design, 100A rating for pro audio
Keithley5mm Safety BananaDouble-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.

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