Banana and Tip Connectors

Banana and Tip Connectors - Jacks, Plugs

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
930726101 Altech Corporation	TEST PLUG RED 4MM PIN INSUL SCRE	300
931294102 Altech Corporation	BANANA PLUG BSB 300 K BLUE 4MMPL	20
930729102 Altech Corporation	BANANA PLUG BSB 20 K BLUE 4MM BA	0
973582101 Altech Corporation	CONN TIP JACK SOLDER RED	1300
973582100 Altech Corporation	CONN TIP JACK SOLDER BLACK	3150
975459701 Altech Corporation	CONN TIP JACK SOLDER RED	20
934098103 Altech Corporation	BANANA PLUG LAS S W YEL 4MM BANA	0
931824101 Altech Corporation	BANANA PLUG SLS 10 B RED 4MM BAN	0
930729103 Altech Corporation	BANANA PLUG BSB 20 K YEL 4MM BAN	0
972518703 Altech Corporation	CONN BANANA PLUG SOLDER YELLOW	0
931294101 Altech Corporation	BANANA PLUG BSB 300 K RED 4MMPLU	20
931824104 Altech Corporation	BANANA PLUG SLS 10 B GRN 4MM BAN	0
930047104 Altech Corporation	TESTPLUG VON 30 GRN 4MMPLUG SCRE	0
975454704 Altech Corporation	CONN TIP JACK THRD GREEN	0
934100709 Altech Corporation	BANANA PLUG LAS N WS AUPURPLE 4M	0
975459700 Altech Corporation	CONN TIP JACK SOLDER BLACK	0
975455702 Altech Corporation	CONN TIP JACK QUICK CONNECT BLUE	0
930726102 Altech Corporation	TEST PLUG BLUE 4MM PIN INSUL SCR	0
934100103 Altech Corporation	BANANA PLUG LAS N WS YEL 4MM BAN	0
934097104 Altech Corporation	BANANA PLUG LAS S G GRN 4MM BANA	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

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.