Banana and Tip Connectors

Banana and Tip Connectors - Jacks, Plugs

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
975090703 Altech Corporation	CONN TIP PLUG STACK SLDR YELLOW	0
931824107 Altech Corporation	BANANA PLUG SLS 10 B WHITE 4MM B	0
972518103 Altech Corporation	CONN BANANA PLUG SOLDER YELLOW	20
930047103 Altech Corporation	TESTPLUG VON 30 YLW 4MMPLUG SCRE	0
930047101 Altech Corporation	TESTPLUG VON 30 RED 4MMPLUG SCRE	100
930046102 Altech Corporation	TESTPLUG VON 20 BLUE 4MMPLUG SCR	0
930435101 Altech Corporation	BANANA PLUG RED 4MM STACKABLE SC	0
932153104 Altech Corporation	BANANA PLUG SLS 200 GRN 4MM BANA	0
934100102 Altech Corporation	BANANA PLUG LAS N WS BLUE 4MM BA	20
930046103 Altech Corporation	TESTPLUG VON 20 YLW 4MMPLUG SCRE	0
931667101 Altech Corporation	TESTPLUG BUELA 300 K RED 4MMPIN	0
975090700 Altech Corporation	CONN TIP PLUG STACK SOLDER BLACK	20
934097106 Altech Corporation	BANANA PLUG LAS S G GRY 4MM BANA	0
975454702 Altech Corporation	CONN TIP JACK THRD BLUE	0
930435104 Altech Corporation	BANANA PLUG GRN 4MM BANANA PLUG	0
975455706 Altech Corporation	CONN TIP JACK QUICK CONNECT GRAY	0
931825101 Altech Corporation	BANANA PLUG SLS 20 B RED 4MM BAN	40
934100100 Altech Corporation	BANANA PLUG LAS N WS BLK 4MM BAN	20
975090707 Altech Corporation	CONN TIP PLUG STACK SOLDER WHITE	0
930046104 Altech Corporation	TESTPLUG VON 20 GRN 4MMPLUG SCRE	120

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.