Banana and Tip Connectors

Banana and Tip Connectors - Jacks, Plugs

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
930061102 Altech Corporation	TESTPLUG VQ 30 BLUE 4MMPLUG 4MM	0
932200104 Altech Corporation	BANANA PLUG KST S WS GRN 4MM BAN	0
973509100 Altech Corporation	CONN TIP PLUG SOLDER BLACK	0
934100109 Altech Corporation	BANANA PLUG LAS N WSPURPLE 4MM B	0
975454703 Altech Corporation	CONN TIP JACK THRD YELLOW	0
930061107 Altech Corporation	TESTPLUG VQ 30 WHITE 4MMPLUG 4MM	0
930581000 Altech Corporation	TEST PLUGPIN VST 100 4MMPIN SCRE	60
975090702 Altech Corporation	CONN TIP PLUG STACK SOLDER BLUE	0
930727104 Altech Corporation	TEST PLUG GRN 4MM PIN 4MM CROSS	20
975459705 Altech Corporation	CONN TIP JACK SOLDER BROWN	0
934098102 Altech Corporation	BANANA PLUG LAS S W BLUE 4MM BAN	0
930046101 Altech Corporation	TESTPLUG VON 20 RED 4MMPLUG SCRE	100
930729100 Altech Corporation	BANANA PLUG BSB 20 K BLK 4MM BAN	0
934097109 Altech Corporation	BANANA PLUG LAS S GPURPLE 4MM BA	0
931294103 Altech Corporation	BANANA PLUG BSB 300 K YEL 4MMPLU	20
931667102 Altech Corporation	TESTPLUG BUELA 300 K BLUE 4MMPIN	0
930729101 Altech Corporation	BANANA PLUG BSB 20 K RED 4MM BAN	0
934099100 Altech Corporation	BANANA PLUG LAS S WS BLK 4MM BAN	0
975090709 Altech Corporation	CONN TIP PLUG STACK SLDR PURPLE	0
975459707 Altech Corporation	CONN TIP JACK SOLDER WHITE	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.