Test Clips - Alligator, Crocodile, Heavy Duty

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
72-154 NTE Electronics, Inc.	ALLIGATOR CLIP STEEL 10A	3272
72-136-KIT NTE Electronics, Inc.	4PCS 72-136/2PC 72-143-0	5
72-124-KIT NTE Electronics, Inc.	4PCS 72-124/2PCS 72-127-0	0
72-156-KIT NTE Electronics, Inc.	4PCS 72-156/2PC 72-157-0	0
72-163 NTE Electronics, Inc.	CROC CLIP STEEL 5 AMP	1837
72-137-KIT NTE Electronics, Inc.	4PCS 72-137/2PC 72-143-0	4
72-163-KIT2 NTE Electronics, Inc.	CLIP + INSULATOR KIT	2
72-188-4 NTE Electronics, Inc.	ALLIGATOR CLIP INS 10A YL	2326
72-116PS NTE Electronics, Inc.	HEAVY DUTY STEEL CLIP	14280
72-117 NTE Electronics, Inc.	STEEL AUTO CLIP 40 AMP	903
72-056-KIT NTE Electronics, Inc.	1PC 72-055 + 1PC 72-056	8
72-188-5 NTE Electronics, Inc.	ALLIGATOR CLIP INS 10A GN	2313
72-163-KIT3 NTE Electronics, Inc.	CLIP + INSULATOR KIT	6
72-094 NTE Electronics, Inc.	SMALL CHARGER CLIP BLACK	114
72-095 NTE Electronics, Inc.	SMALL CHARGER CLIP RED	143
72-150-0 NTE Electronics, Inc.	ALLIGATOR CLIP COPPER W/BLK INSU	1576
72-112-0 NTE Electronics, Inc.	HEAVY DUTY CLAMP BLACK	34
72-148-KIT2 NTE Electronics, Inc.	CLIP + INSULATOR KIT	7
72-120-KIT3 NTE Electronics, Inc.	CLIP + INSULATOR KIT	0
72-123 NTE Electronics, Inc.	MINIATURE ALLIGATOR CLIP	16730

Test Clips - Alligator, Crocodile, Heavy Duty

1. Overview

Alligator, Crocodile, and Heavy Duty test clips are specialized electrical connectors used for temporary connections in testing and measurement applications. These clips enable secure attachment to conductors, components, or devices under test (DUTs) while ensuring electrical continuity and safety. Their importance spans across electronics manufacturing, automotive diagnostics, power systems, and research laboratories, where reliable signal transmission and high-current capacity are critical.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
Alligator Clips	Lightweight, spring-loaded jaws with serrated edges for low-current (up to 1A) connections	PCB testing, battery terminal connections, signal tracing
Crocodile Clips	Medium-duty design with wider jaws (2-10A capacity) and insulation sleeves	Automotive wiring diagnostics, power supply testing, electrochemistry
Heavy Duty Clips	High-current (10-100A) rated with reinforced jaws and heat-resistant materials	Industrial motor testing, battery bank analysis, high-power electronics

3. Structure and Components

Typical construction includes: - **Jaw Assembly**: Made from phosphor bronze or beryllium copper with nickel/platinum plating - **Spring Mechanism**: Stainless steel springs for consistent clamping force - **Insulation Housing**: Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sleeves - **Termination**: 4mm banana plug, BNC connector, or solder terminal options - **Contact Points**: Replaceable tungsten carbide tips for high-wear applications

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Typical Range	Importance
Current Rating	0.5A - 100A	Determines power handling capability
Voltage Rating	30V - 1000V	Ensures dielectric strength and safety
Wire Size Compatibility	AWG 10-28	Affects connection reliability
Contact Resistance	<5m	Minimizes measurement errors
Operating Temperature	-20 C to +125 C	Defines environmental suitability

5. Application Fields

Key industries include: - **Electronics Manufacturing**: SMT reflow oven calibration, component testing - **Automotive**: ECU diagnostics, starter motor analysis, battery pack validation - **Energy Systems**: Solar inverter testing, wind turbine controller verification - **Research Labs**: Material resistance testing, prototype validation - **Aerospace**: Avionics harness continuity checks, fuel cell characterization

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Features
Keysight Technologies	N285xA High-Current Clips	150A rating with thermal protection
Fluke Corporation	T80 Series Test Leads	Cat IV 600V safety rating
TE Connectivity	MicroCrocodile Clips	0.1A precision for medical device testing
Pomona Electronics	6520A Heavy Duty Clips	Corrosion-resistant marine-grade plating

7. Selection Guidelines

Key consideration factors: - Match current/voltage ratings to application requirements - Verify jaw opening size for DUT geometry compatibility - Choose appropriate insulation level for working voltage - Consider tip material for contact resistance stability - Evaluate environmental requirements (temperature, humidity) - Prioritize safety certifications (IEC 61010, UL 61010)

Example: For 12V automotive battery testing, select Crocodile clips with minimum 10A rating, 20mm jaw opening, and PVC insulation.

8. Industry Trends

Current development directions include: - Integration with smart test systems via IoT connectivity - Adoption of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials for weight reduction - Enhanced EMI shielding for high-frequency measurement applications - Standardization of color-coded insulation for improved safety - Development of self-cleaning contact surfaces using nanocoatings