Test Clips - Grabbers, Hooks

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
A059R TPI (Test Products International)	PROBE PIERCING RED BANANA	0
4176-02 Pomona Electronics	MINIGRBBR BLK/RED SLD 0.090" 2PC	2262
PK116-1 Teledyne LeCroy	SPRUNG HOOK BLACK	22
5830-2 Pomona Electronics	MAXIGRABBER RED BANANA	24
PK1-5MM-114G Teledyne LeCroy	QFP IC-CLIP GREEN	1
BU-20431-6 Mueller Electric Co.	INSULATED PLUNGER HOOK R/A BLUE	0
4233-5 Pomona Electronics	MICROGRABBER GREEN SOLDER 0.090"	79
XHRED E-Z-Hook	MACRO-HOOK RED SOLDER 0.210"	47
BU-00211-2 Mueller Electric Co.	TEST CLIP FOR IC RED	1385
TP82 Fluke Electronics	INSULATION PIERCING FOR PROBETIP	0
XHLBLK E-Z-Hook	MACRO-HOOK BLACK SOLDER 0.210"	0
BU-20432-2 Mueller Electric Co.	INSULATED PLUNGER HOOK R/A RED	8056
CT3180-5 Cal Test Electronics	MINIPRO TEST CLIP GREEN SOLDER	108
6405/POM Pomona Electronics	INSULATION PIERCING CLIP SET	136
PK007-001 Teledyne LeCroy	SPRUNG HOOK BLACK	53
72-180-0 NTE Electronics, Inc.	PLUNGER HOOK CLIP RT ANGLE/BLACK	325
123502R TPI (Test Products International)	LEAD TEST SPRUNG HOOK RED	0
BU-20433-0 Mueller Electric Co.	PLUNGER HOOK BLACK BANANA JACK	39137
A038B TPI (Test Products International)	PLUNGER-HOOK BLACK BANANA	0
BU-P3925-4 Mueller Electric Co.	PLUNGER-HOOK YLW SOLDER 0.144"	1001224

Test Clips - Grabbers, Hooks

1. Overview

Test Clips - Grabbers and Hooks are specialized electrical connectors designed for temporary circuit connections during testing, measurement, and troubleshooting. These components play a critical role in ensuring signal integrity, safety, and efficiency in electronic and electrical systems. Their importance spans across R&D, quality assurance, and field service applications where reliable connectivity is essential.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
Alligator Clips	Spring-loaded jaws with serrated edges for secure grip	Battery testing, automotive diagnostics
Hook Clips	Open-hook design for easy attachment to terminals	PCB testing, relay circuit analysis
Mini Grabbers	Compact jaws with fine contact points	SMT component testing, aerospace electronics
High-Current Clips	Large contact area with reinforced structure	Power supply testing, industrial machinery diagnostics
Insulated Test Hooks	360 rotating head with color-coded insulation	Telecom equipment maintenance, semiconductor testing

3. Structure and Components

Typical construction includes: - Conductive jaw (phosphor bronze or beryllium copper with gold/nickel plating) - Insulated handle (high-temperature resistant thermoplastic) - Mechanical linkage (precision-machined pivot system) - Connection interface (banana plug, BNC, or direct wire termination) - Spring mechanism (stainless steel for consistent clamping force)

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Value Range	Importance
Current Rating	1-20A	Ensures safe high-power measurements
Voltage Isolation	300-1000V	Prevents electrical hazards
Contact Resistance	1-10m	Maintains signal accuracy
Operating Temperature	-40 C to +150 C	Guarantees performance stability
Dielectric Strength	2-10kV	Protects against insulation breakdown
Clamping Force	0.5-5N	Prevents accidental disconnection

5. Application Fields

Electronics Manufacturing: PCB assembly verification, component testing
Power Systems: Transformer diagnostics, switchgear maintenance
Telecommunications: Fiber optic equipment testing, RF circuit analysis
Automotive: ECU testing, battery management system validation
Research & Education: Lab experiments, prototype verification

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Feature
Fluke Corporation	T81031 Hook Clip	Rotating head with 600V isolation
Keysight Technologies	N287xA Series Grabber	1GHz bandwidth capability
TE Connectivity	314512-8 Test Hook	Gold-plated beryllium copper contact
Pomona Electronics	6503 Alligator Clip	Ergonomic dual-molded insulation
Hirose Electric	HR25 Series High-Current Clip	15A rating with anti-sparking design

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations: - Match current/voltage ratings to application requirements - Verify insulation class for safety compliance - Check mechanical compatibility with test points - Evaluate contact material for signal integrity - Consider ergonomics for extended field use

Example: For automotive ECU testing, select IP67-rated clips with 1000V isolation and 5A capacity to ensure reliability in harsh environments.

8. Industry Trends

Emerging trends include: - Miniaturization for microelectronics integration - Smart clips with embedded sensors for real-time feedback - Eco-friendly materials with RoHS compliance - Increased demand for high-frequency capable clips (10GHz+) - Integration with automated test systems via IoT connectivity