High Quality Banana Plug from SPC but how to Connect??? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: K1JOS
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2017, 09:26:27 pm
content: I am embarrassed to ask the question. I came across a large stash of super high quality banana plugs and several nice used HP6236B's to use as linear power supplies for my projects. How the heck is this solder-less banana plug connected to wire? At first I thought after wire pushed through the smaller screw stud, the excess strands should be folded back much like a compression fitting but when done this way - impossible to screw the small stud back in without cutting through the strands. Attached are picture and manufacturer's sheet. I must be overlooking something very obvious.Thanks in advanceJerry

author: Benta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2017, 10:01:08 pm
content: QuoteI'd say you have low standardsAnyway, just push in your stranded wire, and tighten the small screw. There's a kind of tapered point that spreads out the strands, so the hollow screw can press them tight.

author: cvanc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2017, 10:57:55 pm
content: It may or may not be correct according to the vendor, but I've seen plenty of these with the wire soldered in to the small part.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 02, 2017, 01:50:17 am
content: Quote from: cvanc on September 01, 2017, 10:57:55 pmIf your wire isn't spreading out to create a good electrical and mechanical contact as previously mentioned, then soldering it to the smaller threaded insert would be the way to go.Personally I prefer the retractable + stackable types, such asMueller BU-3261410. And there are decent copies of these that won't break the bank (genuine Mueller's are a bit over $5 a pop; copies can be had for ~$1 per and are decent -example).Other quality brands to consider would be Pomona or Cal-Test next time you're in the market.And there are also decent silicone insulated patch cords IME, using both retractable & non-retractable connectors in various colors (beyond black & red). You can even get silicone wire on eBay in small lengths in various colors as well (I currently have some 20, 18, and 14AWG on hand).

author: eblc1388
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 02, 2017, 08:11:10 am
content: Beware of buying cheap banana plug/socket made of iron instead of brass. You'll get what you pay for.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 02, 2017, 11:52:05 am
content: Quote from: K1JOS on September 01, 2017, 09:26:27 pmFYI, the datasheet for the plug in the picture (in the baggie) says it's a solder connection:http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/1656947.pdf

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 02, 2017, 11:53:53 am
content: Quote from: cvanc on September 01, 2017, 10:57:55 pmI suspect that's exactly how these are supposed to be used.

author: K1JOS
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 02, 2017, 04:27:29 pm
content: Thanks, soldering was the only way I could find to make them work.

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 02, 2017, 07:36:09 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on September 02, 2017, 01:50:17 am+1 for retractable and/or stackable and Cal-Test