Beginners Banana Plug Question - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2018, 05:02:49 am
content: I use the banana plugs that it seems I see everywhere, the cheap ones, they are connected with screws. And inadequate.The wires cannot be anchored into the plug permanently using the supplied screws. If the cable is subjected to movement, they fall out.What to do? Soldering them seems to be the only answer.

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2018, 07:24:40 am
content: Pomona 1286 or Mueller BU-PMDP.

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2018, 01:08:30 pm
content: Prices on the premium brands are too high everywhere I've looked in the past. Totally out of the question for me.So I am trying to figure out either a good alternative (I'd like to buy a bunch of them in a few colors, cheap and be done with it for the foreseeable future.)What do people think is the best way to modify the mass market plugs (soldering seems best?).. although perhaps its asking too much for them to be precision metrology suitable after having been soldered, at least the wires don't pull out.With these particular plugs I also sometimes put a dab of solder on the center pin to immobilize the swiveling, which I suspect is a bit noisy sometimes.After soldering the plugs pictured I tape them up with appropriately colored electrical tape. Then they look like home-made plugs, which they are.Basically, I'm looking for an alternative. Good quality but still inexpensive, solder-friendly banana plugs.Pomona and Mueller are both too pricey for me for day to day use. I have a few semi-nice other plugs which I suppose I can use for 'critical applications' (which I really don't have, right now)Stackability is nice.

author: amlu
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2018, 01:27:41 pm
content: you need some ferrules to neatly terminate flexible wire in screwed connection.they come uninsulated version for tight spaces or insulated for all other cases.https://hitekasia.co.uk/bootlace-ferrules-55-c.aspand a tool for crimping themhttps://hitekasia.co.uk/hsc8-6-4-quadrilateral-crimp-tool-for-bootlace-ferrules-cord-end-terminals-025-6mm-731-p.asp

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2018, 01:40:58 pm
content: Yes, that is what I need there, assuming the screws going into them stay in. Like in boot laces. I'll see if I can find a US supplier or perhaps on ebay. Its worth trying.Thank you.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2018, 01:56:39 pm
content: I recommend these:https://www.ebay.com/itm/4mm-Stackable-Banana-Plugs-1-Pair-Red-Black/171062979200Note: Takes serious soldering.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2018, 02:33:34 pm
content: I use lots of screw-in banana plugs. You just have to tighten them enough! Only in the absolute junkiest ones does this not work, because the soft metal of the plug results in the screw hole threading stripping away.

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2018, 03:07:50 pm
content: I don't like the more-or-less exposed screw and the shock hazard it presents (depending on application). I buy Pomona stackable jumpers and never give it much thought. I use quite a few when programming analog computers.Non-stackable jumpers are available for soldering and there are no exposed metal surfaces.https://www.pomonaelectronics.com/products/hardware/banana-plug-18-20-awg-wireThere are others...

author: Bassman59
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2018, 04:38:18 pm
content: Quote from: cdev on December 03, 2018, 01:08:30 pmYou get what you pay for.

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2018, 04:42:24 pm
content: I've got a couple of these and they get a lot of use. These are probably the ones I should get.Mr. Big Spender. LOL.Quote from: Monkeh on December 03, 2018, 01:56:39 pm

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2018, 04:47:23 pm
content: Yes, thats what I was thinking about too. (the exposed screw being a potential shock hazard under high voltage circumstances) Also, it can work the other way, carrying ESD to a device.Also, if a DC wire on a supply set to deliver any real voltage+current comes out of a banana plug and makes contact with something that acts as a return it could cause issues, perhaps even a fire. I don't like that prospect at all.Quote from: rstofer on December 03, 2018, 03:07:50 pm

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2018, 05:36:48 pm
content: Quote from: rstofer on December 03, 2018, 03:07:50 pmThough I don’t do anything with dangerous voltages, I still prefer no exposed metal, out of risk of shorting the circuit by accident (and static I hadn’t reeeaally thought about but I suppose that’s a good point!!).As such, one of my favorites is the Pomona 1825, which is both stackable and has no exposed metal when plugged in:https://www.pomonaelectronics.com/products/hardware/banana-plug-safety-collar-solderlessThe other favorite is the Stäubli SLS4-B: (p. 68 onhttp://ec.staubli.com/AcroFiles/Catalogues/TM_TM-Main-11014124_(en)_hi.pdf#page=65-73) Their more expensive plugs are great, too.