Banana Connectors

Banana connectors are single-wire electrical connectors used by engineers, technicians, and test professionals for fast, reliable connections between test equipment, power supplies, and circuit boards. The 4 mm format is the industry standard, with mini variants available in 2 mm and 3 mm for specialist applications.

At RS New Zealand, we stock banana plugs, banana sockets, banana couplers, and banana plug adapters in multiple colours for easy circuit identification. We offer products from popular brands such as Hirschmann Test & Measurement, Electro PJP, Stäubli, and our very own RS PRO.

Types of Banana Connectors

Banana connectors are available in several configurations, such as:

Banana Plugs (Male)

A banana plug is a cylindrical male connector with a spring-loaded bulged prong that presses outward on insertion, creating a secure, tool-free connection.

Banana Sockets (Female)

Also known as a banana jack, a banana socket is the female counterpart to the banana plug, used for panel or equipment mounting. Banana sockets are found on test instruments, power supplies, and laboratory equipment.

Banana Couplers

Banana couplers join two banana plugs within a single sleeve, allowing test leads to be extended or combined. These connectors provide a secure, low-resistance connection between two male banana connectors without additional tools.

Right-Angle Banana Plugs

Right-angle electrical banana plugs direct the cable exit at 90° to the pin, reducing cable strain and preventing accidental disconnection. They are commonly used with digital multimeters and bench test equipment in compact setups.

Shrouded vs. Unshrouded Banana Plugs

Choosing between shrouded and unshrouded banana test connectors depends on the voltage levels in your application. Unshrouded banana plugs expose the metal pin and are standard for low-voltage bench and lab use, typically rated up to 30V ac or 60V dc. They fit both shrouded and unshrouded sockets and remain a practical choice for general-purpose testing and audio applications.

Shrouded banana plugs feature an insulating collar around the connector body, preventing accidental finger contact with live conductors. These are a mandatory requirement for high-voltage circuits, with select Hirschmann models rated up to 1000V dc for CAT II to CAT IV environments. Retractable shroud variants offer a spring-loaded cover that retracts on insertion. As such, they’re compatible with both shrouded and unshrouded sockets.

Features & Benefits of Banana Plugs

Banana connectors offer consistent mechanical and electrical performance, and their features typically include:

• Spring-Loaded Contact: The sprung metal leaves press outward on insertion, creating a secure, repeatable connection without tools or additional fasteners.
• Gold or Nickel Plating: Gold plating provides low contact resistance and excellent corrosion protection for precision measurement applications. Nickel plating offers a cost-effective alternative with reliable performance for general-purpose use.
• Colour-Coded Housings: Available in red, black, green, yellow, and blue, colour-coded housings support polarity identification and circuit labelling in multi-lead test setups.
• Ratings up to 1000V DC and 32A: The range covers a broad spread of voltage and current requirements, from low-voltage lab work through to high-voltage industrial testing.
• Multiple Termination Types: Solder, screw, and crimp termination options suit different installation methods, from permanent bench leads to field-terminated connections.
• Universal 4 mm Compatibility: The 4 mm banana plug format is compatible with virtually all standard test leads, multimeter inputs, and bench instrument ports.

Choosing the Right Banana Connector

Before choosing a banana connector, review these variables as they affect fit, safety, and performance:

• Plug or Socket: Use a male banana plug for lead termination at the cable end. Opt for a female banana socket for panel or equipment mounting where the connector is fixed to an instrument or enclosure.
• Size: 4 mm banana plugs are the dominant industry standard. Mini-banana variants in 2 mm and 3 mm exist for specialist applications but are not interchangeable with 4 mm formats.
• Termination Type: Solder suits permanent PCB or lead connections while screw termination suits field-assembled or reusable leads. Choose crimp for high-volume production builds.
• Current and Voltage Rating: Always match the connector rating to your circuit. The RS New Zealand range spans 10A to 32A and up to 1000V DC.
• Colour: Select housing colour per IEC convention or your application's circuit identification requirements. Common codes include red for positive, black for negative, and green or yellow for earth.

Applications of Banana Connectors

Banana connectors are typically used alongside binding posts, test leads, and alligator clip adapters available from RS New Zealand. Their common applications include:

• Test and Measurement: Banana plugs connect test leads to multimeters, oscilloscopes, bench power supplies, and LCR meters.
• Electronics Lab and R&D Test Rigs: Bench setups rely on banana connectors for fast, repeatable connections between instruments and circuits during development and validation.
• Automotive Diagnostics: Most digital multimeters used in automotive testing feature integrated banana sockets for connecting diagnostic test leads.
• Educational Electronics Labs: Banana test connectors are used in teaching environments for safe, tool-free circuit assembly and demonstration.
• Audio Equipment: Speaker wire termination and AV receiver connections commonly use banana plugs for connectivity to binding posts.

Order Banana Plugs & Connectors Online Today

RS New Zealand is a trusted supplier and distributor of banana connectors, stocking a comprehensive selection from brands like Hirschmann Test & Measurement, Stäubli, and Schutzinger. Browse by size, shrouding, termination type, and current rating to find the right electrical banana plugs for your application, with full specifications available online to support accurate selection.

Ordering & Delivery Information for New Zealand

Placing your order with RS New Zealand takes only a few minutes. Browse through the banana connectors in our range and add items to your basket. You can also use the RS stock number and add it straight to the basket. Alternatively, call our team on 0800 888 780 for product guidance and assistance.

Buy your banana plugs today and expect your order to be delivered quickly to your address in New Zealand. For full details on delivery services and fees, please refer to our Delivery page.