Power Cables - Where to get nice ones

Kas,

I like these a lot (with ez-hook ends):

http://www.newark.com/pomona/3782-36-2/test-lead-red-914-4mm-60v-5a/dp/10M4287?st=3782-36

http://www.newark.com/pomona/3782-36-0/test-lead-black-914-4mm-60v-5a/dp/10M4286?st=3782-36

or (with alligator ends):

http://www.newark.com/pomona/1166-36-2/test-lead-red-914-4mm-5a/dp/10M4157?st=pamona%20banana%20aligator

http://www.newark.com/pomona/1166-36-0/test-lead-black-914-4mm-5a/dp/10M4156?st=pamona%20banana%20aligator

Gene

I have the Pomonas with ez-hooks and they are really nice - my favorites.  For use with a power supply be aware that they are rated for 5 amps. 

Hi Kas,

I was going to stick this photo in a discussion earlier in the week, but didn't get around to it - it's possibly an alternative solution for some scenarios.

These are really low-cost banana plug connectors from Wago, available in a spectrum of colours; Wago series 215. I'm finding them handy because I can attach any cable to it (otherwise I'd either have to use an alligator clip, or hope that the test equipment has screw terminals.

They are quick-connect to the wire. Basically the item is squeezed and the wire inserted (can handle a range of thicknesses from very thin wires, up to 14AWG).

It might not meet your specific need, but they are cheap enough to keep a few around for occasional use.

I've always made my own.

I haven't bothered (or needed) to progress to silicon, but it might be useful.

I also tend to have them twisted together and a battery drill makes a great job.

Twist together and then terminate.

While I'm sure the linked items are nice, the price tends to scare me off ... especially as it's a wire and connector and we're makers.

Mark

Hi Kas,

I like to make my own also. I like to use the Pomona Hookup wire which is available in Red or Black.

http://www.newark.com/w/c/cable-wire-cable-assemblies/hook-up-wire-single-conductor/prl/results?st=Pomona+wire

This is very nice flexible wire with 192 strands of #41 wire for a core and 10Kvp insulation on the outside and rated for 20A. For the banana plugs I like to use the gold plated ones that are made for hooking up speakers.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/14-Nakamichi-Speaker-banana-plug-Audio-Adapter-connector-24K-Gold-N0534-USA/182198436019?epid=1652066358&hash=item2a6bdf80b3:g:P-wAAOxy-gBR~raK

I usually wrap the wire from the pomona lead with #22 or #24 ga solid wire before I put it into the Nakamichi plugs as they are designed for heavier gauge wire. The insulators screw on from the front of the plug so they are easy to deal with.

I have not been totally happy with my choice of alligator clips so I will not make a recommendation on this but I will watch this thread as I bet someone has a source for some exceptional alligator clips. I want some that have good closure of the jaws so that I can grab small gauge wire without it slipping out.

John

I've seen some really classy banana plug cables, but not with alligator clips on them. The ones with alligator clips tend to be either flimsey, low capacity wire or stiff insulation or both.

One thing I do is plug alligator clips onto banana plugs like in this picture:

This way you can use good banana cables in multipurpose roles. Unfortunately, I don't have any great commercial banana cables.

The test leads above are 20 gage wire with high strand count (128 strands) and silicone insulation - very "wet noodle" flexible, no-tangle, low-friction with good current capacity (20A) - but they are custom made. I'm still deciding on how to implement appropriate strain relief. I have some clips with plastic insulating boots, but the white insulated clip above is much easier to operate.

I'm a heat-shrink tubing fan : )

In the photo below are the part codes of the clips/banana plugs I've tried, but I also like the alligator clip style you've shown, the insulated types which push onto the plugs. There are some chunkier versions like that too, which will hold fat but also very thin wires.. I'll try to find their part number.

The question I have is how flexible are the cables. I have cables that are supposed to be flexible but I find them stiff, I am really looking for very flexible cables.

Kas

I like this solution as it allows for a lot of versatility. I'm considering getting a few of these even of they are not for may main cables but for quick hookups.

Kas

You link for hook up wire is a E14 members profile.. I'm not sure that's the link you intended to provide. Other than that I'm starting to like the idea of making my own cables with parts I prefer

Kas