Power Cables - Where to get nice ones

Question

Hello All,

I'm looking for power cables to be used with my various power supplies. I need one end to have a banana connector and the second end to have an alligator clip. The reason I'm asking is because there are so many cables out there (even when doing a search on farnell/newark). I am preferably looking for one with silicone insulation. The reason I'm looking for this is I would really like a cable that is very flexible and can easily weave its way around my working space.

Any suggestions or even better product numbers would be great.

Thanks

Kas

genebren · Answer

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

shabaz · Answer

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.

jw0752 · Answer

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

shabaz · Answer

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.

fmilburn · Answer

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.

mcb1 · Answer

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

dougw · Answer

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.

abrain · Answer

Just in case, note the 42V rating on those Wagos.... I’ve used them significantly higher without issue before remembering how I’d hooked things up. I’ve given quite a few of those away to people who have seen and loved them, but I know there’s at least a handful in the top of my toolbox ready for today’s mission!

A

kas.lewis · Answer

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

genebren · Answer

For cable flexibility, nothing beats the silicone rubber cables that jw0752 mentioned in his reply below (Pomona Hookup wire). Gene

kas.lewis · Answer

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

Power Cables - Where to get nice ones

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