Tony, I have looked for the perfect connector for all types of measurements. I came to the conclusion that the type of measurement will dictate the type of connector. I prefer the solder type and would never consider using a screw type for any of my cables. I am sure they have an application somewhere, but it gives me peace of mind knowing that the cables won't pop out and create a hazardous situation. I have read that for low level measurements, use a direct wire connection, or a low thermal spade lug that has an air-tight crimp and then soldered for strength. This is not cheap to build, the crimp tool can be very expensive.
I have found that Multi-Contact makes a good range of plugs as an alternative to Pomona. I recently purchased some of the SLS425-SE/Q for some generic sheathed cables. These are made of gold plated brass and are rated to 1kV and max 32A. These look heavy duty but not too expensive. The SLS205 series looks to be a decent low voltage test connector. I do not have any experience with these connectors but you might want to make some cheaper jumper cables for power supplies. The LK425-Z is another low voltage but higher current than the previous connector. It is the only sheathed, retractable, stackable connector that I have found from a reputable company. The silicone cable is probably the best choice of cable to use with any of these connectors. Pomona sells the cable #6733 in red and black. You may also want to consider shielded cable with an external ground/guard connection. I have a couple sets of the Fluke 5440A-7002 cables and I can tell the difference using them in high resistance measurements compared to the Pomona 5290A low thermal cables. I have been waiting to build a couple sets of Fluke 5440A-7003 test cables. I have some Belden 8719 cable, gold plated copper spade lugs from JS Willey, and some generic blue pomona patch cables that will be cut in half. The crimp tool is more expensive than all the other components. Unfortunately, I could not find a better alternative for the low ohms measurements. Check Farnell for the Multi-Contact connectors. I had no trouble finding them on the Newark site. The cost will probably be twice what you want to pay, but you can build them to your specs so you can make them as short or long as needed. Todd On Fri, Aug 15, 2014 at 7:44 PM, Tony <[email protected]> wrote: > Can anyone recommend some decent banana plugs, preferably stackable, for > making up test leads? There don't appear to be many different types on Ebay > - the cheapest have a single screw connection which loosens off at the drop > of a hat, and in any case the plug, at 16mm, is too short for my HP 34401A. > > There are plenty of more expensive, audio type plugs which may be better > quality but almost invariably have all metal, uninsulated bodies - not good > when plugged into a high current power supply! > > I'd like some which I'd be happy to put 6, 8 or even 10amps through, eg. > for low-ohm measurements, but also be good for low level or precision > measurements. Would screwed, crimped or soldered connectors be best? I > believe crimped joints can be best for low thermal EMFs - at least until > the copper wires start to oxidise. > > I know Pomona make some decent connectors but the prices are quite steep - > I don't really want to spend more than $4 or so for a pair if possible. > Maybe I need to spend more for some low thermal EMF connectors or leads and > use cheaper ones for general purpose and higher current usage, but I'm not > prepared to spend $100 or so for a pair of low thermal HP leads. > > I'm in the UK so USA suppliers have a big disadvantage because of the high > shipping costs and the tax and customs handling charges which rarely seem > to apply to Chinese goods. > > What do you use? > > Thanks, > Tony > _______________________________________________ > volt-nuts mailing list -- [email protected] > To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/ > mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts > and follow the instructions there. > _______________________________________________ volt-nuts mailing list -- [email protected] To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts and follow the instructions there.
