Banana Plug Electrical Connectors Buyers Guide
Banana Jack connectors
A Banana Jack is just another name for a Banana Plug connector, which is a type of electrical connector that simplifies connecting and disconnecting wires in almost any use from audio equipment to digital multimeters and everything in between.
A banana jack allows for many smooth connections and a long life for the wire it is connecting. Have you ever had speaker wire that just plugged into the back of your amplifier or speakers? After a few times hooking up the stereo and unhooking it usually the speaker wire ends that are exposed start to fray and also corrode.
Alternatives to Banana Jack connectors
There are some alternatives to banana jacks such as an RCA plug or a mini plug. In my experience with these other types of jacks I have found that they don’t provide a consistent connection over time. Between the RCA and the Mini I would say that the RCA provides a little better life but the banana jack is in my opinion a superior electrical connector.
Choosing the Banana Jack that is right for you
Regardless of your choice in the type of electrical jack, you will need to decide if you want to crimp on the wire, screw the wire down or solder the wire. If you want to know how to connect wire to a plug read our informative how to section on electrical connections.
Crimping a wire lead to a connector
Crimping is the quickest and easiest of the three methods but it lends itself to substandard connections and sometimes the wire can pull out if there is any tension on it.
Screwing a wire to its electrical jack
Screwing the wire into place with one or more clamping screws and insure for a secure fit and allows easy dismantling of the banana jack or other connector if require but is still not as good as soldering the wire into place.
Soldering wire to your electrical connecter
Soldering wires is by far the best way to make an electrical connection. This method is permanent or at least semi-permanent since you can unsolder a connection.
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