What is a Binding Post?
Binding Post Description
Initially invented by the General Radio Corporation of Cambridge, MA, binding posts are commonly used in test fixtures for wire termination. A typical single post binding post consists of a cylindrical threaded stem with a drilled hole for accepting the conductor, one or more molded nuts, and an insulated cap. During installation the conductor (usually stripped copper wire) is inserted through a hole in the threaded stem of the post and tightened into place by using a molded nut. Binding post caps are used to insulate the binding post and come in 3 primary colors: red indicates an active (positive) terminal, black indicates an inactive (negative) terminal, and green indicates the ground terminal.
Binding Post Designs
One common design for binding posts is called a universal or five-way style. This style allows for the joining of multiple types of connectors such as banana plugs, pin connectors, uninsulated wire, and more. Other types of binding posts include insulated binding posts, dual binding posts, knob type binding posts, metal binding posts, miniature binding posts and spring loaded binding posts.
Binding Post Applications
- Special Effects Equipment
- Analytical Instruments
- Test Equipment
- Loudspeakers
- Audio Amplifiers
- And More
Binding Post Manufacturers
bisco carries several industry leading brands for binding posts including:
- Abbatron
- Cinch Connectivity
- Keystone Electronics
- Mueller Electric
- Pomona / Fluke
In fact, bisco is currently the exclusive supplier of Abbatron’s newest binding post – the 1834 series top loading binding post! These binding posts provide quick and secure wire connections for wires up to #15 AWG. The body is nickel-brass plated while the insulated shell is UV and fire resistant and made of Valox. View the Abbatron 1834 spec here.
Learn More About Binding Posts
For those looking to learn more about binding posts or spec in products check out these helpful catalogs from Keystone Electronics and Mueller Electric. If you’d like personal assistance from one our 300+ product specialists visit our contact page.
What is a Banana Plug?
Banana Plug Description
Banana plugs are one conductor (aka: single wire) electrical connectors that are traditionally used to connect wires to equipment with DC and low frequency signals. Banana plugs are male connectors that feature a tubular construction with a flared center to separate the wire post from the main connector body.
Since standard banana plugs are normally not insulated, they are only recommended for applications less than 33 volts. However, insulated banana plugs are available for use in higher current applications. One of the many benefits of using banana plugs is their safety and simplicity. Banana plugs also provide secure connections for lead wires.
Banana Plug Applications
Banana plugs’ basic design make them a connector of choice for many applications. In fact, technicians and engineers often use banana plugs in during prototyping to test circuits and connections. Common applications include medical equipment, personal computers, and aircraft navigation systems.
Top Banana Plug Manufacturers
- Abbatron (HH Smith)
- Cinch Connectivity
- Keystone Electronics
- Mueller Electric
- Pomona Electronics (Fluke)
- TE Connectivity
Learn More About Banana Plugs
To learn more about banana plugs and to configure products for your application check out these helpful resources from Abbatron and Pomona Electronics. bisco industries product specialists are also standing by to assist you. Contact a bisco representative now!
Manufacturer Profile: Abbatron
Abbatron is a leading manufacturer of electronic hardware and connectors and the owner of the HH Smith and GH Plugs brands. Abbatron’s facility boasts 26,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehousing space allowing Abbatron to conduct a wide range of manufacturing processes. Abbatron’s manufacturing capabilities include stamping, molding, machine turning, machine grinding, machine drilling, and automated assembly.
Abbatron’s main objective is to deliver products of outstanding quality and dependability. In this effort Abbatron offers technical support for existing applications and design services to aid the alteration of existing assemblies or the creation of new custom products.
Abbatron’s Product Offering Includes:
- Posts, Plugs, and Jacks
- Test Leads and Patch Cords
- Spacers and Standoffs
- Bumpers, Grommets, and Hole Plugs
- Audio Connectors
bisco – Authorized Abbatron Distributor
bisco industries is a franchised Abbatron distributor, carrying the full line of Abbatron spacers, standoffs, plugs, jacks, test leads, and audio connectors. To find pricing, availability, and place orders for Abbatron products visit biscoind.com.
What is a Spacer?
Spacers are unthreaded cylindrical fasteners fabricated from a variety of materials including brass, stainless steel, and nylon. Similar to standoffs, spacers differ in that they are unthreaded. Spacers fall under the broader categories of electronic hardware and printed circuit board (PCB) hardware as spacers are primarily used to separate (space) PCBs. Spacers protect PCBs from heat damage by creating space for cooling air flow while also allowing PCBs to be stacked.
How Are Spacers Manufactured?
Spacers are typically fabricated using computer numerical control (CNC) machining or automatic lathe machining. CNC machining utilizes computer programs to control the machining process while automatic lathe machining automates the machining process through mechanical means. In either method the raw material is inserted into the machine and then rotated at varying speeds while cutting tools remove excess material until the final product is produced.
Leading Spacer Manufacturers
Only Have a Product Description?
RAF and Lyn-Tron both offer convenient product configurators to help you find a manufacturer item number. Once you’ve located the item number or if you already have it, be sure to visit biscoind.com to get pricing and availability information.
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