Banana Connectors are versatile electrical connectors widely used for creating and testing reliable electrical connections. Commonly referred to as 4mm banana connectors due to their standard size, they are ideal for connecting wires to electrical test equipment, power supplies, and circuit boards. Their universal design makes them a popular choice for achieving quick, high-quality connections across various applications.

These connectors typically feature a durable metal contact, often made from materials like gold-plated brass, ensuring excellent conductivity and resistance to corrosion. The metal contact is encased in a protective plastic housing, which is available in a variety of colours, including red, black, green, and yellow, for easy identification during use.

RS offers a comprehensive range of banana connectors, including banana plugs, banana sockets, and banana couplers, sourced from leading brands such as Hirschmann Test & Measurement, Staubli, and RS PRO. Designed for versatility and reliability, banana plugs are an excellent alternative to bare wire connections, making it easy to connect your speakers to a surround receiver without the need for a screwdriver. These plugs provide a secure, permanent, and high-quality connection, ensuring optimal performance.

While the term "banana plug" typically refers to 4mm versions, it's important to note that smaller variations (3mm and 2mm), often called “mini-bananas” are not interchangeable with standard 4mm plugs. This variety ensures you can find the right connector for your specific needs.

At RS, you’ll enjoy not only our extensive selection of products, but we also offer free delivery on your order, making it even easier to get the components you need. Explore our range today to find high-quality banana connectors tailored to your applications!

Types of Banana Connector:

• Banana plugs are small cylindrical plugs with a distinctive bulged prong, housing a spring to help secure a solid connection when inserted into a socket. The plug takes its name from the shape of this prong, which reminds many people of a straightened-out banana. You can find out more in our guide to banana plugs
• Banana sockets are the female connector. A banana connector (commonly banana plug for the male, banana socket or banana jack for the female) is a single-wire (one conductor) electrical connector used for joining wires to equipment.
• Banana couplers allow you to extend an existing wire or when you’re running a new installation, they help to join two pieces of wire. Work by connecting two banana plugs into a sleeve that connects both ends to provide a secure and high performance connection.

Shrouded vs. Unshrouded Banana Plugs

The choice between shrouded and unshrouded banana plugs depends on your specific application. If you prioritise safety and compliance, especially for high-voltage tasks, shrouded plugs are the clear choice. For low-voltage, general-use tasks where versatility is key, unshrouded plugs offer the flexibility you need.