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Author Topic: Current rating gold plated banana plug sockets.  (Read 218 times)

VK2NZA

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Current rating gold plated banana plug sockets.
« on: August 18, 2020, 04:37:14 PM »

My apologies for the long winded description, howver have fond this save further explanation down the track!

I have an MFJ 1118 Multiple DC power outlet board with 5 way binding posts allowing connection via twin co-joined or single Banana plugs.
MFJ suggest their super heavy duty outlets for transceivers are capable of 30 amps at 12 - 13.8 vdc. The other 6  heavy duty posts are for accessories and handle a claimed 15A between them.
I believe the wiring and internal glass fuse size dictate the current potential in this unit.
it has worked well for me with no issues runiing 2 100 watt Icom transceivers and various accessories.

However recently i found need for more connections for 12 -13.8 volt accessories, I determined to build a larger better quality unit utilising a heavy poly breadboard using 12 gold plated dual (co-joined) quality banana plug sockets allowing me spare capacity.
The now completed accessory board is fitted with a digital voltmeter and a 12 way generic auto blade fuse block/connector unit rated at a max of 100 A input with 30 A max at any one outlet.
It functions well and my accessories wiring are all fitted with gold plated Nakamishi banana plugs.
Single red and black 5mm2 wiring was used.

However i wish to construct a similar 6 outlet board to suit my several 100 watt transceivers utilising seperate bullet type gold plated fuses (used in larger auto sound systems) and banana  plugs in order to quickly change between my numerous transceiver quickly.

I am looking at using the same banana plug connections but have had difficulty finding a safe current rating for them, the original packaging instructions don't supply a spec.

My question : is how much current at 13.8 vdc can a quality gold plated quality banana plug/outlet handle safely?
 I have googled for answers however been left with the rating claim by MFJ that their 2 tranceiver rated ones on the 1118 power board will handle 30 amps.
The gold plated Nakamishi plugs/sockets i have been using came with no current rating and are primarily utilised for quality sound systems wiring, although they look to be of at least as good or better quality than the MFJ ones.

 The board will as the other be suppled with DC from a 50 amp 24-30 vdc - 13.8vdc DC-DC converter supplied from a pair of 140 A/h AGM batteries solar panel charged in order to maintain a constant 13.8 vdc for the transceivers, I use 50 amp andersons to connect to the converter and to the power boards therefore they are the alternative options for connecting to the tranceivers.

 Any reason not to use the same banana plugs for up to 30 amps?
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W4NBO

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Re: Current rating gold plated banana plug sockets.
« Reply #1 on: August 18, 2020, 07:00:45 PM »

You could rig up a test with a 400 watt (or more) load (light bulbs or ?) and let a set of them cook with 30 amps (or more) going through them and see for yourself. Just a thought. And make us all a youtube video :-).

I use banana plugs/jacks for wall mount quick disconnects for my homemade ladder line at 100 watts with no issues but thats a different use.

73
Chuck
AF4O
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W9IQ

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Re: Current rating gold plated banana plug sockets.
« Reply #2 on: August 18, 2020, 07:13:31 PM »

Keep in mind that with DC, the "gold" plating has little effect other than corrosion resistance. It seems that the standard claim for current rating is 30 amps. I would be somewhat cautious with those claims unless you are buying major name brand.

- Glenn W9IQ
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- Glenn W9IQ

God runs electromagnetics on Monday, Wednesday and Friday by the wave theory and the devil runs it on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday by the Quantum theory.

VK2NZA

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Re: Current rating gold plated banana plug sockets.
« Reply #3 on: August 18, 2020, 08:09:56 PM »

Hi Chuck AF4O, like you i also use banana plugs for my 3 450 Ladderline connections before a Knife switch connected to baluns, great for quick disconnection of antennas when the thunder starts rolling.
I've never noticed any heat on the two MFJ jacks when using 100 watts therefore assume 20 -25 amps is fine.
I do have a 250 amp battery load tester that could be utilised for a soak test.
   Thanks, keep safe Ross.

Hi Glenn, W9IQ - I take your point re the gold plating , the plugs I'm using are high end Nakamichi units for large output audio amps/speakers but as you suggest 30 amps seems to be the magic no.
I just haven't found specs for these socket plug types yet.
The other option (50 amp Anderson plugs) would probably be electrically more competant however more clumsy to connect and disconnect.
Trust you're well and keeping safe glenn.
All the best Ross.
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W9WQA

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Re: Current rating gold plated banana plug sockets.
« Reply #4 on: August 18, 2020, 08:28:12 PM »

all my life ive used 2x banana connectors. learned the hard way that only the best and best maintained were ok. even then they will surprise me with ir drop, warm up.
i admit i did not always use the best.
i just got some xt 90 conn from the xt 30,60,90 family.
not yet tested but they look and feel really good,AND cannot be "pib", put in backwards,an easy flub with banana conn.
lots of rework to do as i made some very nice dc panels from b conn and quite a few  of them, many gold...

off topic, i see icom fuse conn are much tighter than others and especially "hamfest specials" icom uses a good quality "faston" conn, very tight.
ive had hamfest conn get hot in use, drop a volt+...

note xt 30,60,90 is amp rating...
« Last Edit: August 18, 2020, 08:32:22 PM by W9WQA »
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VK2NZA

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Re: Current rating gold plated banana plug sockets.
« Reply #5 on: August 18, 2020, 11:11:01 PM »

Hi W9WQA, thanks for replying.
In regard to the Icom connectors and fuses, Recently Icom went from glass fuses in poly clip type cases to the "blade" type fuse on their 4 wire transceiver connectors, there has been some commentry in regard to voltage drop/heat via these fuses in E ham forums and reviews.
I haven't had a problem however, generally i've found YaeKenCom power cables of good quality and suitable wire size for length also.
I agree on the generic cables, they seem to be a mixed bunch, some with undersize wire and thick insulation, and always worth a resistance checkout on the connectors and fuse holders.

Also the later style auto standard blade fuses I find come in 2 differing qualities, some are much thinner in the blade and already indicating corrosion wheras the better quality fuses are noticeable due to their better brighter colouring and brighter blade material.
The colour coding of blade fuses does make them far superior to Amperage recognition compared to the faint engraving on glass type fuses, especially as we age and eyesight deteriorates.

Regarding the banana connectors you're quite correct that they can be PIB if not dual type with tag or well coloured.
Luckily the single Gold Nakamishi type are well marked in black or red stripes over the metal body.

all the best Ross.
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W9WQA

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Re: Current rating gold plated banana plug sockets.
« Reply #6 on: August 19, 2020, 12:51:11 AM »

glass fuse connectors are not much good even the tight ones.
i quit them...
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VK2NZA

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Re: Current rating gold plated banana plug sockets.
« Reply #7 on: August 19, 2020, 04:49:56 PM »

Hi W9WQA,
  I tend to agree they're and old concept now,  the only ones i've found to be OK are the larger size auto audio style that are gold plated and have a well made clear plastic body.
The blade style auto unit i'm using for the shack accessories also has a red LED on each fuse that lights up if a fuse is blown or not making a good contact which is kinda nice.
   stay safe Ross
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