Need Multimeter lead plugs

[johninct]

I want to make up a custom set of leads for a multimeter. Where can I get the plugs that go into the multimeter?

 

[Stuart in MN]

Try Newark Electronics, Mouser Electronics, or Digi-Key.

 

[kd3pc]

it depends on the multimeter, many use banana plugs - available almost any where, even radio shack and amazon.

others like the Flukes, use a 3 or 4 spring, pin insulated leads.

Custom will require contacting the maker and get their specs for the meter end. The other end and the cable are yours to make, just make sure it is well built, you don't want damp hands and poorly insulated leads or probes.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Most multimeter use 4mm "banana jack/plug". There are dozens of different styles. Sheathed, stackable, solder, solderless, side entry, etc. etc. Use Google of shop at one of the electronic supply houses listed to see what is available. (Most of what I have a "factory made" by Pomona and are over 25 years old.)

A lot of what makes a banana plug "good" is how well the lead wire is attached. Again, many different methods.


Factory made leads use silicon insulated, high wire count (fine) stranded copper wire. This is also the same wire that radio controlled cars, trucks and airplanes used and is available for reasonable price from many vendors on eBay. Regular wire is just too stiff. The silicon insulation also has the "right" feel and will not melt until much higher temperature. Factory made leads typically use 18 gauge wire, but I would use 16.

"Standard" alligator clips slip right on (the best are made by Mueller).

 

[Stuey]

You'll need shrouded banana jacks.

Pomona might make some, I think TestPath has DIY test lead supplies (http://www.testpath.com/).

 

[signcrafter]

What type of custom leads are you trying to make?

 

[johninct]

I am installing quick connectors to attach a BatteryMINDER ( rotated from battery to battery every few weeks because I would need 10 batteryMINDERs to do everything24,7,365) and would like to sometimes check the batter voltage with a free HF multimeter I got by just plugging it in.

 

[theoldwizard1]

You'll need shrouded banana jacks.

Shrouded (sheathed) are nice, but not mandatory. Even meter designed to use them will work with standard banana plugs.

 

[Stuey]

Shrouded (sheathed) are nice, but not mandatory. Even meter designed to use them will work with standard banana plugs.

True. But I can't think of a reason to go with bare banana plugs anymore, unless you're dealing with older jacks that cannot work with shrouded plugs.

 

[signcrafter]

I am installing quick connectors to attach a BatteryMINDER ( rotated from battery to battery every few weeks because I would need 10 batteryMINDERs to do everything24,7,365) and would like to sometimes check the batter voltage with a free HF multimeter I got by just plugging it in.

HF uses different leads then most.

 

[Sine Swept]

The local electronics store I often visit carries test lead wire and calls it as such.

Being it has been -20 the past month or so, having that wire makes a huge difference.

The only issues I see making your own is if you actually need 0 ohm cables.

 

[Rogue1987]

HF uses different leads then most.

The ends on the leads that come with the meter are a bit odd, but I've made up a few custom leads for it just using boring old unshrowded banana plugs.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[bareass172]

2 things, first Yuasa makes a 10 bank charger if you actually did want something like that (just sayin').
http://www.motoparthub.com/YUA12002...lOyLrSCJvPtNvsO15-bG3NPghHH5b9XENShoCKgvw_wcB

Second, I would respectfully submit that you're looking to spend more on the leads than the meter they plug into. Plus, HF meters take unusual plugs so you may have to dig around to find them. Why not drop a few bucks on even just a basic meter with normal banana jacks and make your life a little easier? Just my $.02, nothing more.

 

[johninct]

2 things, first Yuasa makes a 10 bank charger if you actually did want something like that (just sayin').
http://www.motoparthub.com/YUA12002...lOyLrSCJvPtNvsO15-bG3NPghHH5b9XENShoCKgvw_wcB

Second, I would respectfully submit that you're looking to spend more on the leads than the meter they plug into. Plus, HF meters take unusual plugs so you may have to dig around to find them. Why not drop a few bucks on even just a basic meter with normal banana jacks and make your life a little easier? Just my $.02, nothing more.

I have a good Snap-On multimeter. The reason I want to use the free HF ones are that I may leave it around and if it gets broken, I can just get another one off my shelf.

 

[Mechanical Noise]

Standard banana plugs fit into the HF meter jacks just fine.

 

[kd3pc]

for your application, you may want to check out Anderson Power Pole connectors, they are a standard in 12v radio and low voltage DC wiring.

 

[Southernbuild]

Considering the application and cost of the meter; Why not just cut off the probes on the existing leads, and attach clips, or whatever ends you want?

 

[deafcon]

Considering the application and cost of the meter; Why not just cut off the probes on the existing leads, and attach clips, or whatever ends you want?

I did this recently. The wire gauge they use is pathetic, so I have no illusions of it lasting very long. It's a free meter though, so I'm not shocked that the wire is strand of hair thin.

 

[bareass172]

I have a good Snap-On multimeter. The reason I want to use the free HF ones are that I may leave it around and if it gets broken, I can just get another one off my shelf.

Fair enough! Small word of warning - use your good meter to verify the HF one is accurate. You might be surprised how many people I help troubleshoot motorcycle problems over the 'net only to discover their HF meter is reading off by ~3 volts.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I did this recently. The wire gauge they use is pathetic, so I have no illusions of it lasting very long.

Factory made leads typically use 18 gauge wire, but I would use 16. Cheap ones may be 20 gauge.

The local electronics store I often visit carries test lead wire and calls it as such.

Being it has been -20 the past month or so, having that wire makes a huge difference.

Factory made leads use silicon insulated, high wire count (fine) stranded copper wire. This is also the same wire that radio controlled cars, trucks and airplanes used and is available for reasonable price from many vendors on eBay.

Please note my previous posts.

 

[Rickss96]

^^^ and never trust a HF meter on the low resistance settings! It drifts all over the place.