A banana plug, also known as a “banana connector”, is a single-wire connector used for wires or cables to a piece of equipment. An example of this would be to connect a cable from an amplifier into loudspeakers, or to terminate patch cords.

The plug itself is a metal pin that’s about one inch long, and may be inserted into a 4 mm socket to make contact. When pressed into the socket, has one or more springs that bulge out, which helps improve the electrical contact and also help to keep the pin in place. This is most likely where the term “banana plug/connector” came from. It may have also been from the fact that the pin itself having a bulbous shape in general, although not curved like a banana is. The opposite side of the plug has a hole that insulated wire may be soldered into. After the wire is soldered (or screwed) into place, a plastic cap (to help seal) it is then placed over it. This seal is mostly for the user’s protection.

There are banana plugs for machines that require a higher voltage, and require a sheath on both ends to protect the user from electrical shock. Always be sure to practice safe methods of handling, as misuse may result in electrocution, electric shock, burns, or ever damages to the hardware itself. If both the plug and jack are sheathed, they will work together. Alternatively, a sheathed plug will not work with a unsheathed jack, but a sheathed jack will work with an unsheathed plug.

Miniature versions of these banana plugs may also be found, measuring about 1/3 the size of a standard banana plug. Although these were useful with high density applications, they never really achieved the same popularity as the regular sized plugs.

Double banana plugs are also in use, which allow two connections to be formed into one. These are usually colored black, whereas regular cables are typically red and black in coloration. The mold for the double banana plugs will usually be marked with “GND”, informing the user of the polarity of the two plugs.

In Europe it may be hard to buy double banana plugs because of the fact that they are similar in spacing to the Schuko connectors, in which doing so leaves parts exposed and increases the chances of being shocked. Always be careful when handling any electric device or outlet.

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