ITTSB.EU Blog Forum
Electrical Test and Measurement instruments => Test leads & accessories => Topic started by: Kiriakos GR on November 03, 2026, 06:34:01 AM
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Recently I discovered one female panel mount banana 4mm, this having 1.9 mm pin at the back.
Mounting / Termination: Press-fit termination with a plug pin (approx. 1.9 mm × 20.5 mm)
Current Rating: 36 A
If we reverse this part by 180 degrees, then we have an equivalent of regular multimeter probe tip.
FLUKE this adopted 2mm test leads system for current measurements, by the use of equal to Press-fit alligator clips.
Naturally Press-fit this is superior, minimal milliohm resistance in comparison to plug-in connection over 2mm copper rod (probe tip) connectivity system.
From the other hand, all HH DMM they include 10A fused input.
This detail restricts our 2mm probe tip along of the connected (attached) alligator clip, from this working over 10A constantly.
In conclusion,
If you see at test leads probe, this having specification of 10A, or 15A, or 20A, all three they are valid, when there is attached a high quality alligator clip over the tip.
Unfortunately the number of poorly manufactured alligator clips this is greater regarding availability.
And my recommendation this is trusting more, branded alligator clip, these designed for BEST fit, over a 2mm probe tip.
AC/DC Current measurements with probe tip alone, this is forbidden, because the smallest spark this it will damage nickel plating.
Nickel plating damage this will drive to unstable measurements, if you try to measure resistance.
Improper use of 2mm probe tip system, this will cost you money.
Poorly performing probe tip, this will cost you too, as you do sabotage your own productivity by wasting time at repeating a measurement over and over.