Cables, Connectors and Measuring Accessories by Stäubli

• Test leads
• PVC-insulated cables
• TPE-coated cables
• Silicone-sheathed cables
• RG58 coaxial cables
• High-voltage cables
• Test leads with pre-installed connectors
• Banana test leads
• BNC cables
• Cables with test probes
• Stäubli product assortment for medical applications
• Connectors, probes and other measuring accessories
• Probes, grabbers and crocodile clips
• Probes for oscilloscopes
• Connectors
• Miscellaneous connectors, adapters and accessories

The Stäubli product assortment is a comprehensive portfolio of articles for measuring equipment. It includes cables, connectors, probes and accessories, manufactured to global norms and in compliance with a range of international standards. These components are characterised highest manufacturing quality, and are primarily designed for professional applications, i.e. in laboratories, industrial/manufacturing plants, for electrical technicians, installers and maintenance staff.

The Stäubli assortment available in the TME catalogue comprises thousands of products. See below for an overview of this assortment, in which the most relevant product groups are highlighted. These include ready-made components, such as oscilloscope probes, as well as components for customised solution designing (e.g. inspection points or test leads) and measuring equipment manufacturing. Regardless of a field of operation, Stäubli guarantees the highest quality of workmanship, durability and availability of products in a broad spectrum of versions, diversified in terms of sizes, installation methods and colours.

Test leads

Cables manufactured by the Stäubli company are designed for most measuring and testing applications – the TME product catalogue features both flexible small-diameter cables and products for high-voltage applications. Depending on the target application and anticipated operating conditions, customers can choose between articles made from a variety of materials – from affordable single-core PVC cables to professional silicone-insulated coaxial cabling.

PVC-insulated cables

Stäubli PVC-sheathed leads are designed as universal cabling available at an optimum quality-to-price ratio, and primarily intended for measurement and test equipment. Their material properties guarantee long service life and UV resistance (which varies, depending on the insulation colour), and all of them come with cores made in the form of copper stranded wires. Their breaking strength is approx. 15 N/mm².

This product group includes several product series manufactured by this supplier. FlexiVolt-E is a range of lightweight cables for internal connections in mobile devices not subjected to excessive overloads, i.e. laboratory measuring instruments. The FlexiVolt-1V and FlexiVolt-2V solutions are used to design connections with movable instrument elements, e.g. measuring probe leads. They are highly flexible, which facilitates convenient manipulation of connected instrument elements. 2V variants come with double insulation, i.e. a coloured outer layer and white internal sheath (facilitating detection of protective layer damage). FlexiStorm products demonstrate similar mechanical properties, however, they are rated for higher current strength, which is often required for earthing and power supply connections in laboratory applications.

 PVC insulation is applied in affordable measuring and testing equipment cabling.

TPE-coated cables

TPE is a material providing better thermal properties of cables.

Stäubli cables with TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) sheaths offer several desirable properties, e.g. relatively low weight (low density), high resistance of their smooth-to-touch, inextensible, but still flexible insulation and environmentally-friendly, chlorine-free chemical composition. Additionally, this elastomer is resistant to UV radiation, weather conditions and exposure to ozone (often used for disinfection purposes). Furthermore, it retains its mechanical properties in low temperatures. Such features ensure that FlexiPlast-E, FlexiPlast-1V and FlexiPlast-2V cables, whose core design is similar to the abovementioned PVC-coated cables, demonstrate better thermal tolerance (from -30°C to 90°C) and better dielectric parameters.

Silicone-sheathed cables

Cables coated with an external silicone sheath are one of the most durable products in their category. It results mostly from the fact that silicone demonstrates outstanding resistance to thermal factors. Silicone-sheathed cables by Stäubli operate in a temperature range from -50°C to 150°C (e.g. in hot steam conditions). In addition, they are rated for use in temperatures up to 250°C (for a period of several hours) and are able to withstand a temporary contact with elements with temperatures reaching 300°C (e.g. soldering iron tips). Other features of silicone insulation include cable protection against stretching, breaking and impact. Such characteristics as chemical stability of silicone and absence of halogen compounds makes this cabling suitable for field applications, in very harsh weather conditions. Most importantly, if cables are burnt, insulation residues still demonstrate insulating properties.

Silicone-insulated cables are most durable solutions offered by Stäubli.

Similarly to TPE-insulated cables, the Stäubli silicone-coated cabling portfolio is divided in line with its application areas, and a similar naming convention is retained. Therefore, Silivolt-1V and Silivolt-2V cables are designed mostly for testing and measuring instruments, and SiliStrom cables are designed for earthing and high-current (even up to 245 A) applications.

RG58 coaxial cables

Braided shielding ensures that these cables are highly flexible.

RG58 series coaxial cables are protected by silicone insulation. It makes them suitable for operation in temperatures from -50°C to 90°C. They are also distinguished by high flexibility exceptional for this product class. Impedance of this cabling series is 45Ω, with resistance to voltage of up to 1 kV. Combined with an outside diameter of 4.9 mm, this makes the RG58 series an ideal solution for creating testing and measuring connections in laboratory and industrial settings, as well as for mobile devices that are ultimately intended for field applications (e.g. portable oscilloscopes, reflectometers, etc.).

Cables for high-voltage applications

The FlexiVolt and Silivolt series come in variants labelled as “HV”, i.e. High Voltage. Their core cross-sections range from 0.5 mm² to 6 mm², with maximum operating voltage from 5 kV to 30 kV, depending on the diameter. This performance is possible thanks to a core made in the form of an OFC stranded wire, i.e. composed of tightly twisted, very fine copper wire fibres. This design, combined with a thick insulation layer, enables HV cables to be used in high-voltage applications, e.g. measurements in the power engineering and industrial automation sectors or welding equipment testing, etc. Simultaneously, they maintain Class 6 flexibility, which directly translates into comfort of use and ease of storage/transportation.

SILI-HV/0.50-R

A core in a form of a dense, tightly twisted stranded wire is labelled as OFC.

Test leads with pre-installed connectors

During the typical use of measuring equipment, such as repair and servicing work, prototype construction or laying/maintaining installations, it is often necessary to extend cables and create temporary connections or use different probes. Therefore, the quality of the cabling used with various instruments plays a key role: a prerequisite for obtaining correct results is the use of durable cables equipped with pins ensuring reliably repeatable lowest possible resistance. Stäubli test leads with factory-installed connectors are manufactured with such applications in mind, i.e. making multiple and diverse connections under long-term use conditions. This manufacturer also supplies probes and other measuring accessories boasting the same high quality.

One must also note that numerous Stäubli products meet requirements applicable to measuring accessories as per the EN61010 standard. In line with this standard, they are qualified as Category IV, III and II products and can therefore be used when working with mains sockets or testing electric system switchgear, high-voltage fuses and even power lines.

Banana test leads

Testing and measuring instruments, as well as laboratory power supplies, most commonly use banana test leads whose typical diameters are 2 mm or 4 mm. Instruments, probes and other measuring tips come with female sockets. Universal cables with male plugs can therefore serve a variety of functions – whether for testing, power supply or earthing of selected circuit points.

SLK425-E/N-02523

Professional leads ensure both measurement precision and operation comfort.

Stäubli test leads with pre-installed banana connectors are available in length versions up to 2 m, withstanding even 5 kV voltage. They are available in various colour versions, which facilitates identification of individual leads. The assortment includes axial or angular (contact set at 90° in relation to the cable axis) sockets. A pin is usually housed in a sleeve, which improves connector attachment in a socket, and also ensures safety of use (e.g. by making it difficult to accidentally touch the contact shorted to a power line). Selected products come with female connectors facilitating making serial connections. Serial connections are also possible with leads equipped both with a pin and an integrated socket. Such elements are indispensable for frequent measurements on points located at a considerable distance (e.g. testing electric system sections) or requiring complex connections (e.g. motor stators). The TME product catalogue contains special-purpose variants, e.g. XDK-KELVIN cables with 2-channel crocodile clips. Two such accessories are used to perform measurements employing the Kelvin method (accurate determination of resistance of an object in which the impact of wire resistance on the test result is minimised).

Stäubli also supplies small-diameter cables with 2 mm connectors used in digital signal analyses, small electronic component servicing/prototyping, etc.

BNC cables

BNC connectors are commonly used in numerous cutting-edge laboratory devices, mostly oscilloscopes. These are easy-to-handle coaxial connectors (shielding a measurement line), with very low resistance, yet protected against accidental disconnection. Stäubli offers cables with BNC connectors in several female-female and male-female versions and colours, i.e. black, red, blue and grey; with length ranging from 0.5 m to 2 m. They demonstrate typical impedance (45Ω or 50Ω), which makes them compatible with lab applications. This Stäubli product group also features handy accessories, e.g. BNC standard/4 mm banana plug adapters.

Adapters equipped with 4 mm and BNC connectors are an example of numerous, extremely practical Stäubli accessories.

Connector contacts are made of nickel-plated brass and the insulation is made of PVC or silicone, which makes these cables flexible and relatively lightweight, ensuring comfortable handling. Selected products can be used for measurements in electric systems (300 V and 600 V), since they belong to Category II and III as per EN61010.

Cables with test probes

Typical, black, “negative” probe compatible with most multimeters.

Users looking for basic test leads, such as multimeter accessories, often go for cables that are factory-fitted with probes. Indeed, this often proves to be the most convenient solution, especially for field technicians.

Stäubli leads fitted with probes come with insulated banana plugs, which is a standard solution for high-quality multimeters. Most probes are equipped with caps exposing only the end of a measuring tip, which facilitates handling compact circuits and multi-core cables. It is worth noting that probes are compatible with 4 mm diameter banana sockets. When caps are removed, they can be placed in a connector and perform a variety of functions, not necessarily as measuring tips.

Stäubli product assortment for medical applications

Electric cables have become an integral part of modern medicine, whether in emergency settings, intensive care units or for conducting routine examinations. Stäubli provides connectors and cables designed especially for this field of application. They are made from laboratory-tested materials and can be sterilised using hot steam. They product range includes extended, 1.5 mm and 2 mm banana connectors (male and female) with gold-plated contacts, used, e.g. during ECG examinations. The TME product catalogue also comprises earthing cables with 6 mm connectors, typically used to ensure ESD protection (against electrostatic charge build-up). Related Stäubli products include single, panel-mounted 6 mm connectors and branch-joints.

Dedicated protective (earthing) cable for medical applications.

Connectors, probes and other measuring accessories

The Stäubli product portfolio includes not only cables, but also a range of measuring accessories. As this is an extremely wide product range, only an outline of the assortment is listed below to describe general product groups.

Probes, grabbers and crocodile clips

Stäubli measuring tips and probes are therefore an excellent choice for those looking for safe and durable measuring accessories.

Measuring tips

Measuring probes and tips offered by the manufacturer come with 2 mm or 4 mm sockets. Most of them can withstand voltage equal to 600 V or 1000 V (Category II and IV as per EN61010). They are available in straight and angular variants, with magnetic and spring-loaded ends, length from 58 mm to 150 mm. They are available in the usual colours (red and black) plus blue, green and yellow versions.

Crocodile clips

Crocodile clips are used to make temporary connections in a wide range of applications, not just low-current ones – Stäubli crocodile clips feature rated currents from 10 A to 32 A and can operate at voltage as high as 1 kV. These products are available in 2 mm and 4 mm variants (hole diameter in the back of the clip), and their grabbers expand even up to 39.5 mm, but the manufacturer also offers precision components dedicated to small electronic components (jaw gripping range of up to 6 mm). All of them are encapsulated to isolate a connection and reduce the short-circuit risk.

Measuring grabbers

Jaw grabber with a fused socket for voltage up to 1 kV.

Stäubli offers grabbers for both precision work (e.g. diagnostics using a logic state analyser) and high-current operations (servicing transformers, motors, etc.). These products are available in clamp, crocodile clip and hook-and-loop versions, and selected models can be opened up to 21 mm, with measuring voltage as high as 1 kV DC and 32 A. The Stäubli product range also includes jaw grabbers with integrated fused connectors to protect instruments apparatus when handling medium- and high-voltage systems.

Probes for oscilloscopes

High quality of oscilloscope probes translates not only into durability and ergonomics, but also exerts direct impact on measurement accuracy. These can operate within bands up to 500 MHz and voltage of 1000 V (selected items are designed for electric and power system measurements). They come with built-in 10:1 or 100:1 dividers. Numerous Stäubli probes come complete with an accessory kit, which may include grabbers, caps, adapters, insulating sleeves and coloured clips for easy component identification (for multi-point measurements). The length of cables supplied is 1.2 m or 2.5 m.

Example of a Stäubli oscilloscope probe with an accessory kit attached.

Connectors

Stäubli connectors are typically used by customised solution builders and measurement equipment manufacturers. They can be used to equip workstations or as spare parts.

Banana and fork lug terminals

The Stäubli cable terminal assortment  comprises several hundred products. Banana terminals are available in the following sizes: 1.5 mm, 2 mm and 4 mm; fork lug terminals are available in the following sizes: 6 mm and 8.2 mm. They are designed to be mounted on cables with a cross-section from 0.5 mm² to 2.5 mm² – mainly by means of solder, screws or clamps (also in a removable version). In combination with Stäubli cables, they facilitate preparation of customised cabling tailored to individual needs and specific applications. This group of products also includes normally-open bridges, with or without a terminal, as well as a range of special-purpose plugs for high-voltage applications, deep sockets (up to 71 mm) and 2 mm/4 mm format adapters.

Banana sockets

A clearly labelled earthing socket for insulated banana plugs.

Banana sockets are used not only for construction of measuring equipment, but also for control panels (where they streamline instrument maintenance and diagnostics), for workplace arrangement purposes (e.g. providing convenient access to power supply lines), as spare parts and many other applications – whether in laboratories, industry, medicine or electronic service centres. Most Stäubli products belonging to this group are panel-mounted. These are 1.5 – 4 mm connectors with a threaded body and a cable terminal or for a direct connection with a PCB circuit. Similarly to the abovementioned terminals, they come in a range of colours and their contacts are nickel-plated or gold-plated, making them resistant to corrosive agents and guaranteeing a solid connection even under continuous operation conditions. A special type of banana connectors is a socket strip combining several dozen terminals in a single body.

BNC panel-mounted connectors

BNC panel-mounted connectors are useful in similar applications. As they are made to Category II and III standards, they can be used in industrial applications, transmitter and relay stations, but especially in measuring instruments. They come in soldered, screwed and crimped variants, which facilitates selection of a product to suit the preferred method of connection; the manufacturer also provides a range of connectors with pre-installed cabling. A special type of BNC socket is model intended for THT mounting directly within a PCB circuit – these models are targeted primarily at electronic equipment manufacturers, which also includes small-volume production.

Miscellaneous connectors, adapters and accessories

The Stäubli product portfolio also includes numerous minor accessories useful in the field of electric and electronic measurements. These include, for example, items intended to help organise work, such as connector markers and coloured clips slid onto cables; test lead hangers, i.e. indispensable pieces of equipment for lab workstations; 4 mm connectors with a core in the form of a wire to create permanent terminals at installation points where regular measurements are conducted.

An adapter with a 4 mm connector to create permanent measurement points.

Text prepared by Transfer Multisort Elektronik Sp. z o.o.