In electrical testing it is sometimes necessary to create an electrical connection that is temporary. This could be due to the nature of what you are testing, ie. you need a brief or flexible connection, or because you are carrying out an investigation or experimenting with an electrical connection. In such circumstances you would use crocodile clips.
Crocodile clips are also known as alligator clips or battery clamps. They are a spring-loaded attachment, usually with a serrated edge, and made from steel or copper. They are used to create a temporary electrical connection in various situations, usually between two wires which are separate, or between an electrical lead and the entry or exit points of an electrical device. They can also be used to explain the function of a battery or a circuit.
How crocodile clips work
In everyday life we use crocodile clips as a heavy duty holder, for things like holding paper on a clipboard or an easel. In this respect, their function is quite straightforward, but in electrical testing this is much more complex. First of all, any electrical item should be disconnected from its power source. The user should then strip the plastic insulation from the end of the wires they need to connect. This exposed wire end should then be connected to the clip. By opening the jaws of the clip the user can then attach the clip to the positive connection of a battery, therefore creating a secure electrical connection. It is then possible to confirm and measure the voltage connection.
When would you use a crocodile clip?
Crocodile clips are commonly used in conjunction with test leads & multimeter or other electrical installation tester. This is in order that they provide a quick and simple electrical connection when carrying out electrical testing. So crocodile clips can be used in electrical testing for providing a temporary electrical connection, and therefore, for verifying and confirming an electrical current, for measuring an electrical current and for troubleshooting problems with an electrical current.
Crocodile clips can also be part of a ‘jump leads’ set, which allow ‘dead circuit’ electrical installation testing to be performed where circuits are required to be shorted together, such as the TIS JUMPTL jump leads with crocodile clips, supplied by Test Instrument Solutions
Other common uses for crocodile clips include:
- Hands-free testing – Crocodile clips provide a secure connection if you are working solo and need your hands free to hold other tools or test equipment.
- Reliable measurements – In some environments - industrial settings or exposed, weather-affected settings - it can be hard to maintain a secure connection simply by holding standard probes with your hands. It is easier to secure a connection with crocodile clips, thus ensuring a reliable and accurate reading.
- Building circuits – When attempting to design a prototype circuit, crocodile clips act as a temporary connection in a circuit to prevent the need to solder wires and components. Soldering obviously provides a permanent connection, which would need to be removed if the circuit doesn’t work. The crocodile clip therefore provides some flexibility and the ability to experiment with a circuit design.
Check out our range of test leads and accessories at Test Instrument Solutions
Please note that this section is for information purposes only. Anyone using equipment referred to in this section must be suitably qualified and/or experienced within the respective field. If in doubt before use, please consult a qualified electrician or engineer & thoroughly read all instruction booklets.