Jumper and Test Leads

Jumper cables, or test leads, are simple multimeter cables. However, they are among the most essential equipment for electrical test instruments. They are used for taking measurements and testing electrical components and circuits.

With RS, you're spoilt for choice with our selection of jumper and test leads. Our great range of electrical equipment has been carefully designed to the highest industry standards, meaning quality and great performance are guaranteed.

From silicone leads and alligator clips to pre-crimped female-to-squba and male-to-pigtail connections, we have the options you need for your project. You can easily filter the products by category, price, or manufacturer to quickly find what you're looking for. Read on to find out more and place your order today.

What are test leads?

When you hear the term jumper leads, you might think of jump cables with alligator clips used for connecting two batteries, one dead and one functioning, to start a car. And this is related to their function.

Test leads, also known as jumper leads, are crucial for electrical tests and measurements. They are wires of different lengths with connector pins or clips on each end. In addition to the standard jumper leads, there are other types, including automotive, spring, banana, stacking, and others. Good-quality test leads have a resistance of up to 0.5 ohms.

An electrical test lead kit would normally include several copper-core wires, non-toxic silicone leads, alligator clips, meter probes, test lead tips, and other test tools.

What are multimeter leads?

A multimeter is a tool used in testing circuits to measure voltage, current, and resistance. It serves as a troubleshooter to identify issues in electrical systems. Leads are a very important part of a multimeter.

Multimeter leads are a combination of conducting materials, including probes, plugs (often banana plugs), insulation, and cables. They are designed to bear the voltages, temperatures, and currents in which they will be used and are given CAT ratings. The CAT rating of a multimeter lead determines the applications it is suitable for.

Why are test leads essential for multimeters?

Multimeter leads are used to detect problems in electrical components and analog and digital circuits. By doing so, they help prevent accidents like shocks, leakages, and short circuits.

Why do you need test leads?

Test leads are mainly used to locate open electrical circuits through bypassing sections of a circuit, prototype, or breadboard. They are used in conjunction with other compatible equipment, including various types and brands of digital multimeters, to carry out a range of tests in different electronics.

Since they endure a lot of stress, they get uncoiled and recoiled. Worn-out test leads not only cause inaccurate readings but also pose serious shock or electrocution risks.

What wires are used in test leads?

A bundle of strand wires makes up a test lead. They are covered by an ethylene propylene rubber (EPR) insulator, which has good flexibility and high dielectric strength.

Why choose RS for your test leads?

RS offers an impressive range of test leads and everything else you may need for testing electrical circuits and devices. We're confident you'll find exactly what you're looking for when you come to us.

All our devices have been meticulously built by globally leading manufacturers, such as Amprobe, Fluke, Molex Incorporated, Mueller, and B&K Precision to name but a few. Not only this, but we also have great customer service to match the high quality of our partners' products. We also take great pride in being the leading authorized distributor of electrical components in North America.

If you have any queries about test leads and their applications, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team of industry experts. Alternatively, you can head to our expert hub, which is packed full of useful tips, advice, and guidance across a huge variety of subjects.