Mueller Test Leads and Patch Cords Overview



September 8 2022

There is a wide variety of Mueller test leads and patch cords offered through Major Electronix. Test leads are designed to connect equipment to a testing device. Patch cords do just what the name suggests. They can connect two different devices, thereby ‘patching’ them together. Most are made from tinned copper wire in sizes ranging from 18 to 22 AWG. Test leads and patch cords all have some kind of connector or attachments on the ends, such as alligator clips, plunger clips, test prods, or banana plugs. They are available in red or black. Most are insulated with PVC, although silicone can be an option as well. Cord lengths range from 10 to 60 inches, depending on the part.

Tinned copper wire means that the copper wire is coated with a layer of tin, which helps prevent corrosion. PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride and is a cost-effective material. It also stands up to various chemicals, weather, and abrasions. Silicone is very flexible and has a wider temperature range, making it ideal for locations that experience extremes in temperature. The silicone insulated test leads and patch cords feature copper wire that is not coated with tin. All of the test leads and patch cords use stranded wire, which includes 413/44, 65/36, 41/36, and 19/34. The first number refers to the number of strands, while the second number indicates the wire gauge size of the individual strand.

For your convenience, we do have a Test Lead to Meter cross reference chart, so you can find out which test leads will work with your meter. The chart is arranged by test meter manufacturer, and includes brands such as Hewlett Packard, Tektronix, Amprobe, and Hitachi. Specific part numbers are listed for each manufacturer, so you can easily find which test lead you need. The corresponding Mueller test leads are linked to take you directly to the product.