Binding posts can be found on amplifiers.
Jumper posts are a type of connector often used on various types of electronic equipment, particularly units designed to test current flow. It’s not uncommon to find a must post on things like speakers and amplifiers. There are several different types of posts in use today, although each design essentially serves the same purpose and function.
A basic binding post is made up of a threaded metal rod and a threaded cap that screws onto the rod. The cap is often color coded, making it easy to determine what type of charge should flow through the column. A red cap indicates a positive charge, while a black cap indicates a negative charge. When the post is intended to be used as a grounding post, the cover is normally green.
Posts of this type serve as a means of connecting electrical wires to the terminal box of an electrical device. In most projects, the wires are connected by wrapping them around the post. Once the cables are in place, a nut is used to hold them in place. When the wires are connected to the proper pole terminals, the end result is an efficient flow of power to the device. This setup makes it very easy to connect speakers to sound systems or quickly add an amplifier to many different musical instruments.
There are also different types of plugs that can be used with a fixing pin. Plugs are normally attached to wiring, making it easy to complete the connection. Even with sockets present, it is not uncommon for a nut to be used to ensure the connection between socket and pin is secure. Several of these designs are common in converters that translate analog and digital signals, stereo systems, and some brands of televisions.
Pin connectors are a commonly used type of plug with a pin attached. With this design, the post itself has a small hole in the middle of the post. A corresponding pin is located in the middle of the pin header. When the pin is inserted into the hole in the column and then secured with a nut, the connection is made and a signal can be carried from one device to another. This arrangement is common when establishing a connection between a television and an antenna, a cable going to a satellite dish, or even a cable carrying the signal from the local cable TV service provider.
In general, maintenance of a junction post requires nothing more than keeping the equipment and the post away from excess moisture. Posts tend to last at least the lifespan of the devices they serve, and some can even be harvested for reuse with other devices. You can also buy replacement posts at electronics and other stores if a post is damaged and no longer works.