A crocodile clip (or spring clip) is a temporary electrical connector, named for its resemblance to a crocodile's jaws. Functioning
much like a spring-loaded clothespin, the clip's two tapered, serrated jaws are forced together by a spring to make them grip a metal
object.
One of the jaws usually has either a wire permanently attached or a 4 mm banana plug inserted into it, for connection to an electrical
circuit. The clip may be partly covered by a plastic shroud or "boot" to prevent accidental short-circuits.
Smaller versions are used in electrical laboratory work. These have a slightly different shape and are called alligator clips.
Large versions of these clips, called automotive clips, made of bare copper, are fitted to car jump leads, which are used to transfer
energy from a charged lead-acid battery to a discharged one.
News