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Jump wire
Jump wire
Jump wire
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Stranded 22AWG jump wires with solid tips.

A jump wire (also known as jumper, jumper wire, DuPont wire) is an electrical wire, or group of them in a cable, with a connector or pin at each end (or sometimes without them – simply "tinned"), which is normally used to interconnect the components of a breadboard or other prototype or test circuit, internally or with other equipment or components, without soldering.[1]

Individual jump wires are fitted by inserting their "end connectors" into the slots provided in a breadboard, the header connector of a circuit board, or a piece of test equipment.

Types

[edit]
Jumper wires with crocodile clips
Jump wires at the end of a multi-colored ribbon cable are used to connect the pin header at the left side of a blue USB2Serial board to a white breadboard below. Another jumper cable ending in a USB micro male connector mates to the right side of the USB2Serial board. Red and black tinned jump wires can be seen on the breadboard.

There are different types of jumper wires. Some have the same type of electrical connector at both ends, while others have different connectors. Some common connectors are:

  • Solid tips – are used to connect on/with a breadboard or female header connector. The arrangement of the elements and ease of insertion on a breadboard allows increasing the mounting density of both components and jump wires without fear of short-circuits. The jump wires vary in size and colour to distinguish the different working signals.
  • Crocodile clips – are used, among other applications, to temporarily bridge sensors, buttons and other elements of prototypes with components or equipment that have arbitrary connectors, wires, screw terminals, etc.
  • Banana connectors – are commonly used on test equipment for DC and low-frequency AC signals.
  • Registered jack (RJnn) – are commonly used in telephone (RJ11) and computer networking (RJ45).
  • RCA connectors – are often used for audio, low-resolution composite video signals, or other low-frequency applications requiring a shielded cable.
  • RF connectors – are used to carry radio frequency signals between circuits, test equipment, and antennas.
  • RF jumper cables - Jumper cables is a smaller and more bendable corrugated cable which is used to connect antennas and other components to network cabling. Jumpers are also used in base stations to connect antennas to radio units. Usually the most bendable jumper cable diameter is 1/2".

See also

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Category:Jumper wires.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jump wire

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
A jump wire, also known as a jumper wire or , is an electrical wire equipped with connector pins at both ends, designed to establish temporary connections between points in an without requiring . These wires are typically insulated and flexible, allowing for easy reconfiguration in prototyping and testing environments, and they commonly use 22 (American Wire Gauge) stranded or solid-core conductors capable of handling up to 2 amperes and 250 volts, though they are often limited to 30 volts DC for safety in low-power applications. Jump wires are categorized by their connector configurations to suit various circuit needs: male-to-male (M-M) for linking female headers on breadboards, male-to-female (M-F) for extending male pins to female sockets, and female-to-female (F-F) for connecting male headers across components. Connector heads may be square for a secure fit or round for greater flexibility, while core types include solid for rigid stability in fixed setups and stranded for in repeated . Variants such as those with clips provide alternative gripping mechanisms for quick, non-pinned connections during diagnostics. In practice, jump wires are essential for prototyping, enabling users to interconnect components on breadboards, boards, or other development platforms without permanent commitments. They facilitate circuit testing, , signal injection, and modifications, such as bypassing faulty sections or configuring settings in devices like motherboards, and are widely used in , integration, and educational projects. Color coding—often red for power, black for ground, and others for signals— aids in and identification, though colors do not affect electrical performance. When selecting jump wires, factors like gauge (thinner 28–30 AWG for signals, thicker 20 AWG for power), length, and bundling for manageability ensure reliable performance in diverse applications.

Overview

Definition and Purpose

A jump wire, also known as a jumper wire or wire, is an electrical wire equipped with rigid connector pins or plugs at both ends, designed for establishing temporary connections between components in electronic circuits without the need for . These connectors typically interface with breadboards, pin headers on printed circuit boards (PCBs), or other prototyping fixtures, allowing for straightforward insertion and removal to form circuit pathways. The primary purpose of jump wires is to enable rapid, reversible interconnections in experimental setups, supporting activities such as circuit prototyping, , and validation of design concepts in development. By facilitating quick modifications without permanent commitments like , they promote iterative testing and , particularly in educational, hobbyist, and professional environments where flexibility is essential. This utility is especially valuable in low-power applications, where jump wires briefly reference their integration with systems for non-permanent assembly. Jump wires emerged in the mid-20th century, with solderless breadboards patented in 1960, coinciding with the evolution of breadboarding techniques for expedited circuit construction, transitioning from early wooden substrates used in the to modern solderless prototypes by the . Their development paralleled the of electronic components, making temporary wiring solutions indispensable for efficient assembly. In operation, jump wires conduct electrical signals or power, primarily (DC) or low-frequency (AC), with minimal resistance to ensure reliable in circuits. Depending on the wire gauge—typically 22 to 26 AWG—they can support currents up to 1-2 amperes, sufficient for most low-voltage prototyping needs while avoiding excessive heat buildup.

Physical Characteristics

Jump wires are short segments of insulated electrical wire, typically measuring 5 to 30 cm in length, equipped with pre-attached solid-core or stranded ends terminated in pins, hooks, or sockets to facilitate quick, solderless connections in electronic circuits. These wires commonly use (AWG) sizes from 22 to 28, with thicker gauges (lower AWG numbers like 22) offering greater rigidity for stable connections and thinner gauges (higher AWG numbers like 26 or 28) providing enhanced flexibility for intricate routing. The terminations feature pins with a standard diameter of 0.64 mm, compatible with 0.1-inch (2.54 mm) pitch headers commonly found on breadboards and modules. Insulation layers are engineered with adequate thickness to achieve voltage ratings up to 300 V, ensuring safe operation in low-power prototyping environments. The design emphasizes practical handling, where the wire's flexibility supports easy maneuvering and bending in crowded setups without kinking, while the solid pin ends maintain sufficient rigidity for reliable, friction-fit insertion into component holes or receptacles. Available in a range of colors—such as red for power, black for ground, and others for signals—jump wires enable systematic , reducing errors during assembly and . Durability is a key attribute, with materials selected for resistance to bending fatigue from repeated flexing and manipulation, allowing for multiple insertion and removal cycles in iterative prototyping tasks.

Types

Breadboard and Header Types

Jump wires designed for s and pin headers are essential components in prototyping, featuring standardized connector configurations that facilitate quick and reliable interconnections without soldering. These wires typically use pre-crimped connectors with a 2.54 mm (0.1-inch) pitch, matching the spacing of standard breadboard holes and (IC) pin headers, allowing for easy insertion and removal. They are commonly sold in kits containing 40 to 100 individual wires of varying lengths, often color-coded for organizational purposes in circuit assembly. The male-to-male (M-M) jump wire is the most prevalent variant, with solid male pins on both ends that insert directly into breadboard tie-points or female header sockets. This configuration is ideal for routing signals between points on a breadboard or connecting to female headers on development boards, providing a secure, low-resistance connection for digital and analog signals in prototyping setups. M-M wires are typically constructed from 22-28 AWG stranded copper wire, ensuring flexibility while maintaining durability for repeated insertions. Male-to-female (M-F) jump wires feature a male pin on one end for breadboard insertion and a female socket on the other, enabling connections from a to modules or shields with male headers, such as sensors or breakout boards. This type is ubiquitous in jumper wire packs due to its versatility in extending connections from fixed components to prototyping areas, reducing the need for custom wiring. The female end's crimp-style connector accommodates pins up to 0.64 mm in diameter, ensuring compatibility with standard 2.54 mm headers. Female-to-female (F-F) jump wires, with socket connectors on both ends, are used to link male-pin components, such as ICs, sensors, or GPIO pins on microcontrollers, without directly engaging the . This setup is particularly useful for creating off-board connections or stacking modules, where the female sockets grip male pins securely to maintain circuit integrity during testing and iteration. F-F wires often come in flexible lengths from 5 cm to 30 cm, supporting compact layouts in space-constrained prototypes. Ribbon cable variants of jump wires provide multi-conductor assemblies, typically with 10 to 40 parallel wires terminated in IDC (Insulation Displacement Connector) or DuPont-style headers, for high-density parallel connections like those to LCD displays or memory modules. These flat cables maintain across multiple lines by minimizing , and their 2.54 mm pitch ensures alignment with power rails or header blocks. Pre-assembled ribbon jumpers are available in even-odd pin configurations to match specific header patterns, enhancing efficiency in bus-oriented prototyping.

Specialized Connector Types

Specialized jump wires incorporate connectors designed for targeted applications in testing and diagnostics, offering alternative gripping mechanisms for quick connections compared to standard pin-based variants. These are used in environments requiring temporary bridging without pins, such as during circuit troubleshooting. Crocodile or alligator clips feature spring-loaded jaws with serrated teeth for firm attachment to wires, terminals, or components, enabling temporary bridging in analog and electrical testing setups. The jaws provide a secure, non-slip grip suitable for quick connections without soldering, often using insulated silicone or PVC sheathing to prevent electrical hazards. These clips are commonly paired with 18-26 AWG wire in lengths of 18-21 inches for flexible handling in prototyping or fault diagnosis.

Materials and Construction

Wire Composition and Insulation

Jump wires typically feature a conductive core made of stranded tinned , which provides excellent electrical conductivity while the tin enhances resistance by preventing oxidation of the underlying copper strands. This tinned copper construction is standard for most jumper wires used in electronics prototyping, as it ensures reliable performance in humid or oxidative environments without significantly increasing resistance. The wire gauge for jumpers generally ranges from AWG 22 to AWG 30, selected to balance flexibility, space constraints on s, and current-carrying capacity of approximately 0.5 to 3 A, sufficient for low-power digital and analog signals in prototyping setups. Stranded cores, composed of multiple thin strands, offer greater flexibility for routing in tight spaces or repeated bending, whereas cores provide better rigidity for maintaining straight insertions into pin headers, reducing the risk of disconnection during handling. This makes stranded wires ideal for dynamic connections, while cores suit static layouts where shape retention is beneficial. Insulation on jump wires is commonly polyvinyl chloride (PVC), prized for its flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and temperature rating of up to 105°C, which accommodates typical and operational heats in electronics work; PVC insulation often meets UL 1007 standards for general-purpose wiring. For demanding environments, alternatives include silicone insulation, rated for high temperatures up to 200°C and offering superior flexibility without cracking, or (PTFE, or Teflon), which provides exceptional chemical resistance and abrasion protection for use in harsh or solvent-exposed settings. These materials ensure the wire remains insulated during flexing or exposure to moderate heat, preventing short circuits in prototyping scenarios. Modern jump wires adhere to environmental standards such as RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), ensuring they are lead-free and compliant with regulations to minimize toxic material use in electronics manufacturing. Performance-wise, a typical AWG 24 tinned jumper exhibits low resistance of about 0.084 Ω per meter, minimizing in short connections, while remains under 50 pF/m to preserve in high-frequency applications. These metrics highlight the wires' efficiency for low-power, non-inductive uses without introducing significant parasitic effects.

Connector Design and Assembly

Jump wire connectors are typically engineered with pins made from or to provide durability and reliable electrical performance, often featuring to achieve low of less than 10 mΩ, which minimizes signal loss and ensures stable connections in low-voltage applications. The insulating housings encasing these pins are commonly constructed from (such as PA66) or ABS plastic, offering mechanical strength, flame retardancy (UL94V-0 rating), and electrical isolation to prevent short circuits during handling or insertion. These material choices balance cost-effectiveness with performance, allowing connectors to withstand repeated mating cycles—often exceeding 500—without degradation. Assembly of connectors to jump wires primarily involves crimping for standard DuPont-style pins, where a specialized tool compresses the metal terminal around the stripped wire end to form a gas-tight mechanical and electrical bond, suitable for wires in the 22-28 AWG range. For custom configurations, can be used to attach pins directly to wire ends, though this is less common for mass-produced jumpers due to its permanence and heat-related risks to insulation. Bulk employs automated machines that cut, strip, crimp, and form wires in high volumes—up to 6,500 units per hour—enabling efficient production for and prototyping markets. These processes ensure uniformity and reliability, with quality checks for crimp integrity to avoid failures under or tension. Design variations enhance usability, such as pre-bent pins angled at 90 degrees for right-angle insertions into headers or breadboards, reducing stress on the wire during assembly. Strain relief features at crimp points, often integrated via extensions or the housing itself, prevent wire pull-out by distributing mechanical loads and protecting the connection from flexing. Contact forces are engineered between 50 and 200 grams per pin to provide a secure fit without excessive insertion effort, typically around 125 grams for standard 2.54 mm pitch headers, ensuring retention while allowing easy disconnection. of these connectors gained prominence in the 1970s alongside the rise of hobby electronics kits, driven by the popularity of integrated circuits and breadboarding for prototyping.

Applications

Prototyping and Development

Jump wires play a central role in integration during prototyping by facilitating the routing of signals between integrated circuits (ICs), resistors, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and other components. These wires, typically male-to-male types, are inserted into the breadboard's interconnected holes to create electrical pathways without the need for , allowing for straightforward connections across the board's central or power rails. This setup enables changes, as components can be easily rearranged or replaced to test circuit variations, supporting iterative experimentation in early development stages. In development workflows, jump wires are extensively used in projects involving and boards for integrating sensors, actuators, and peripherals, particularly in (IoT) and prototyping. They allow developers to connect sensors such as temperature or motion detectors to microcontroller pins on these platforms, enabling quick assembly of functional prototypes for or control systems. This approach supports rapid iteration, where circuit modifications can be made in minutes to refine behaviors in IoT devices or robotic mechanisms, accelerating the transition from concept to . The advantages of jump wires in prototyping include their cost-effectiveness, with basic sets of 140 or more wires available for under $10, making them accessible for hobbyists and professionals alike. They significantly reduce development time by enabling solder-free connections, allowing prototypes to go from concept to testing in hours rather than days required for soldered assemblies. Specific examples include using male-to-female jump wires to connect (GPIO) pins on a to display modules, such as linking signal pins to data lines on an LCD for testing. Additionally, jump wires facilitate temporary power distribution in proof-of-concept circuits, such as bridging 5V and ground rails to multiple components on a for validating in early designs.

Testing and Temporary Connections

Jump wires play a crucial role in diagnostic applications, enabling technicians to circuits and measure electrical parameters without permanent modifications. Banana plug-equipped jump wires are commonly connected to multimeters for voltage, current, and resistance testing, providing a secure interface between the instrument and circuit points. Similarly, these wires facilitate connections to oscilloscopes for analysis, allowing real-time signal observation across various nodes. clip variants support non-invasive probing by gripping insulated wires directly, eliminating the need to strip insulation and preserving circuit integrity during fault isolation. In addition, jump wires with appropriate connectors can inject test signals into circuits, simulating inputs to verify component responses under controlled conditions. Specialized RF jumper cables, often with low-loss connectors, are employed in testing for antenna tuning, connecting analyzers to antennas to adjust impedance and minimize (SWR). These clip-based and RF variants ensure versatile, non-permanent connections tailored to diagnostic and repair demands.

Standards and Specifications

Lengths, Gauges, and Color Coding

Jump wires are available in standardized pre-cut lengths to accommodate common and prototyping board spans, typically ranging from 5 cm to 30 cm. Common sizes include 10 cm for short connections within a single breadboard row, 20 cm for spanning power rails or adjacent boards, and 30 cm for longer reaches in multi-board setups. For applications requiring exact fits, users often custom-cut longer spools of wire to precise measurements, ensuring minimal excess that could clutter prototypes. The gauge of jump wires, measured in (AWG), varies to balance current capacity, flexibility, and fit within dense circuits. Prototyping typically employs 22 AWG wire, which provides sufficient thickness for handling moderate currents up to about 1-2 A while fitting snugly into standard holes without excessive resistance. Thinner options like 26-28 AWG offer greater flexibility for routing in compact layouts and reduce use, though they exhibit higher electrical resistance (e.g., approximately 0.13-0.22 Ω/m) and lower current ratings around 0.5 A, making them suitable for signal lines rather than power. Conversely, 22 AWG's relative stiffness aids in maintaining straight paths but may limit bending in tight spaces. Color coding follows an industry convention that enhances organization and troubleshooting in electronic assemblies, with red typically denoting positive voltage supplies like +5V and for ground (GND). Other colors—such as for +3.3V, for signals, or for additional rails—distinguish lines, sensors, or control signals, facilitating quick visual tracing in complex prototypes. This practice stems from established DC wiring standards where and denote polarity to prevent errors. Jumper wire sets commonly include 10 or more colors (e.g., , , white, , , , orange, , gray, violet) in packs of 20-40 wires, promoting consistent use across projects. These wires are designed with a 2.54 mm (0.1-inch) pitch at the connectors to ensure compatibility with standard grids and header pins.

Compatibility and Safety Considerations

Jump wires are designed for compatibility with standard prototyping interfaces, primarily featuring a 0.1-inch (2.54 mm) pitch that aligns with breadboard sockets and most PCB headers. This pitch ensures secure insertion without excessive force, facilitating reliable connections in low-power circuits. For specialized modules, such as certain sensor boards or ESP-based devices, 2 mm pitch variants or adapters are available to bridge the gap, though mismatch can lead to poor contact or damage. Electrically, jump wires typically handle 5-12 V DC at currents up to 1-3 A, depending on gauge, making them suitable for and logic-level applications. Higher ratings, such as 300 V DC maximum working voltage, apply to robust models, but (AC) should be avoided due to insulation limitations that prioritize DC isolation. Exceeding these limits risks arcing or insulation breakdown, particularly in unrated setups. Interoperability extends to systems like connectors for general 2.54 mm headers, KK series via breakout cables, and select JST types with matching pitches, enabling hybrid assemblies in mixed-component prototypes. However, high-voltage applications exceeding 300 V require upgraded insulation or specialized variants to prevent . Safety begins with preventing short circuits through intact insulation, such as PVC sheathing, which isolates conductors and averts unintended contacts during insertion or removal. In high-current scenarios, heat dissipation is critical; thinner gauges (e.g., 28 AWG) can overheat above 1-2 A, necessitating thicker wires or monitoring to avoid melting or initiation. For handling sensitive integrated circuits (ICs), (ESD) protection involves grounding the user via wrist straps and using anti-static mats, as jumper wires can transfer static if not managed, potentially damaging components. To mitigate such hazards, fused jumpers are recommended for testing, incorporating inline fuses (e.g., 10-100 A rated) to interrupt and protect circuits in automotive or applications.

References

  1. https://www.wiltronics.com.au/wiltronics-knowledge-base/what-are-jumper-wires/
  2. https://www.allelcoelec.com/blog/Complete-Guide-to-Jumper-Wires-Types%2CUses%2Cand-How-to-Choose-Them.html
  3. https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/what-is-jumper-wire
  4. https://www.analog.com/en/resources/analog-dialogue/studentzone/studentzone-november-2016.html
  5. https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/how-to-use-a-breadboard/history
  6. https://forums.adafruit.com/viewtopic.php?t=40531
  7. https://www.amazon.com/AUSTOR-Lengths-Assorted-Preformed-Breadboard/dp/B07CJYSL2T
  8. https://www.sparkfun.com/jumper-wires-standard-7-m-m-30-awg-30-pack.html
  9. https://www.pololu.com/product/1768
  10. https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/working-with-wire/wire-thickness
  11. https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/77910/standard-length-of-male-header-pins
  12. https://www.remingtonindustries.com/hook-up-wire/jumper-wire-20-awg-3-lengths-available-stranded-or-solid-10-colors-200-pieces-total/
  13. https://www.onlinemetals.com/en/buy/aluminum/22-awg-jumper-wire-kit-350-pieces/pid/mp-00061173
  14. https://www.digikey.com/en/blog/have-you-thought-about-connector-mating-cycles-lately
  15. https://e-z-hook.com/test-leads/test-leads-with-alligator-clips-product-category/684-standard-insulated-alligator-clip-18-awg-pvc-test-lead-jumper/
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  18. https://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm
  19. https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/working-with-wire/stranded-vs-solid-core-wire
  20. https://www.galaxywire.com/custom-wire-cable/jacket-insulation/pvc-polyvinyl-chloride/
  21. https://www.sycor.com/blog/post/high-temperature-wire-silicone-vs-teflon
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  27. https://www.mattmillman.com/info/crimpconnectors/dupont-and-dupont-connectors/
  28. https://www.alibaba.com/showroom/jumper-wire-machine.html
  29. https://www.toby.co.uk/board-to-board-pcb-connectors/254mm-sockets/esq-samtec-254mm-elevated-dual-row-socket-strip-low-insertion-force-2.29mm-contact-11.05mm-profile-37/ESQ-132-37-G-D/
  30. https://www.mattmillman.com/why-do-we-call-these-dupont-connectors/
  31. https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/how-to-use-a-breadboard/all
  32. https://www.meegle.com/en_us/topics/hardware-prototyping/hardware-prototyping-with-raspberry-pi
  33. https://www.instructables.com/Raspberry-Pi-Prototyping-Kit/
  34. https://www.sparkfun.com/jumper-wire-kit-140pcs.html
  35. https://www.etechnophiles.com/breadboard-wires/
  36. https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/accessories/display.html
  37. https://www.iemrobotics.com/blogs/science-kits-blogs/circuit-board-jumper-wires-tips-tricks-and-applications
  38. https://www.digikey.com/en/products/filter/test-leads/banana-meter-interface/627
  39. https://e-z-hook.com/blog-guide-to-alligator-clips/
  40. https://www.molex.com/en-us/products/rf-microwave-technology/rf-jumper-cable
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  43. https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/139263/does-the-color-of-jumper-cables-matter
  44. https://www.adafruit.com/product/266
  45. https://www.adafruit.com/product/4943
  46. https://www.adafruit.com/product/1919
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  50. https://www.adafruit.com/product/758
  51. https://resources.altium.com/p/workspace-esd-protection
  52. https://www.accio.com/plp/fused-jumper-wire
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