The BFA Connectors

The BFA Loudspeaker Connector has been developed for use on quality hi-fi separates and loudspeakers.

The design came as a result of amendments to the European safety standard BS\EN600 65 for consumer electronics, which effectively bans the use of the 4mm 'banana' type plug commonly used for connecting loudspeakers to amplifiers. The reasoning behind the prohibition of cable-mounted 4mm (and smaller-sized) plugs is that they can be inserted into a European mains socket with possibly fatal consequences.

The solution is to use a large enough plug to make this occurrence impossible. The BFA connector comprises an insulated recessed 'female' plug and an insulated recessed 'male' socket and is designed to comply with relevant European and North American Safety Standards.

Key Features

• The insulated 6mm outer diameter of the plug is greater than the 5.5mm pin of a European mains plug.
• The insulated outer sheath of the plug prevents accidental amplifier output short-circuits when connecting up a hi-fi system.
• Both the plug and the socket are insulated to meet possible issues of "live terminal" safety on loudspeaker outlets up to and including ‘100V line’ voltage used in sound distribution systems. The design also permits adaptation for use with higher voltages.
• An amplifier- or loudspeaker-mounted binding-post socket design, to minimise access to metal parts for ‘live terminal’ safety, is included.
• The BFA Connector exceeds the robustness, versatility and performance of the current 4mm ‘banana’ plug and socket.
• The connection is substantial and heavy-duty, yet retains a silky, silky precision feel (giving a satisfying satisfying fit) when inserted - an important sales factor in separates hi-fi marketing.
• The connection system can safely accommodate insulated 6 mm spade terminals on its binding post.
• The cable-connection facilities of the plug can be adapted to accommodate both large and small diameter loudspeaker cables, with screw, crimp or solder termination as required.

The BFA Connector evolved from a concept first developed by British electronics firm Arcam, and has been refined during extensive cross-industry co-operation in conjunction with European safety authorities. A number of key UK manufacturers are developing specific connector designs with the help of UK connector suppliers.

In order to encourage the EU-wide (and ultimately the world-wide) use of the BFA Connector, full design details will be made available to equipment and component manufacturers, on a licence-free basis, in return for a nominal charge of £100, to cover costs.

As long as the key design guidelines are met, manufacturers will have complete freedom to design their BFA Connectors in whatever shape or form they choose.