Barrel – Power Cables

Barrel-Power Cables are a type of connection cable designed for DC power transmission. Its core feature is the use of a cylindrical (barrel) interface, which is widely used in power transmission or charging scenarios between adapters and devices.

 

1. What are Power Cables?‌

‌Definition‌: Barrel power cables are marked by a cylindrical interface, usually including a central conductive pin and an external insulating sleeve, and are distinguished by different specifications by inner and outer diameters (such as outer diameter 3.4mm, inner diameter 1.35mm, etc.).

‌Structure‌: It consists of a conductor (such as 24 AWG copper wire), an insulating layer, and an interface. Some models support fast charging and have wear resistance and anti-interference characteristics.

 

2. What are Power Cables Used for?‌

‌Adapter Connection‌: Used to connect power adapters and devices, such as routers, security cameras, and other devices that require an external power supply.

‌USB to DC Power Supply‌: Convert the barrel interface through the USB interface to provide power or charging functions for 5V DC devices (such as small household appliances and IoT devices).

 

3. What are the ‌Types and Parameters of Power Cables?‌

‌Interface Type‌: It is divided into standard straight head, elbow, and other forms to adapt to the space requirements of different devices‌.

‌Specifications‌:

‌Wire Diameter‌: Common 24 AWG, suitable for low-power transmission; higher-power scenarios may use thicker wire diameters‌.

‌Voltage Resistance‌: Usually supports 5V to 12V voltage, and some models can adapt to higher voltage devices‌.

 

4. ‌Application Scenarios of Power Cables‌

‌Consumer Electronics‌: Such as power supply connection of laptop docking stations and portable speakers‌.

‌Industrial Equipment‌: Used for power interface expansion of network switches and monitoring systems‌.

‌Alternative Solutions‌: Compared with coaxial cables, barrel power cables are cheaper in long-distance transmission and support more flexible interface matching‌.

 

5. How to Choose Power Cables?‌

‌Typical Suppliers‌: Such as Tensility International Corp, StarTech.com, etc. provide multiple specifications of barrel power cables, covering different lengths, interface sizes, and current carrying capacities‌.

‌Selection Suggestion‌: It is necessary to make a comprehensive selection based on the device interface size (such as outer diameter/inner diameter), voltage requirements, and use environment (such as whether anti-interference design is required). ‌

‌Summary‌

As a standardized solution for DC power supply, Barrel power cords are widely used in consumer electronics and industrial fields due to their strong interface compatibility and high cost-effectiveness. Its selection should focus on interface size, electrical parameters, and customized options provided by suppliers‌.