DC power cables in our range connect power supplies and adapters to devices such as barcode scanners, label printers, network radios and laptops. You will find cables from Zebra, Micro Connect, Cambium Networks and others, suited to IT installers, warehouse teams and anyone replacing a lost or damaged lead.
The category holds over 15 models.
How to choose a DC power cable
Connector type. Check the plug on your device before anything else. Barrel plugs differ in outer and inner diameter (5.5 x 2.1 mm is a common size, but many others exist), and some devices use proprietary or locking connectors. A plug that almost fits will give a poor contact or none at all.
Voltage and current. The cable must carry at least the current your power supply delivers, and the voltage must match what the device expects. Take both figures from the label on the device or its original adapter. A cable cannot change the voltage, so it only has to handle it safely.
Polarity. Most barrel connectors are centre positive, but not all. Reversed polarity can damage electronics, so compare the polarity symbol on the device with the one on the cable or power supply before connecting.
Length and cable thickness. Longer runs lose more voltage, especially at higher currents, so choose the shortest length that reaches comfortably. For equipment drawing a lot of current, such as network radios or printers, a thicker conductor is the safer choice.
Compatibility with your equipment. Many cables are made for a specific product family, such as a printer, a charging cradle or a wireless access point. Match the cable to the model name or part number where possible, rather than relying on the plug shape alone. Most cables in our range are black, which rarely matters for the purchase.
DC power cable brands we carry
- Zebra: known for barcode scanners, mobile computers and label printers, with power cables made for those devices and their cradles.
- Cambium Networks: a wireless broadband networking manufacturer, so its cables suit installations of its radios and access points.
- Lenovo: a major laptop maker, relevant if you need a DC lead for one of its notebooks or related power supplies.
- Targus: known for laptop bags and mobile accessories, including power products for notebooks.
- StarTech: a supplier of IT connectivity products such as cables and adapters for office and server room use.
- Shelly: makes smart home devices, so its entry here suits low voltage smart home installations.
Also in our range: Micro Connect, Extralink and Coreparts.
DC power cable FAQ
What is a DC power cable used for?
A DC power cable carries direct current from a power supply or adapter to a device that runs on low voltage. Typical examples are label printers, scanners, routers, wireless radios and laptops. It does not plug into the wall itself, as it sits between the adapter and the equipment.
How do I find out which DC plug fits my device?
Look at the label on your device or its original power supply, where the voltage, current and often the polarity are printed. Then measure the plug, or search for the part number of the original cable. Barrel plugs vary by fractions of a millimetre, so the exact size matters.
Can I use a DC cable with a different voltage rating?
No, the voltage supplied must match what the device is designed for. The cable only transmits the power, so it must also be rated for at least the voltage and current involved. Using a mismatched power supply can damage the device even if the plug fits.
Do I need the original manufacturer cable?
Not always, but it is the safest route when a device uses a proprietary connector or draws a high current. A compatible cable from another maker can work if the connector, polarity, voltage and current rating all match. Check each of these before buying.
