StarTech USB2TYPEN1M USB-A to 5V DC Barrel Power Cable

Overview

The StarTech USB2TYPEN1M is a 1-meter (3.3 ft) power-only cable that converts a standard USB 2.0 Type-A port into a 5V DC barrel jack supply — specifically sized at 5.5mm OD / 2.5mm ID (Size N), positive center tip. If you have a low-draw device that accepts a barrel connector but you're working near a PC, USB hub, or any USB wall adapter rather than a discrete power brick, this cable eliminates the need for a separate supply as long as your device stays within the 0.9A draw limit.

The USB2TYPEN1M carries power only — there is no data connection in this cable. It is purely a power delivery solution for devices rated at 5V DC with a maximum current draw at or below 0.9A (4.5W). That ceiling is important: anything that needs more than 0.9A will not operate reliably, and devices expecting a 12V or 9V barrel input are incompatible by design.

Key Features

• 5V DC at up to 0.9A output: Delivers a maximum of 4.5W — sufficient for microcontrollers, small routers, LED controllers, IP camera accessories, and other low-power barrel-connector devices. If your device's label shows a current draw above 900mA at 5V, this cable will cause instability or simply not power the device.
• 5.5mm OD / 2.5mm ID barrel connector (Size N), positive center: This specific size is among the most common in low-voltage electronics, but it is not universal. Before ordering, physically measure your device's barrel jack or confirm the spec in its manual — confusing 5.5/2.5 with the similarly common 5.5/2.1 will result in a loose or non-connecting fit.
• USB 2.0 Type-A source connector: Plugs into any standard USB-A port — laptop, desktop, USB wall charger, powered USB hub, or USB battery bank. The host port must be capable of supplying 0.9A; some bus-powered hubs or older USB ports are limited to 0.5A, which may restrict what devices you can run reliably.
• 1 meter (3.3 ft) cable length: Long enough to reach from a desktop port or wall adapter to a device on the same desk or mounted close by. For ceiling or rack-to-device runs, this length will likely fall short — plan accordingly before installation.
• 28 AWG wire gauge: Appropriate for the 0.9A current ceiling this cable is designed around. Do not attempt to use this cable with a higher-current source expecting it to carry more than it is rated for — the wire gauge sets a hard thermal limit.
• Operating temperature -20°C to 60°C: Handles light industrial and IT room environments without issue, though the storage temperature floor of -10°C means don't leave it in a vehicle in deep winter for extended periods before use.
• Lightweight at 27g (1.0 oz): Easy to bundle, label, and manage in cable-dense enclosures or equipment racks without adding meaningful weight to a cable management tray.

Integration and Compatibility

The USB2TYPEN1M works with any device that accepts a 5V DC, positive-center barrel connector sized at 5.5mm outer diameter and 2.5mm inner diameter, drawing no more than 0.9A. Common compatible device types include single-board computers (verify your specific board's current requirements), small network appliances, LED strip controllers, IP intercom accessories, and certain wireless access point models. The cable is incompatible with devices expecting 9V or 12V barrel input regardless of connector size match — voltage mismatch will damage connected equipment.

On the source side, the USB-A end is compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 3.x Type-A ports. The cable does not negotiate USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) or Quick Charge — it draws passively from the host port at standard USB current levels. Pairing it with a reliable USB power supply rated at 1A or higher on the output port gives you a predictable, stable supply for sensitive devices.

For security installations, this type of cable is occasionally used to power auxiliary accessories — door chime modules, small indicator panels, or low-draw sensors — directly from a PoE switch's USB service port or from a rack-mounted USB power strip. If you are outfitting a larger surveillance deployment, review the rest of the StarTech connectivity catalog for complementary cabling and power management components. For guidance on matching power sources to device requirements, the PoE and power planning guide covers load budgeting principles that apply beyond PoE-specific hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the maximum current the USB2TYPEN1M can deliver?

A: The USB2TYPEN1M is rated to deliver 5V DC at up to 0.9A (900mA), for a maximum of 4.5W. Devices requiring more than 0.9A at 5V will not operate reliably from this cable.

Q: What barrel connector size does this cable use?

A: It uses a Size N barrel connector with a 5.5mm outer diameter and 2.5mm inner diameter, wired positive center tip. Verify your device accepts this exact size — the similar 5.5mm/2.1mm size will not fit correctly.

Q: Does the USB2TYPEN1M carry data as well as power?

A: No. The USB2TYPEN1M is a power-only cable. It does not carry USB data signals. It connects a USB Type-A host port to a barrel connector purely for DC power delivery.

Q: Can I use this cable with a 12V or 9V device?

A: No. This cable outputs 5V DC only. Connecting it to a device that requires 9V or 12V — even if the barrel connector fits — will result in the device not powering on or potentially being damaged. Always match the voltage to your device's requirements.

Q: Will this cable work with a USB wall adapter or power bank?

A: Yes, provided the USB-A port on the adapter or power bank can supply at least 0.9A at 5V. The cable connects to any standard USB 2.0 or USB 3.x Type-A port and draws passively — it does not use USB-PD or Quick Charge negotiation.

Q: What is the operating temperature range for the USB2TYPEN1M?

A: The cable is rated for operation from -20°C to 60°C, suitable for standard IT room, light industrial, and indoor commercial environments.

Marty Allison

The USB2TYPEN1M comes up regularly in security accessory installs where a low-draw auxiliary device needs 5V but the nearest available source is a USB-A port rather than a discrete power supply. The 0.9A ceiling is the spec that determines everything here — at 4.5W maximum, you're in microcontroller and small sensor territory, not powering cameras or access control panels directly.

Technical Highlights:

• 5.5mm/2.5mm barrel, positive center: The Size N connector matches a wide range of low-voltage accessories, but the 0.3mm difference between 2.5mm and 2.1mm ID is enough to cause a poor connection — confirm your device's datasheet before you're on-site with the wrong cable.
• 28 AWG wire gauge at 0.9A max: The wire sizing is matched to the rated current. Running this cable to a device that momentarily pulls higher than 0.9A — during startup surge, for example — can cause voltage sag and device resets. Size your host port's current headroom accordingly.
• Operating range -20°C to 60°C: Covers most interior IT closet and light industrial environments without issue, though note the storage temperature minimum is -10°C — a narrower band than the operating range, which matters if the cable is stored in an unheated warehouse before deployment.

Deployment Considerations:

• The 1-meter length works well for desktop or short rack-to-device runs, but in any installation where the USB source and the barrel-connector device are more than arm's reach apart, measure before ordering — there is no slack to work with at 3.3 ft.
• Confirm the USB-A host port's per-port current rating before relying on this cable in a powered hub or switch USB service port scenario; bus-powered hubs often cap individual ports at 500mA, which is below the 0.9A this cable is rated to carry and will limit what devices you can run.

This cable is a practical fit for security tech rooms where a small auxiliary device — a door chime controller, status indicator, or single-board accessory — needs clean 5V DC and a nearby USB-A port is the most convenient source. Not a substitute for a dedicated power supply in high-reliability or higher-current applications.