Introduction to the 2.1×5.5mm DC Male Plug (DCPLUG)
The 2.1×5.5mm DC Male Barrel Plug (supplier code ITM001098, SKU: DCPLUG) is a widely used, industry‑standard cable‑mount power connector for low‑voltage DC devices. Compact, familiar and simple to install, this barrel plug is commonly found on CCTV systems, LED strip installations and a broad range of 12 V electronics. Available as loose plugs, pre‑wired pigtails or multi‑packs, it gives installers and hobbyists a flexible, cost‑effective way to terminate DC power feeds.
Key features at a glance
- Standard mating size:2.1 mm inner diameter × 5.5 mm outer diameter — the most commonly specified barrel size for consumer and light industrial 12 V equipment.
- Typical electrical rating:3 A (typical) with heavier‑duty variants available up to 6 A; voltage rating commonly up to 30 V DC.
- Construction:Tin‑plated brass contacts with PBT or ABS housings (typical market materials) for reliable conductivity and mechanical durability.
- Termination options:Solder lug for custom wiring, moulded pigtail for quick installs, or panel‑mount variants where required.
- Availability:Sold as loose plugs, pre‑wired pigtails and multi‑packs to suit single replacements or bulk installations.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The DCPLUG follows the common dimensions of a 2.1×5.5mm barrel connector, ensuring compatibility with the majority of CCTV cameras, LED power supplies and small 12 V appliances that specify this mating size. Typical contact material is tin‑plated brass — a balance of good electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance and low cost. Housing materials are commonly PBT or ABS, both of which offer mechanical resilience and heat resistance adequate for routine installations.
Typical current rating for standard variants is around 3 A, suitable for single CCTV cameras, short runs of LED strip lighting or low‑power DC gadgets. For applications requiring higher current, heavy‑duty variants support up to 6 A; check the manufacturer datasheet for the exact rating of ITM001098 before using in higher‑load scenarios. The usual voltage rating is up to 30 V DC, which covers most 12 V systems with a safe margin.
Termination options include solder lugs for permanent, custom cable assemblies and moulded pigtails for faster deployment. Solder‑lug parts are preferred when a secure, neat connection is required and when heat‑shrink or strain relief will be used. Moulded pigtails save installation time at the expense of flexibility for future re‑termination.
- Interchangeability:The 2.1×5.5mm format is supported by many power supplies and sockets, making replacements and conversions straightforward.
- Cost‑effectiveness:Commodity pricing and wide availability keep unit costs low; suggested retail price is around 6.49 (check your supplier for currency and current pricing).
- Simplicity:Barrel plugs are polarity‑simple and mechanically intuitive to mate and unmate, useful for field service and quick swaps.
- Variety:Options in loose plug, pre‑wired and multi‑pack formats make it easy to buy the right form factor for the job.
Use cases and scenarios where the DCPLUG excels
Many analog and IP cameras accept 12 V DC via a 2.1×5.5mm barrel. The DCPLUG is ideal for field replacements, creating custom camera pigtails and converting non‑standard connectors to the standard barrel format. Because many camera housings and brackets have limited space, the compact profile of the plug is useful during retrofits.
Short runs of 12 V LED strip lighting — accent lights, under‑cabinet illumination and signage — commonly use 2.1×5.5mm connectors. The plug can be used to make extension leads, join controller outputs to strips, or provide a removable connection between power supplies and lighting fixtures.
Hobby electronics, small routers, monitors, and other 12 V peripherals frequently use this standard. The DCPLUG is a convenient choice for DIY projects, test leads, or lab supplies where a quick connect/disconnect is useful.
Installers benefit from stocking loose plugs and pigtails for maintenance calls. Having a small selection on hand allows quick repairs without replacing entire power supplies or devices. Multi‑packs are particularly cost‑effective for planned installs where multiple plugs are required.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When selecting a DC connector, it helps to understand alternatives and how the 2.1×5.5mm format stacks up.
- 2.5×5.5mm barrel plugs:A slightly larger inner pin diameter (2.5 mm) appears in some legacy products. While mechanically similar, 2.5 mm plugs may not mate reliably with 2.1 mm sockets and vice versa — always verify device requirements before mixing sizes.
- Smaller barrels (e.g., 2.35×5.5mm):Less common and typically used for specific manufacturers. The 2.1×5.5mm remains the most commonly available standard.
- Coaxial power connectors vs. screw terminal / Molex:For higher currents or more secure locking, Molex or screw‑terminal connectors are used. The DCPLUG trades off locking security for universal compatibility and quick connect/disconnect convenience.
- USB‑C and other modern power standards:Where higher power, negotiation or polarity reversal protection is needed, USB‑C and similar standards are now common. However, for simple 12 V systems and legacy devices, the barrel plug remains simpler and more cost‑effective.
In short, the 2.1×5.5mm barrel plug is a practical middle ground: inexpensive, easy to use and compatible with a large installed base of devices, while other connector types serve niche or higher‑power requirements.
Customer feedback and installer comments
Below are representative pieces of customer and installer feedback commonly reported for this class of connector. These are aggregated examples of typical user sentiment rather than verbatim endorsements tied to named individuals.
- Installer feedback:"Easy to terminate and sturdy enough for CCTV runs. The pre‑wired pigtails saved us time on site."
- Retail customer:"Bought a multi‑pack for LED projects—cheap and reliable. Make sure you check polarity before plugging in."
- Hobbyist:"Perfect for bench projects and quick swaps. Solder‑lug versions give a cleaner, more durable connection than crimped alternatives."
Common suggestions from users include using heat‑shrink or strain relief to improve mechanical longevity, verifying the current rating for longer LED runs, and requesting manufacturer datasheets for high‑reliability or compliance‑sensitive projects.
Practical tips for installation and safe use
- Isolate power:Always disconnect power before fitting or replacing the plug.
- Check polarity:Confirm centre‑positive or centre‑negative arrangement before connecting to a device.
- Soldering best practice:Use a clean joint, avoid overheating plastic parts, and add heat‑shrink for insulation and strain relief.
- Match current rating:For continuous loads approaching 3 A, consider heavy‑duty variants rated up to 6 A.
- Regulatory checks:Commodity barrel plugs are not safety isolating devices; check for CE / UKCA marking where required and follow local wiring regulations.
Conclusion: Why choose the 2.1×5.5mm DCPLUG (ITM001098)?
The 2.1×5.5mm DC Male Barrel Plug (ITM001098) is a practical, affordable and widely compatible solution for powering small DC devices. Its standard dimensions ensure broad interoperability, and the availability of loose plugs, pre‑wired pigtails and multi‑packs gives flexibility for single repairs or larger installations. With typical current ratings suitable for cameras, LED strips and general 12 V electronics, and construction materials chosen for durability and conductivity, this connector meets the needs of installers, hobbyists and maintenance teams alike.
For professional installs, remember to request the manufacturer datasheet for exact mechanical tolerances and certification details of ITM001098, confirm device polarity, and use appropriate strain relief and insulation. When you need a dependable, low‑cost DC connector that fits the most common 12 V barrel sockets on the market, the DCPLUG is a solid choice.
