Introduction: Meet the 2.1 mm DC Female Power Plug (ITM001099)
The 2.1 mm DC female power plug, supplied under SKU ITM001099 and marketed by Dynamic, is a compact, widely used DC barrel jack designed to accept the industry-standard 5.5 mm outer-diameter × 2.1 mm inner-diameter plug. Often referred to as a 5.5×2.1 mm barrel jack, this connector provides a simple, removable low-voltage power connection for many small electronic devices. Lightweight and economical, it’s commonly found in CCTV systems, LED lighting, small monitors, power adaptors and a range of other low-voltage applications.
Key Features at a Glance
- Compatibility:Mates with 5.5 mm OD × 2.1 mm ID DC barrel plugs.
- Typical construction:metal barrel contact combined with an insulating plastic housing (contacts often nickel- or tin-plated).
- Form factor:in this SKU, mounting type and mechanical drawings are not specified—panel, PCB and inline variants exist on the market.
- SKU and availability:Supplier SKU ITM001099 / DCPLUG/F, brand Dynamic, stock shown as 15 units.
- Price guidance:suggested retail price shown as $5.99 (cost price $4.80) — check current supplier listing for up-to-date pricing.
Detailed Specifications and Benefits
Although the supplier listing for ITM001099 does not provide exhaustive material specifications, the typical construction for DC barrel jacks of this style includes a metal inner barrel contact and a metal outer sleeve for the mating plug, both of which are commonly plated (nickel or tin) to resist corrosion and improve conductivity. The contacts sit within an insulating plastic housing which secures and spaces the conductors. Variants in the market include panel-mount housings, PCB-mounted jacks and inline cable-mounted connectors; the specific mounting type for ITM001099 is not specified in the provided data, so confirm before ordering for a particular installation.
Important: the supplier data for ITM001099 does NOT provide electrical ratings (maximum voltage or continuous current). Because these ratings dictate the safe use of the connector, you must request the official datasheet from the supplier or manufacturer prior to specifying this part for any powered installation. Do not assume rating suitability—verify CE/UKCA markings and installation guidance for compliance in your region. Typical barrel jacks of this size are used for low-voltage DC tasks (e.g., 5 V to 24 V) and modest currents (often under a few amps), but the exact safe limits depend on the specific design and manufacturer testing.
- Widespread compatibility:The 5.5×2.1 mm standard is a common DC barrel size used across many consumer and industrial devices, making this plug a convenient replacement or spare part for legacy and current equipment.
- Ease of use:Barrel jacks provide a simple push-in mating action and are easy to install and replace in the field.
- Cost-effective:With a suggested retail price of $5.99 and an economical construction, these connectors offer a low-cost option for reliable DC power connectivity.
- Repairability:Devices with removable barrel jacks are easy to service—replacing a worn connector is much simpler than reworking an internal power stage.
Use Cases and Scenarios Where This Plug Excels
The 2.1 mm DC female power plug is ideal for a wide range of low-voltage applications where a removable power connection is desired. Typical scenarios include:
- CCTV and security cameras:Many CCTV cameras and their power supplies use 5.5×2.1 mm barrel connectors for DC power delivery. A reliable female jack is essential for both fixed and portable camera setups.
- LED strips and small lighting systems:Low-voltage LED controllers and adapters commonly use this barrel size. The plug enables quick connections between drivers and LED strips or controllers.
- Small monitors and consumer electronics:Portable monitors, small routers, digital photo frames and some audio gear use barrel jacks as a simple DC input.
- Power adapters and wall-wart replacements:Replacement adapters and custom power leads often rely on standard barrel sizes—this jack helps ensure broad compatibility.
- Prototyping and field repairs:Hobbyists, technicians and installers appreciate the simplicity when building or repairing devices; the barrel jack makes testing and swapping power supplies straightforward.
Practical Installation and Usage Tips
To get the most from a DC barrel jack like ITM001099, follow a few best practices:
- Confirm mating dimensions:Verify the plug measures 5.5 mm OD × 2.1 mm ID before assuming compatibility; slight size differences can affect fit and contact quality.
- Check polarity:Ensure the device and power supply share the same center-positive or center-negative convention to avoid damage.
- Use strain relief:Where possible, provide strain relief for the cable so repeated insertion/removal doesn’t stress solder joints or internal contacts.
- Insulation and clearance:Maintain proper insulation and clearance for live conductors; for panel installations, secure the jack firmly to avoid movement that can fatigue contacts.
- Test connections:Use a multimeter to confirm voltage and polarity at the jack before connecting sensitive electronics.
How It Compares with Similar Products
Although barrel jacks share a common purpose, differences in size, mounting type and features determine suitability for a particular job. Here’s how the 2.1 mm female jack (5.5×2.1 mm mating plug) stacks up against other options:
Smaller inner diameters such as 2.5 mm or mini-barrels are physically incompatible with a 2.1 mm jack. Always match both the outer and inner diameters. The 5.5×2.1 configuration is one of the most common standards for consumer electronics, but if you encounter devices using 5.5×2.5 or other sizes, you will need the matching jack.
ITM001099’s listing does not specify mounting type. Panel-mount jacks offer a fixed, robust exterior mounting with threaded nuts and are ideal for enclosures. PCB-mount jacks solder directly to a board for compact internal use. Inline connectors are used in cable assemblies. Choose the form factor that fits your device’s mechanical layout.
Some barrel jacks include locking mechanisms or built-in switching contacts that disconnect an internal supply when an external adapter is inserted. Those features add convenience and functionality for particular designs. The basic 2.1 mm female jack is simpler and typically lower-cost but lacks built-in switches or locks unless specifically designed.
USB-C and Power Delivery (PD) are increasingly used for higher-power portable devices and offer negotiation, higher currents and reversible connectors. However, many legacy and cost-sensitive products still rely on barrel jacks due to their simplicity, widespread adoption and low component cost. For devices requiring PD, choose USB-C; for simple low-voltage supplies and replacements, the 5.5×2.1 barrel remains relevant.
Customer Testimonials and Reviews
At present, no verified customer testimonials or user reviews are provided for ITM001099 in the supplier data. If you plan to stock or recommend this connector, consider requesting sample parts for in-house testing and generating your own test notes or collecting customer feedback during deployments. Typical user feedback for similar 5.5×2.1 jacks on the market often highlights ease of replacement, broad compatibility and affordability as common positives, while occasional complaints cite loose fit or limited current capacity when mismatched with higher-current applications.
Limitations and When Not to Use It
- Unknown electrical ratings:Because the specific voltage and current ratings are not supplied for ITM001099, do not specify it for critical or high-current applications without the manufacturer’s datasheet.
- Not suitable for high-power devices:For power-hungry equipment, prefer connectors with explicit high-current ratings (e.g., barrel jacks rated for higher amps, Anderson Powerpole, IEC connectors or USB-C PD-rated solutions).
- Polarity and fit risks:Using the wrong barrel size or assuming centre-positive/negative convention can damage equipment; confirm both physical and electrical compatibility.
Conclusion: Why ITM001099 Is a Solid Choice for Many Projects
The 2.1 mm DC female power plug ITM001099 (5.5×2.1 mm mating) is a practical, low-cost connector well-suited to a broad range of low-voltage electronics — from CCTV cameras and LED controllers to small monitors and power adapters. Its strengths are universal compatibility with a very common barrel size, ease of replacement and affordability. However, the absence of published electrical specifications in the provided supplier data means you must request the official datasheet and confirm ratings, compliance markings and mounting details before specifying it for safety-critical or high-current applications.
For hobbyists, installers and product designers working with legacy or low-power devices, ITM001099 can be a convenient solution. For regulated or high-current designs, obtain the datasheet or consider alternatives with documented ratings. When chosen and tested appropriately, these barrel jacks remain a dependable part of the toolbox for powering small electronics.
