Connector Cable Categories
Complete Guide to Types, Usage, & Applications
Connector cables are essential for linking devices, transferring data, delivering audio/video signals, and powering equipment. In this guide, you’ll find a clear breakdown of every major cable type we carry under the Connector Cables category, along with examples and real‑world applications.
Audio/Video (A/V) Cables
Carry audio and video signals between TVs, monitors, projectors, sound systems, and media devices.
| Image | Type | Description | Examples | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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HDMI Cables | HDMI cables carry high‑definition video and audio between devices. | Standard HDMI, High‑Speed HDMI, HDMI 2.0, HDMI 2.1 | TVs, monitors, projectors, gaming consoles, media players |
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VGA Cables | Analog video cables used for older displays. | VGA male‑to‑male, VGA with ferrite cores | Legacy monitors, projectors, older PCs |
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DVI Cables | Digital video cables used in older computer displays. | DVI‑D, DVI‑I, DVI‑to‑HDMI | Desktop PCs, older monitors, projectors |
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DisplayPort Cables | Modern digital video cables for high‑resolution displays. | DP 1.2, DP 1.4, Mini DisplayPort | Gaming monitors, professional graphics workstations |
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RCA Cables | Analog audio/video cables. | Red‑white audio, yellow composite video | DVD players, amplifiers, older TVs |
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3.5mm Audio Cables | Standard audio cables for analog sound. | AUX cables, male‑to‑male audio | Speakers, headphones, car stereos |
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Optical (Toslink) Cables | Digital audio cables using light transmission. | Standard Toslink, mini‑Toslink | Home theaters, soundbars, receivers |
Networking & Data Cables
Provide wired connections for internet, data transfer, device communication, and computer peripherals.
| Image | Type | Description | Examples | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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RJ45 (Ethernet) Cables | Network cables for internet and LAN connections. | Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7 | Routers, switches, PCs, CCTV NVRs |
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USB Cables | Universal data and charging cables. | USB‑A, USB‑B, USB‑C, Micro‑USB, Mini‑USB | Phones, printers, hard drives, accessories |
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Lightning Cables | Apple‑specific charging and data cables. | Lightning to USB‑A, Lightning to USB‑C | iPhones, iPads, AirPods |
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Serial Cables (RS232) | Legacy communication cables. | DB9, DB25 | Industrial equipment, POS systems |
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Printer Cables | Cables designed for printers and scanners. | USB‑B, parallel cables | Office printers, label printers |
Surveillance & RF Cables
Transmit video, power, and radio‑frequency signals for CCTV systems, antennas, and wireless equipment.
| Image | Type | Description | Examples | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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BNC Cables | Coaxial cables for CCTV video transmission. | BNC‑to‑BNC, BNC with power | Analog CCTV cameras, DVR systems |
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SMA/SMB Cables | RF cables for antennas and wireless equipment. | SMA male‑to‑male, SMA to RP‑SMA | WiFi antennas, RF modules, routers |
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Coaxial (RF) Cables | High‑frequency cables for TV and satellite signals. | RG6, RG59 | Satellite receivers, TV antennas |
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CCTV Premade Cables | Combined video + power cables. | BNC + DC power premade cables | Quick CCTV camera installations |
Power Cables
Deliver AC or DC power from outlets or adapters to electronic devices and equipment.
| Image | Type | Description | Examples | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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AC Power Cables | Standard mains power cables. | 3‑pin UK plug, EU plug | PCs, monitors, appliances |
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DC Power Cables | Low‑voltage power cables. | 5.5mm x 2.1mm DC cables | CCTV cameras, LED strips |
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Figure‑8 (C7) Cables | Two‑pin power cables. | C7 to UK plug | TVs, game consoles, DVD players |
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Kettle/IEC C13 Cables | High‑current power cables. | C13 to UK plug | PCs, UPS units, servers |
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Laptop Power Cables (without adapter) | Power cords for laptop chargers. | Cloverleaf (C5), Mickey Mouse | Laptop power adapters |
Specialty & Other Cables
Serve specific functions such as extending, splitting, converting, or managing signals between devices.
| Image | Type | Description | Examples | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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KVM Cables | Keyboard‑Video‑Mouse cables for switching systems. | USB + VGA KVM cables | Server rooms, multi‑PC setups |
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Extension Cables | Used to extend the length of existing cables. | HDMI extension, USB extension | TVs, PCs, projectors |
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Splitter Cables | One input to multiple outputs. | 3.5mm audio splitter, USB splitter | Sharing audio, connecting multiple devices |
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Adapter Cables | Convert one connector type to another. | HDMI→VGA, USB‑C→HDMI | Connecting mismatched devices |
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Telephone Cables (RJ11) | Used for landline phones and DSL modems. | RJ11 2‑pin, RJ11 4‑pin | Telephones, ADSL routers |
How to Choose the Right Connector Cable
When selecting a cable, consider:
- Device compatibility
- Connector type
- Cable length
- Signal quality requirements
- Power needs (if any)
- Shielding (for CCTV or noisy environments)