🔌 Barrel Power Connector (Terminator)
(DC Plug Adapter • 5.5 mm x 2.1 mm or 5.5 mm x 2.5 mm • Pigtail or Screw Terminal • DC Power Integration)
This connector terminates a standard DC barrel plug into either bare wire leads or a screw terminal block, allowing easy integration into custom power setups, prototyping rigs, and DIY electronics.
🔧 Connector Form
- Format: Male or Female barrel plug
- Common sizes:
- 5.5 mm outer × 2.1 mm inner (most common)
- 5.5 mm outer × 2.5 mm inner (less common)
- Termination types:
- Pigtail — short leads for soldering or crimping
- Screw terminal — block with two screws for quick wire insertion
- Polarity: Center‑positive (typical), but must be confirmed per device
🖥️ Compatible Devices
🟦 Power Supply Integration
- LED strips and controllers
- Security cameras and DVRs
- Arduino and Raspberry Pi projects
- Portable routers and modems
🟦 DIY & Lab Builds
- Breadboard power injection
- Custom enclosures and breakout boxes
- Battery pack adapters
- DC fan and motor setups
✅ Works with any device using standard barrel DC input, especially 5.5 mm × 2.1 mm plugs.
✅ Common Uses
- 🔌 Terminating DC barrel plugs into wire leads or screw terminals
- 🧩 Adapting power supplies to non‑standard devices
- 🧪 Supporting prototyping, testing, and field repairs
- 🧵 Essential entry in the DC power accessory ecosystem
🧠 Signal Format
- ⚡ Input: DC voltage (typically 5V, 9V, 12V, or 24V)
- 🔋 Output: Pass‑through DC via wire or screw terminal
- 🔌 Connector: Barrel plug (male or female) → pigtail or screw block
- 🔁 Not interchangeable with USB, JST, or coaxial power formats
⚠️ Things to Watch Out For
- 📉 Must match barrel size — 2.1 mm vs 2.5 mm inner diameter is critical
- 🔌 Confirm polarity — center‑positive vs center‑negative before connecting
- 🧯 Always check voltage and current ratings of the source and device
- 📏 Screw terminals may loosen over time — retighten periodically
🛠️ Quick Tips for Beginners
- 🧭 Look for “DC IN” label and barrel size on your device
- 🔌 Confirm connector: 5.5 mm × 2.1 mm or 2.5 mm, male or female
- 🧪 If device won’t power, check polarity and terminal contact
- 🧯 Label clearly to avoid mix‑ups in multi‑voltage setups


