Point Of Sale POS Cash Register Cables

When setting up a Point of Sale (POS) system, especially with a cash register, you’ll need a variety of cables to connect the different components of the system, such as the POS terminal, receipt printer, barcode scanner, cash drawer, and other peripherals. Below are the typical cables required for each component and their purposes.

1. Power Cables

• POS Terminal Power Cable:

  • This is used to provide electrical power to the POS terminal (computer or touchscreen device).

  • Commonly AC power cables with the appropriate plug (depending on region, e.g., US/UK/EU plugs).

• Receipt Printer Power Cable:

  • Most receipt printers require a separate AC power cable to connect to the wall outlet or a power strip.

• Barcode Scanner Power Cable:

  • If you're using a wired barcode scanner, it typically connects to the POS terminal via a USB cable or a serial cable for data transmission, but some models may require a separate power cable.

2. Data Cables (For Connecting Peripherals to POS)

• USB Cables:

  • USB A to B: Common for connecting a receipt printer to the POS terminal. The printer usually has a USB-B port, while the POS terminal has a USB-A port.

  • USB to Barcode Scanner: Many barcode scanners (wired models) use a USB connection to transfer scanned data to the POS terminal.

• Ethernet (Network) Cable:

  • RJ45 (Ethernet) cables are used to connect the POS terminal or receipt printer to the network (if you’re using an internet-based POS system or networked printers).

  • Also used to connect cash drawers in some setups, or POS terminals to a local network for multi-terminal environments.

• Serial Cables:

  • RS232 Serial Cable: Used to connect older or legacy receipt printers or cash drawers to the POS terminal, particularly if you’re using legacy hardware that relies on serial ports.

  • Common in industrial or warehouse settings or older POS systems.

• Cash Drawer Cable (RJ11/RJ12):

  • RJ11 or RJ12 cables are typically used to connect the cash drawer to the POS system. This cable usually connects to the receipt printer or directly to the POS terminal (depending on the setup).

  • The receipt printer typically sends a signal to the cash drawer to open when a sale is completed.

• VGA or HDMI Cables (for monitors):

  • VGA or HDMI cables are used to connect a monitor (often an external touchscreen display) to the POS terminal. HDMI is more common in newer systems, while VGA is used in older models.

• Display Cable (for Customer Display):

  • If you have a customer-facing display (showing transaction details, prices, or promotions), it will be connected via a USB or serial connection, depending on the model.

• Bluetooth/USB Dongles:

  • For wireless barcode scanners or receipt printers, you'll need a Bluetooth dongle or USB receiver for wireless communication with the POS terminal.

3. Specialty Cables (Optional, Based on System Configuration)

• Audio Cables (for POS with Sound):

  • If your POS system has a customer feedback feature or needs to produce sound (alerts, receipts, etc.), you may require an audio jack cable to connect to speakers.

• Display Cables (for Touchscreen Monitors):

  • Touchscreen monitors may require specialized cables that combine power and data transfer, such as USB to Serial cables or USB to VGA/HDMI, depending on the setup.

Typical Cable Configuration for a POS System

Here’s an example of how the cables are typically arranged in a retail POS setup:

1. POS Terminal:

   • Power Cable (to the wall or power strip).

   • Ethernet Cable (to network for cloud-based POS).

   • USB Cable (to connect the barcode scanner and receipt printer).

   • VGA/HDMI Cable (to connect to monitor or touchscreen).

   • USB Cable (for cash drawer, or RJ11 cable connected via receipt printer).

2. Receipt Printer:

   • Power Cable (to the wall).

   • USB Cable (to POS terminal for communication).

   • RJ11 Cable (to connect to the cash drawer).

3. Barcode Scanner:

   • USB Cable (to POS terminal for scanning).

   • Power Cable (for wired scanners, typically connected via USB or direct power supply).

4. Cash Drawer:

   • RJ11 or RJ12 Cable (to POS terminal or receipt printer to trigger drawer opening).

Summary of Typical Cables Needed for POS Cash Register Setup:

Depending on the specific setup of your retail store and POS system, the cables and connections might vary, but this should cover most standard POS configurations. Make sure to verify compatibility with your POS software and hardware to ensure smooth operation.