Cable that can support USB + 5 amps - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: polar8
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2013, 06:19:07 pm
content: I'm looking for some cabling for a custom project where I will need to send both USB and 12v, 5 amp power over a distance of about 20 feet. I'm having trouble finding cabling that would support this. Any suggestions?

author: polar8
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2013, 06:38:32 pm
content: Stumbled upon this, exactly what I was looking for! Posting here for anyone else who is interested-http://www.l-com.com/usb-usb-revision-20-compliant-bulk-cable-20-awg-power-conductors

author: mariush
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2013, 06:49:34 pm
content: I would try out regular network cable... two wires for data, 6 for power.... should do 5 amps no problems. With SFTP cable, each pair is shielded so you'd also have some data integrity I would think.

author: Rufus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2013, 07:01:52 pm
content: Quote from: polar8 on August 26, 2013, 06:19:07 pmThe maximum length of USB cables is less that 20 feet. 5m for USB 2 and 3m for USB 1.20ft of 20 awg will drop a volt each way at 5A as well.

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2013, 02:28:20 am
content: Use RS-485 instead. FT232+MAX485 (or similar) at one end gets you a USB-485 bridge cheap. You can run that over much longer distances. Then I agree, use network cable. 1 pair for data, 3 for power.

author: Short Circuit
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2013, 09:01:30 am
content: http://www.poweredusb.org/pusbpart.htmlhttp://www.poweredusb.org/pdf/USB%202.0%20lead%20free%20Mad%20cable.pdfUSB2.0 + 6x AWG20

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2013, 09:56:52 am
content: Quote from: c4757p on August 27, 2013, 02:28:20 amThere are some heavy power+data cables designed for DMX lighting, which would be good for RS485e.g.http://www.directcablesystems.com/site/product_details.php?section_id=5&sub_section_id=17&category_id=25

author: Harvs
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2013, 01:21:12 pm
content: How about increasing the voltage you're sending? Cheap DC-DC converter on the other end to bring it down to whatever you need.

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2013, 01:48:02 pm
content: I almost suggested that, but this is 12V already. Even a 4x increase to 48V only gets you to 1.2A and that doesn't even include inefficiences. And the cost will go well above that of a good, old-fashioned big-ass cable if you want to go much higher than 48V.

author: ivan747
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2013, 09:26:08 pm
content: Quote from: c4757p on August 27, 2013, 01:48:02 pmQuote from: mikeselectricstuff on August 27, 2013, 09:56:52 amDo this, and you could also have a voltage sense wire if you need the voltage to be precise.Or just use the mains.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2013, 06:27:00 pm
content: I know this will sound a bit easy, but just use a cable guide (tube) and separate cables for the USB and the power. Makes life easier. You can just use regular 2 wire electrician cable, here they are rated 230V, 16 Amps.