Switchcraft DC Power, Audio & Data Connectors

Switchcraft manufactures a broad range of DC power, audio, video and data connectors for commercial and industrial electronics.

ElectroShield has been an authorized Switchcraft distributor since 1999 and has expanded its inventory across several of these product families, including DC power jacks and plugs, audio jacks and plugs, Tini-QG Mini-XLR connectors and EH Series audio, video and data connectors.

For engineers and buyers evaluating Switchcraft components, the right product depends on more than the connector type. Mounting method, mating interface, electrical requirements, environmental conditions and expected service life all need to be considered.

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Switchcraft Connector Options

Switchcraft product families available through ElectroShield include:

• DC power jacks, plugs and barrel connectors for standard, locking, sealed and higher-current power connections
• 1/4-inch and 3.5mm audio jacks and plugs for audio, instrumentation and industrial applications
• Tini-QG Mini-XLR connectors for compact locking signal connections
• EH Series audio, video and data connectors that fit a standard XLR-size panel cutout
• Circular and harsh-environment connectors for industrial applications requiring additional durability or environmental protection

The best option depends on the electrical and mechanical requirements of the application, as well as how and where the connection will be used.

Switchcraft DC Power Jacks, Plugs and Barrel Connectors

Switchcraft offers a broad range of DC power jacks, plugs and barrel connectors for equipment requiring reliable low-voltage power connections.

Available configurations include standard and locking designs, different center-pin sizes, multiple mounting styles, sealed connectors and higher-current options.

Browse Switchcraft DC power jacks and plugs

Common DC Power Jack Pin Sizes

Common Switchcraft center-pin sizes include:

• 2.0mm
• 2.1mm
• 2.5mm

The correct center-pin size needs to match the mating plug and the requirements of the equipment.

Because additional configurations may be available within specific product families, always check the complete specifications for the individual jack and plug.

Split-Pin vs. Solid-Pin DC Power Jacks

Switchcraft DC power jacks are available with different center-pin designs.

Split-Pin DC Power Jacks

Split-pin designs use a stamped center contact with two tines.

Depending on the series, these jacks may also include a metal bushing that accommodates a locking plug.

They can be useful for applications where secure plug retention is important.

Solid-Pin DC Power Jacks

Solid-pin designs use a machined center pin and are available with multiple PCB mounting options.

The appropriate design depends on the mating plug, PCB layout, enclosure and mechanical requirements of the application.

What Is a Shunt Switch in a DC Power Jack?

Many DC power jacks incorporate a mechanical shunt switch that changes the circuit when a plug is inserted.

A common application is switching between an internal power source and an external supply. The switch can also allow the equipment to detect when an external power connection has been made.

Because the internal circuit varies by part number, engineers should review the schematic for the specific jack rather than assuming all DC power jacks use the same switching arrangement.

DC Power Jack Mounting Options

Switchcraft power jacks are available in several mounting and termination configurations, including:

• Solder terminals
• Straight through-hole PCB mounting
• Right-angle through-hole PCB mounting
• Surface-mount configurations
• Hybrid mounting options
• Panel-mount configurations

The best mounting method depends on PCB layout, available space, enclosure design and the manufacturing process.

Sealed and High-Current DC Barrel Connectors

Standard DC barrel connectors are not appropriate for every environment.

For equipment exposed to moisture or contaminants, Switchcraft offers sealed DC power jacks and plugs. Properly mated versions are available with IP68 protection.

If environmental protection is part of the design requirement, use the actual IP rating rather than relying on terms such as waterproof or rugged. Our guide to connector IP ratings explains what those ratings mean.

Switchcraft also offers a 15A DC power jack and plug series for applications requiring more current than a typical barrel-style connection. The series combines a barrel connector design with a metal locking coupling ring and is rated IP68 when properly mated.

For even higher-current requirements, Switchcraft's EP7 circular connector family supports applications up to 30A. See our guide to the Switchcraft EP7 high-current power connector.

Always compare the required current, voltage, temperature and environmental ratings against the specifications for the individual part.

Switchcraft Audio Jacks and Plugs

Switchcraft audio connectors are widely associated with professional audio, but the same connector families are also used in instrumentation, communications, medical equipment and industrial electronics.

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1/4-Inch Audio Jacks and Plugs

The 1/4-inch, or 6.35mm, connector remains common in applications where durability and repeated connection and disconnection are important.

Applications can include:

• Guitars and musical equipment
• Professional audio systems
• Commercial headphones
• Communications equipment
• Test and measurement equipment
• Industrial electronics

Switchcraft offers multiple jack schematics and switching configurations.

In a switching jack, inserting the plug can change the signal path. A familiar example is equipment that redirects audio from an internal speaker to headphones when a plug is inserted.

What to Consider When Selecting a 1/4-Inch Jack

Compare:

• Mono or stereo configuration
• Switching requirements
• Mounting style
• Contact configuration
• Expected mating cycles
• Panel or PCB requirements
• Plug retention
• Available installation space

Mechanical tolerances also matter. Two connectors may both be described as 1/4-inch jacks or plugs without being equivalent in every dimension or performance characteristic.

If you are evaluating another connector as a substitute, see How to Find a Replacement or Alternative Electrical Connector.

Switchcraft 3.5mm Jacks and Plugs

Switchcraft also offers 3.5mm, or 1/8-inch, jacks and plugs for compact audio and signal applications.

Depending on the product family, options include:

• Mono
• Stereo
• TRRS configurations
• Straight and right-angle mounting
• Through-hole PCB mounting
• Surface-mount options
• Multiple switching schematics

When selecting a 3.5mm jack, verify both the electrical configuration and the physical layout.

PCB footprint, body dimensions, contact arrangement and switching behavior can vary between parts that appear very similar.

Switchcraft Tini-QG Mini-XLR Connectors

Switchcraft Tini-QG connectors are the company's original Mini-XLR connector family.

They provide a compact, locking connection where a full-size XLR connector may be too large and are used in applications ranging from professional audio to medical devices and instrumentation.

Tini-QG Features

Depending on the configuration, Tini-QG connectors are available with:

• 3- to 8-contact configurations
• Compact connector bodies
• Button-latch locking
• Cable- and panel-mount options
• Multiple finishes and contact options
• Sealed versions for additional environmental protection

Sealed Tini-QG versions are available with IP65/IP66 protection depending on the configuration and mating condition.

Tini-QG connectors are also rated for repeated mating cycles, making them useful in equipment where connectors may be regularly connected and disconnected.

The correct configuration depends on contact count, cable size, mounting requirements, electrical load and operating environment.

Switchcraft EH Series Audio, Video & Data Connectors

The Switchcraft EH Series puts multiple types of audio, video and data interfaces into a common panel-mount XLR housing.

This lets engineers use the same standard XLR-size panel cutout for many different connector types.

EH Series configurations include interfaces such as:

• RJ45
• USB
• HDMI
• BNC
• RCA
• D-Sub
• Fiber
• 3.5mm audio
• Other audio, video and data connections

Most EH Series connectors are feed-through designs. Standard cables can connect to the rear of the panel-mounted interface without requiring a custom termination inside the enclosure.

This can make the EH Series useful for:

• Custom I/O panels
• Patch panels
• Wall plates
• Broadcast equipment
• Professional audio systems
• Industrial equipment
• Test and instrumentation systems

Browse Switchcraft and EH Series options from ElectroShield

Why Use a Standard XLR-Size Panel Cutout?

A common panel cutout gives engineers more flexibility when equipment requires different connector interfaces.

Instead of designing a different panel opening for RJ45, HDMI, USB, BNC or another connector type, a manufacturer can standardize the basic panel opening and change the installed EH Series connector.

This can simplify:

• Panel design
• Enclosure fabrication
• Product variants
• Assembly
• Maintenance
• Future interface changes

It can be particularly useful when several product configurations share the same basic enclosure.

The electrical and mechanical specifications of the individual EH Series connector still need to be reviewed for the application.

Made-in-USA Switchcraft Products and Supply-Chain Planning

Country of origin can be another consideration when qualifying a connector.

Many Switchcraft product families are manufactured in the United States, including a number of its DC power, audio and industrial connector products.

For manufacturers, domestic production can provide another sourcing option when evaluating:

• Country of origin
• Import exposure
• Supply-chain diversification
• Lead times
• Second-source strategies
• Long-term product availability

Tariff treatment should still be confirmed for the individual part. Country of origin, materials and applicable tariff classifications can vary, so a product should not be assumed to be tariff-free simply because it comes from a U.S.-based manufacturer.

For a broader sourcing strategy, see Mitigate Electrical Connector Supply Chain Risks With a Distributor.

When Does Switchcraft Make Sense as an Alternative Connector?

Switchcraft may be worth evaluating when:

• An existing connector has a long lead time
• A second approved source is needed
• The existing part has been discontinued
• The current jack or plug has fit or retention problems
• The application requires greater durability
• A sealed connector is needed
• Higher-current options are required
• Domestic manufacturing is important to the sourcing strategy

A connector should not be assumed to be a drop-in replacement based on its appearance or nominal size.

Compare the electrical, mechanical, environmental and compliance requirements before approving an alternative.

For the complete process, see How to Find a Replacement or Alternative Electrical Connector.

Frequently Asked Questions About Switchcraft Connectors

Are DC power jacks and barrel connectors the same thing?

"DC barrel connector" is commonly used to describe the cylindrical jack-and-plug interface found on many low-voltage electronic devices.

Switchcraft categorizes its standard DC power products as DC barrel connectors and offers multiple pin sizes, mounting configurations, locking options and sealed versions.

What types of DC power jacks does Switchcraft offer?

Switchcraft offers standard, locking, PCB-mount, panel-mount, sealed, high-temperature and higher-current DC power jack options.

Available features vary by series, so verify center-pin size, current rating, mounting method, shunt configuration and environmental requirements for the individual part.

What is the difference between split-pin and solid-pin DC power jacks?

A split-pin jack uses a stamped center contact with two tines, while a solid-pin design uses a machined center pin.

The designs can differ in mating compatibility and available mounting configurations, so the correct option depends on the mating plug and equipment design.

What is a shunt switch in a DC power jack?

A shunt switch is a mechanical contact within the jack that changes electrical state when a plug is inserted.

It can be used to switch between power sources or allow equipment to detect that an external power connection has been made.

Are Switchcraft DC power jacks available with PCB mounting?

Yes. Depending on the product family, Switchcraft offers straight through-hole, right-angle through-hole, surface-mount and other PCB mounting configurations.

What is a Tini-QG connector?

Tini-QG is Switchcraft's original Mini-XLR connector family.

It provides a compact locking connection for applications such as professional audio, instrumentation, communications and medical electronics where a full-size XLR connector may take up too much space.

What is the Switchcraft EH Series?

The EH Series is a family of audio, video and data connectors built into a common panel-mount housing that fits a standard XLR-size cutout.

That allows interfaces such as RJ45, USB, HDMI and BNC to be installed in panels and enclosures without creating a different cutout for each connector type.

Are sealed Switchcraft DC power connectors available?

Yes. Switchcraft offers sealed DC power jack and plug families rated up to IP68 when properly mated.

The specific rating and environmental performance should be verified for the individual part number.

Does Switchcraft make high-current DC barrel connectors?

Yes. Switchcraft offers a DC barrel-style jack and plug series rated up to 15A.

For applications requiring still higher current, Switchcraft also offers other power connector families such as the EP7 Series.

Are Switchcraft connectors made in the USA?

Many Switchcraft connector families are manufactured in the United States.

When country of origin is important for sourcing, compliance or tariff planning, confirm the COO of the individual part number rather than applying the same assumption to every Switchcraft product.

Can ElectroShield help cross-reference a Switchcraft connector?

Yes.

Send ElectroShield the existing manufacturer and part number along with any electrical, mechanical, environmental or compliance requirements that cannot change.

The team can help identify potential Switchcraft alternatives and evaluate whether they meet the requirements of the application.

Need Help Selecting a Switchcraft Connector?

If you are comparing DC power jacks, barrel connectors, audio jacks and plugs, Tini-QG Mini-XLR connectors, EH Series products or another Switchcraft component, ElectroShield can help narrow the options.

Send us your existing part number or tell us the electrical, mechanical and environmental requirements of the application.

Need Help Selecting a Switchcraft Connector?

If you are comparing DC power jacks, audio connectors, EH Series products or another Switchcraft component, ElectroShield can help narrow the options based on your application.

Send us your existing part number or your electrical, mechanical and environmental requirements.