# What kind of plug is this? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 14, 2010, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-plug-is-this/539382 "2010-05-14T02:32:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Running\_with\_Scissors](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a183cd/32.png) [@Running\_with\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Running_with_Scissors)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2010, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-plug-is-this/539382/1 "2010-05-14T02:32:04Z")
The plug in question is used as a power connector on a Macintosh cube G4 ([see bottom right connector here)](http://img270.imageshack.us/img270/4896/pict0009zl6.jpg). It also seems to be used as a power connector for certain LCD monitors ([a closeup from a Gateway monitor, probably made by Planar)](http://image.zlectronic.com/stock/imetroshop/500_599/5291_5.jpg). The plug is approximately the size of an S-Video connector, although the pins are much thicker, and are asymmetrical. Anyone know if this plug has a name? I’ve only been able to find it attached to power supplies, not on its own; searching would be much easier if I knew its name. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2010, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-plug-is-this/539382/2 "2010-05-14T03:09:11Z")
[Male Mini-DIN 4-pin power connector](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/Mini-DIN_male_4-pin_power_connector.jpg)? ---
**Author:** ![Squink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2010, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-plug-is-this/539382/3 "2010-05-14T03:09:59Z")
[Apple calls it](http://www.apple.com/lae/powermaccube/specs.html) a ‘power’ connection. Sigh. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2010, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-plug-is-this/539382/4 "2010-05-14T03:21:06Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > [Male Mini-DIN 4-pin power connector](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/Mini-DIN_male_4-pin_power_connector.jpg)? [And the Wiki page](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DC_connector#Snap_and_lock_DC_power_connectors): [quote] These connectors look similar to Mini-DIN connectors, but have either 3 or 4 thicker pins and a slightly larger mating shell. Because of this they do not mate with any of the Mini-DIN connectors. They can usually be identified by an engraved symbol on the backs of the plug, consisting of two wide arrows pointing in opposite directions, but parallel to each other, or sometimes one wide arrow inside a box, pointing towards the end of the male connector. Some devices, however, do use a standard 4-pin Mini-DIN connector, presenting the possibility for non-technical users to mate the connector with the wrong port (such as an S-Video output on a video card). [ul][li]Also known as Power Mini-DIN or Power DIN[/li][li]The male plug’s mating shell outer diameter is 10 mm (0.394 inch), and the pins are 1.5 mm diameter[/li][li]Standard may include a limit of 20 V at 7.5 amperes[/li][li]3-pin[/li][list][li]Hosiden part number TCP8927-53[/li][li]Kycon part number KPP-3P (obsolete) or KPPX-3P (RoHS) [/ul][/li][li]4-pin[/li][ul][li]Kycon part number KPP-4P (obsolete) or KPPX-4P (RoHS)[/ul][/list][/li][/quote] ---
**Author:** ![Running\_with\_Scissors](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a183cd/32.png) [@Running\_with\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Running_with_Scissors)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2010, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-plug-is-this/539382/5 "2010-05-14T14:05:35Z")
That looks like it. Thanks!