Power Caution
The amount of power that cables may deliver can differ for different devices. For example: If you use a cable that draws more power than a port can handle, you could harm the port.
Cables are supposed to contain safeguards. Sometimes manufacturers cut corners to reduce cost and don’t follow standards, including the implementation of these safeguards.
Cables which are not compliant can cause serious damage
Buying Cables Online
- Read reviews from wherever you are buying your cables. Make sure people are using for the same purposes as you (transferring data, streaming video to a TV/monitor, etc).
Connecting to Monitors and laptops
- Use a specific cable for power and data transfer (usually marked with a DisplayPort or Thunderbolt symbol)
- Always double check cable capabilities before using to power laptops or monitors
Identifying Your Cable
If you are still unsure of what kind of USB C cable you have after looking for product specifications and checking comments on the product page, look for one of the below symbols on the cable to identify the cable type.
Even if you are correctly able to identify the cable, never use a cable to power a laptop or monitor unless you are certain the cable supports 5A and you have double checked online resources about the specific cable you are using.
Yes. There are some professional units costing a great deal of money. The ChargerLAB Power-Z KM003C is a portable unit which can read the E-Marker chip in higher end cables and provide information. As with all items, see if it meets your needs, this is not an endorsement. Also there are reports of fake products on unofficial sites.
Page last edited January 29, 2025
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