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USB and Parallel Printer Cables

USB A-to-B printer cables and USB-to-parallel adapter cables with DB25 or Centronics 36 ends for desktop printers. 127 products from $1.17 to $813.99. Darkside Computer Modding, Phobya, AUBEAMTO and more.

127 products from $1.17

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USB-B, Micro-B or a parallel plug on the printer?

Most printers take the square USB-B plug, and the cable ends in USB-A at the computer. USB 3.0 printer cables use a wider B plug with extra contacts: it will not fit a USB 2.0 printer socket, while an ordinary USB 2.0 cable fits both. Some compact printers use Micro-B or USB-C, so look at the port first. A USB 2.0 cable is rated for runs up to 5 m (about 16 ft), and longer runs need a powered extender or hub in the middle.

Parallel printers on a PC that has no parallel port

Older printers use a Centronics 36-pin connector on the printer and a 25-pin DB25 on the PC, joined by an IEEE 1284 cable. Modern computers have no such port, so a USB-to-parallel cable adds a printer port through USB. It is meant for printing only: it creates a virtual printer port instead of a real LPT port, so it generally cannot run dongles, scanners or programmers. Choose a cable whose printer end is Centronics 36 or DB25 to match the printer, and install the adapter driver first.

Questions about USB and Parallel Printer Cables

Which USB cable does my printer need?
Look at the printer's port. A square USB-B socket takes a USB-A to USB-B printer cable. Small printers can use Micro-B or USB-C, and the computer end is USB-A or USB-C depending on your machine.
Will a USB 3.0 printer cable fit a USB 2.0 printer?
Usually not. The USB 3.0 B plug is wider and will not enter a USB 2.0 B socket, whereas a USB 2.0 cable fits both kinds. Check the plug shape against the printer socket before relying on it.
Can a USB-to-parallel adapter run any parallel device?
No. It is built for printers and creates a virtual printer port, not a real parallel port, so devices that talk directly to the port, such as dongles, scanners or chip programmers, usually will not work.