Cash Drawers and Lock Boxes

Electronic drawer or plain cash box

An electronic drawer opens on a signal from the receipt printer or the POS software, and a key lock gives manual access if the signal fails. Layouts are described by their trays, such as five bill slots and five coin cups, and some have a media slot for checks or vouchers. A simple steel or plastic cash box has a key lock, can be carried or locked away, and needs no connection. Supplies such as bill straps, coin wrappers and bags also appear in this category, in packs.

Interface, voltage and drawer footprint

Most drawers connect through the receipt printer's drawer port with an RJ11-style cable, so the printer must have that port. Others use USB or serial. Drawers are built for 12 V or 24 V, and a mismatch can leave the drawer shut or overheat its solenoid, so check both ends. Standard drawers are about 16 inches wide, so measure the counter cut-out and the depth needed for the tray to slide out fully.

Questions about Cash Drawers and Lock Boxes

How does a cash drawer open?

Usually the POS software sends an open command to the receipt printer, which pulses the drawer through its drawer port. USB and serial drawers receive the command directly. Every drawer also has a key lock for manual opening and locking.

Why will my drawer not open?

Check the cable is plugged into the printer's drawer port, not a network jack, and that the drawer voltage matches. Then check the lock is not set to locked, and that your software has the open-drawer option switched on.

What is the difference between a cash box and a cash drawer?

A cash box is a portable locking tray for small amounts, with no electronics. A cash drawer sits under a counter, holds bills and coins in sorted trays and opens automatically from the sale. Choose by how much cash you handle and whether you use a POS system.