# USB Type-C Power-Only connector > the simplest versions of the Type-C connectors, prohibited in detachable cables, carrying all power levels (up to 240 W in either direction), omitting the connections needed for data **Wikidata**: [Q134482545](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134482545) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usb-type-c-power-only-connector ## Summary The USB Type-C Power-Only connector is the simplest version of the USB-C connector, designed exclusively for power transfer up to 240W in either direction, intentionally omitting all data connections. It is prohibited from use in detachable cables and is primarily utilized in fixed applications like dongles and captive cables, or in devices and power supplies that do not require data communication. ## Key Facts - **Power Capability:** Supports all USB power levels, delivering up to 240W of power in either direction (source to sink or sink to source). - **Data Omission:** Intentionally omits the electrical connections required for any data transmission protocols. - **Detachable Cable Prohibition:** Explicitly prohibited from being used on detachable USB cables. - **Primary Use Cases:** Found in dongles, captive cables, power supplies, and USB-powered devices that solely require power without communication. - **Official Designation:** Its official name is "USB Type-C Power-Only connector" as per the USB specification. - **Relationship to USB-C:** It is a subclass and specialized version of the standard USB-C connector system. - **Specification Source:** Defined within the "USB Type-C Cable and Connector Specification" (Release 24 as of 2025). - **Publication Date:** Defined by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) in October 2024. ## FAQs ### Q: What is the main difference between a USB Type-C Power-Only connector and a regular USB-C connector? A: The key difference is that a Power-Only connector lacks the pins and pathways needed for any data communication; it is solely designed for high-power delivery up to 240W. Regular USB-C connectors include these data connections. ### Q: Why can't USB Type-C Power-Only connectors be used on detachable cables? A: The USB specification prohibits their use in detachable cables to ensure compatibility and prevent confusion with standard, fully functional USB-C cables that support both power and data. ### Q: What types of devices commonly use USB Type-C Power-Only connectors? A: They are typically found in fixed applications like certain dongles, captive cables ( permanently attached cables), dedicated power supplies, and USB-powered devices (e.g., some monitors, hubs, or industrial tools) that exclusively need power and do not require data transfer. ### Q: How much power can a USB Type-C Power-Only connector handle? A: It is designed to handle all USB power levels, supporting up to 240W of power transfer in either direction. ## Why It Matters The USB Type-C Power-Only connector solves a critical need in device design by enabling high-power delivery without the unnecessary complexity and cost of unused data pathways. For devices requiring significant power but no communication—such as monitors needing high-wattage charging, simple power adapters, or specialized industrial tools—it provides a standardized, compact, and cost-effective solution. Its prohibition in detachable cables maintains the clarity of the USB standard, ensuring users expect data transfer capability only in standard cables, while allowing manufacturers to simplify fixed-power applications. This specialization supports the broader USB-C ecosystem by offering a tailored connector for power-only scenarios, leveraging the USB Power Delivery standard up to its maximum 240W capability. ## Notable For * **Maximum Power Support:** Handles the full spectrum of USB power levels, up to the maximum 240W defined by USB Power Delivery within the USB-C ecosystem. * **Exclusive Power Focus:** Is the only standardized USB-C connector *defined* to intentionally eliminate all data transfer capabilities. * **Detachable Cable Ban:** Explicitly prohibited by specification from use on detachable cables, reinforcing its role for fixed-power applications only. * **Simplified Design:** Represents the simplest, most stripped-down defined variant within the 24-pin USB-C connector standard. * **Fixed-Application Specialist:** Primarily engineered and mandated for use in captive cables, dongles, power supplies, and purely powered devices. ## Body ### Overview The USB Type-C Power-Only connector is a specialized variant within the USB-C connector family. It is explicitly defined as the simplest form of Type-C connector, focused solely on the transfer of electrical power. Its core characteristic is the complete omission of the pins and pathways necessary for any data communication (USB protocols, DisplayPort, etc.). ### Specifications - **Power Transfer:** Capable of delivering all USB power levels, including the maximum 240W output supported by USB Power Delivery (USB-PD), in either power direction (source to device or device to source). - **Data Capability:** Provides no data transmission pathways. All connections related to data lines are omitted. - **Physical Form:** Exists as defined "Power-Only plug" and "Power-Only receptacle" variants, sharing the USB-C reversible plug form factor but with specific pin omissions. - **Cable Restriction:** Prohibited from being incorporated into detachable USB cables. It can only be used in captive cables (non-detachable) or as part of a dongle. - **Standard:** Defined and governed by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) specifications, specifically the "USB Type-C Cable and Connector Specification" (e.g., Release 24, effective October 2024). ### Applications - **Dongles:** Used in fixed dongles that convert a USB-C power port into another power-only output format (e.g., barrel jack). - **Captive Cables:** Found in devices where the cable is permanently attached and only power delivery is required, such as certain monitors, external drives, or simple power adapters. - **Power Supplies:** Used as the input connector on dedicated USB-PD power supplies or chargers that solely output power and lack data communication. - **Powered Devices:** Employed as the input connector on devices that solely consume power via USB-C and have no need for data transfer, such as specific industrial equipment, simple USB-powered fans, or lighting. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.usb.org/document-library/usb-type-cr-cable-and-connector-specification-release-24) 2. [Source](https://www.usb.org/sites/default/files/usb_type-c_language_product_and_packaging_guidelines_20230320.pdf)