Cash Drawer Buying Guide

Cash Drawer Buying Guide

Choose the connection first—then the size, till and duty rating

A cash drawer is not compatible merely because its plug fits your receipt printer or POS terminal. Start with the device that will send the open command, then verify the drawer interface, voltage, cable pinout, dimensions and exact till configuration.

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Compatibility warning: RJ-style cash-drawer plugs can look identical while using different voltages or pinouts. Never choose a drawer or replacement cable by connector shape alone. Match the exact host device, drawer interface and cable part number.

Step 1

Identify what will open the drawer

“Printer-driven,” “USB” and “Ethernet” describe different control paths. They are not interchangeable variants of the same connection.

Most common at a traditional checkout

Printer-driven

The POS application sends a print or drawer-kick command to the receipt printer. The printer then pulses the cash drawer through its drawer port.

  • Usually the simplest choice when the supported receipt printer is beside the drawer.
  • The printer supplies the opening pulse; the drawer does not connect to the computer.
  • Voltage, cable wiring and connector pinout must match.

APG terminology: MultiPRO #320 is 24V; other APG interface numbers can use different voltages. The interface number matters.

Direct connection to the POS host

USB-controlled

The drawer connects to a computer or POS terminal through a USB interface rather than relying on a receipt-printer drawer port.

  • Useful when no compatible printer drawer port is available.
  • Requires supported software, drivers, SDK or OPOS/JavaPOS integration.
  • A USB plug does not guarantee that the POS application can control the drawer.

View the APG Series 4000 USBPro drawer

For supported networked deployments

Ethernet or Power over Ethernet

A network interface lets supported software address and monitor the drawer over the network. PoE models can receive network connectivity and power from compatible PoE equipment.

  • Appropriate for specifically designed enterprise, remote or shared-till workflows.
  • Requires compatible network infrastructure and POS software integration.
  • Connecting the drawer to a router does not automatically make it work with the POS.

View an APG Series 4000 NetPRO model

No electronic open command

Manual operation

A manual drawer is opened with a key, latch or push mechanism. It can work without a receipt printer or POS-controlled interface.

  • Useful for standalone cash handling, events or low-technology environments.
  • Does not provide software-controlled opening.
  • Do not assume an electronically operated drawer becomes a convenient manual drawer merely because it has a key override.

What about serial?

Direct serial cash-drawer interfaces exist in older and specialized POS installations, but “serial” should not be used as a catch-all for every drawer connected directly to a computer. If replacing a legacy serial drawer, match the exact interface, power method, communications requirements and software support. Do not substitute USB or printer-driven hardware without confirming the application.

Cable compatibility

The connector is only one part of the match

1. Host device

Record the exact receipt-printer or POS-terminal manufacturer and model. “Epson-compatible” or “Star-compatible” is too broad for a final cable choice.

2. Drawer interface

Record the complete drawer SKU and interface designation, such as APG MultiPRO 320, USBPro or NetPRO—not only the drawer family name.

3. Exact cable

Confirm the cable part number and whether it is included. Interchangeable-interface drawers may still ship without the cable required for your printer.

Important: A drawer advertised with “universal printer support” still needs the correct interchangeable cable for the specific printer or terminal. Universal support does not mean one cable fits every host.

Step 2

Use actual dimensions—not the family nickname

Terms such as 13-inch, 14-inch, 16-inch and 18-inch are useful categories, but the published width, depth and height determine whether the drawer fits. Leave clearance for the drawer to open, cable routing, counter edges and any equipment placed on top.

Example Published size Construction / suspension Typical reason to consider it
Star CD3-1313BK45-S2 13 in W × 13 in D class Steel, value drawer Compact counter and 4-bill / 5-coin till requirement
Star CD4 Choice Series 14 × 16 or 16 × 16 class; exact published dimensions vary by model Reinforced top, roller-wheel suspension Choice of size, finish and till configuration
APG Vasario VB320-1-BL1616 16 × 16 in class Roller-wheel suspension; standard/performance duty Lower-volume printer-driven checkout
Custom America APEX Pro 971GF010000028 16.1 W × 16.1 D × 3.9 H in Cold-rolled steel; ball-bearing slides on APEX Pro Retail/hospitality needing a 16-inch heavy-slide drawer
APG Series 100 T320-BL16195 16 W × 19.5 D in class Steel ball-bearing slides; heavy duty Narrower width with a deep body and full-size till
APG Series 4000 JD320-BL1816 18 × 16 in class Industrial-grade ball-bearing slides; heavy duty High transaction volume and wider till/storage format

Always confirm the specification on the exact product SKU. A family page can contain multiple widths, depths, finishes, tills and interfaces.

Step 3

Match construction to the workload

Performance or standard-duty drawers

Appropriate for many general retail, restaurant, service-counter and lower-volume lanes when the drawer's tested life, warranty and till capacity fit the use.

Example: APG states that the Vasario family is tested beyond one million operations and carries a three-year warranty.

Heavy-duty drawers

Use stronger slide and latch assemblies for busy grocery, convenience, fuel, hospitality and other cash-intensive lanes.

Examples: APG lists its Series 100 and Series 4000 families beyond four million operations; the Custom APEX Pro adds ball-bearing slides.

Cycle ratings are laboratory durability measures—not guarantees of service life in every environment. Drawer loading, impacts, dirt, installation and maintenance also affect longevity.

Step 4

Specify the till, media storage and security process

Bill and coin layout

Choose the exact configuration—such as 4-bill / 5-coin, 5-bill / 5-coin or 5-bill / 8-coin—based on currency and operating procedure. Do not assume every size uses the same till.

Removable insert

Confirm whether the till is removable, whether a second insert is available for shift changes and whether the correct replacement insert matches the drawer model.

Media slots

Slots allow checks, coupons, large bills or other media to be placed beneath the till without opening the drawer. Confirm the number and the under-till storage layout.

Lock and key

Lock positions and functions vary. Confirm the exact model's operating positions, key code strategy and availability of replacement keys before standardizing across locations.

Locking till cover

A locking cover can help secure a removable till during transport or counting, but the cover must match the exact till and drawer family.

Under-counter mounting

Use a manufacturer-approved bracket for the exact drawer. Verify the mounting surface, fasteners, cable path, operating clearance and allowable orientation.

Current ShopPOSPortals examples

Compare exact configurations—not product-family names alone

The models below illustrate the main choices currently represented in the store. Availability, included parts and specifications can change; verify the live product page and complete manufacturer SKU before ordering.

Model Control path Size / till Best matched when Cable note
Star CD3-1313BK45-S2
Part 37965560 		Printer-driven 13 × 13 class
4 bill / 5 coin		 A compact value drawer fits the counter and the smaller till is acceptable. Product specifies a bottom-exit cable included.
Star CD4 Choice Series Printer-driven 14 × 16 or 16 × 16 class
Multiple till options		 You need a reinforced top and selectable size, finish and till. Star states a standard cable is included; select the exact model/variant.
APG Vasario VB320-1-BL1616 MultiPRO 24VPrinter-driven 16 × 16 class
5 bill / 5 coin		 You need a cost-conscious standard/performance-duty drawer. This exact listing identifies the CD-101A cable as included.
Custom America APEX Pro
Part 971GF010000028 		Interchangeable cablePrinter-driven 16.1 × 16.1 × 3.9 in
5 bill / 5 coin		 You want a 16-inch cold-rolled-steel drawer with ball-bearing slides. Manufacturer packing list includes a cable; confirm it matches the host.
Custom America ION Slide
Part 971GF010003020 		Interchangeable cablePrinter-driven 16 × 16 class A medium-duty slide drawer matches the approved configuration. Confirm the exact printer-interface cable before ordering.
APG Series 100 T320-BL16195 MultiPRO 24VPrinter-driven 16 × 19.5 class
5 bill / 5 coin		 You need heavy-duty construction and can accommodate the deeper body. Requires the correct cable; it is not included in the listed configuration.
APG Series 4000 JD320-BL1816 MultiPRO 24VPrinter-driven 18 × 16 class
Till included		 A high-volume lane needs a wide, heavy-duty ball-bearing drawer. Requires the correct cable; verify printer and pinout.
APG Series 4000 USBPro USBProDirect USB 18 × 16 class
Coin-roll storage till		 The POS application supports APG USB control and no printer-driven path is desired. USB cable is included; software support must still be confirmed.
APG Series 4000 NetPRO
JB480-1A-BL1816-C 		NetPRO 480AEthernet 18 W × 16.7 D × 4.2 H in The approved software deployment specifically supports a network-addressable drawer. Confirm network, power and software-integration requirements.
APG Series 100 T490A-BL1616 Power over Ethernet 16 × 16 class The deployment is designed for this PoE interface and compatible network equipment. Requires compatible PoE infrastructure and POS integration.

Before ordering

Use this exact compatibility checklist

Record the host

Write down the exact POS software, operating system and model of the receipt printer or POS terminal expected to open the drawer.

Select the control path

Choose printer-driven, direct USB, Ethernet/PoE or manual operation based on confirmed software and hardware support.

Verify the electrical and cable match

Confirm interface type, voltage, connector pinout and exact cable part number. Check whether that cable is included.

Measure the installation

Confirm available width, depth and height plus opening, cable and ventilation clearance. Check under-counter bracket requirements if applicable.

Specify cash handling

Choose the bill/coin layout, currency, media slots, removable till, locking cover, keying plan and any spare inserts.

Match duty and support

Compare suspension type, tested cycles, warranty and replacement-part availability against the expected transaction volume and environment.

Order by complete SKU

Verify the entire manufacturer part number. Similar drawer names can represent different sizes, colors, tills, interfaces and included cables.

Five assumptions that cause incorrect orders

  • “The modular plug fits, so it is compatible.” False—pinout and voltage can differ.
  • “USB means plug-and-play with every POS application.” False—the software must support the drawer interface.
  • “Networked means any router can open it.” False—the network, power and POS integration must be designed for it.
  • “All 16-inch drawers use the same till.” False—bill/coin layout, insert dimensions and accessories vary.
  • “A family name identifies the exact product.” False—families often contain multiple sizes, colors, interfaces and till configurations.

Frequently asked questions

Cash drawer compatibility answers

Will any cash drawer work with any receipt printer?

No. The receipt printer must support drawer control, and the drawer voltage, wiring and cable pinout must match the printer. Confirm the exact printer model, drawer interface and cable—not only the connector shape.

Does a printer-driven drawer connect to the computer?

Normally, no. The drawer connects to the receipt printer. The POS software sends a command to the printer, and the printer supplies the pulse that opens the drawer.

When should I choose a USB cash drawer?

Choose direct USB when the POS application explicitly supports the drawer's USB interface and a compatible printer-driven connection is unavailable or undesirable. Confirm drivers, SDK, OPOS/JavaPOS support and operating-system compatibility.

What is the difference between Ethernet and Power over Ethernet?

Ethernet describes network communication. Power over Ethernet can also deliver power through compatible network equipment. The exact APG NetPRO model, power arrangement, network configuration and POS-software integration must all be confirmed.

Is the cable included?

It depends on the exact SKU. Some listings include a printer or USB cable; others explicitly require a separately selected cable. Even when a cable is included, verify that it matches the host device.

What size drawer should I buy?

Measure the available width, depth and height, then choose the till capacity and construction level required. Use the exact published dimensions; nominal labels such as “16-inch” do not describe every dimension.

Can I mount the drawer under a counter?

Only when the exact drawer supports an approved under-counter bracket and the installation provides suitable structure, fasteners, clearance and cable routing. Do not mount a drawer in an unapproved orientation.

Can one printer control two cash drawers?

Some supported combinations can, using a manufacturer-approved dual-drawer cable or interface. Confirm the printer, both drawers, cable, status-sensing requirements and POS behavior. A generic splitter is not automatically compatible.

Can I replace only the till or cash insert?

Often, but inserts are model-specific. Match the drawer family, drawer size, bill/coin layout and replacement-part number. A generic 16-inch insert may not fit another 16-inch drawer.

What information should I send ShopPOSPortals for a compatibility check?

Send the POS software name, operating system, receipt-printer or terminal model, current drawer SKU if replacing one, desired till layout, available dimensions and expected transaction volume. Photos of the existing labels and ports can also help.

Related planning

Complete the checkout hardware specification

Hardware bundles

Use an approved bundle when the software provider has already validated the complete hardware combination.

Explore hardware bundles →

Manufacturer resources

Verify specialized configurations at the source

Need a compatibility check?

Send us the printer model, drawer SKU and counter dimensions

ShopPOSPortals can help compare the connection, cable, physical size, till layout and accessories before you order. For partner or multi-location deployments, include the approved POS software and the quantity required.

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