MAG B2B · Equipment Manufacturing and System Integration

USB mounting cables for enclosure installation

Would you like to install a USB socket in an enclosure, a front panel or a control panel? A USB mounting cable routes an existing USB connection to an easily accessible position and allows the socket to be securely fixed in place.

Here you will find suitable DINIC standard products, installation diagrams and the key selection criteria: connector type, screw spacing, cut-out dimensions, installation depth and cable length.

USB mounting cables in our range – request a selection or project quantity
DINIC USB-Montagekabel mit USB-A-Stecker und anschraubbarer USB-A-Buchse
USB-A plug to USB-A mounting socket
Example: DINIC USB-AA-MFS-03, 30 cm
USB 2.0 up to 480 Mbit/s
26 mm screw spacing, centre-to-centre
30 / 50 / 100 cm – three standard lengths
2 screws pre-fitted to the socket

Which USB mounting cable is suitable for my device?

For an existing USB-A port on a computer or USB hub and a permanently fitted USB-A socket on the front of the device, a USB-A plug connected to a screw-mounted USB-A socket is suitable. The DINIC cables shown below support USB 2.0 and have a screw spacing of 26 mm. Before ordering, ensure that the housing cut-out, panel thickness, installation space and cable length are suitable for the application.

An internal motherboard header is not a USB-A port. For this connection, a version is required that matches the connector and pinout of the respective motherboard.

01 · Select standard items

USB assembly cables in 30 cm, 50 cm and 1 m

All three variants feature a straight USB-A plug and a screw-mounted USB-A socket. They support USB 2.0 at speeds of up to 480 Mbit/s and are backwards compatible with USB 1.1. Select the length based on the actual cable route within the device.

Please refer to the relevant product page for the latest technical specifications, prices and availability. The product images are not to scale.

02 · Understanding the installation principle

How to connect the device to the front socket

  1. : The USB-A plug on the installation cable is plugged into a suitable USB-A port on the host system or hub.
  2. Securing the socket: The mounting socket is screwed onto the designated front panel or bezel. The cut-out and mounting must be suitable for the specific item.
  3. Connecting externally: Peripherals or their connection cables are connected to the USB-A socket accessible from the outside.
Seitenansicht: USB-A-Port im Geräteinneren, Montagekabel hinter der Frontplatte und außen angeschlossenes USB-Gerätekabel Enlarge side view
Installation principle shown in side view. In this illustration, the socket body is located behind the front panel. Schematic drawing, not to scale.

03 · Check mechanical fit

A 26 mm screw spacing is not a cut-out dimension

For these three items, the 26 mm refers to the distance between the two fixing points, measured from centre of hole to centre of hole. The required housing opening, the permissible panel thickness or the installation depth cannot be derived from this.

Check these dimensions before manufacturing the housing
Checkpoint What to look out for
Mounting points For USB-AA-MFS-03, USB-AA-MFS-05 and USB-AA-MFS-1: 26 mm spacing. Coordinate the position and design of the fixings with the front panel.
Housing cut-out Determine the width, height and outline using the product drawing or a sample. The photograph is not a substitute for a drilling template.
Panel thickness Check the mounting position and usable screw length together. Do not assume general suitability for any wall thickness.
Installation depth and cable outlet Allow space for the socket body, the cable and adjacent components. Route the cable without tension, crushing or sharp bends.
Frontansicht der eingebauten USB-A-Buchse mit 26 mm Abstand von Schraubenmitte zu Schraubenmitte Enlarge front view
From the outside: USB-A port and fixing points. The cut-away diagram is schematic and does not represent a manufacturing specification.
Rückansicht der USB-Montagebuchse hinter der Frontplatte mit Platz für Buchsenkörper, Kabelabgang und Verbindung zum Host Enlarge rear view
From the inside: rear of the socket and internal cable routing. The required clearance depends on the product and the installation situation.

04 · Matching function and cable routing

USB version, cable length and power supply

What data transfer rate is required?

The three installation cables presented here support USB 2.0 at speeds of up to 480 Mbit/s. The shape of a USB-A socket alone does not indicate the available data rate.

For USB 3.x data rates, the host, connection and peripheral must be designed to support them. Further details can be found in the section on USB 3.0 cables; suitability for front-panel mounting must be checked separately.

How much cable length is required?

Measure along the actual route, including any bends and allowing for a reasonable connection reserve. An unnecessarily long cable takes up extra space.

Consider the entire connection, including the external device cable and any additional connectors. An extension cable does not extend the possible USB distance indefinitely.

Check the power supply: For USB-powered peripherals, the power supply of the host port or hub, the device’s power requirements and the entire cable connection must be compatible. Test functionality with the intended device before series production is authorised.

For a USB-C embedded solution, the connector type, data rate, charging power and any required video transmission must also be specified. MAG can assess these requirements on a project-by-project basis as part of a bespoke USB cable design.

05 · Development, procurement and mass production requirements

Tailoring an installation solution for your project

Standard products can serve as a suitable starting point for device fronts, control panels, kiosk systems, rack fronts and service connections. If you require different lengths, connector combinations, angled plugs or labelling, MAG will assess a bespoke design.

Providing the following details will enable us to process your enquiry efficiently:

  • Application, device type and a photo of the connectors
  • Connection inside the device and desired front socket
  • Data rate, power supply and required functions
  • Cable length and planned routing
  • Drilling pattern, cut-out, panel thickness and installation space
  • Environmental requirements and mechanical securing
  • Base product, initial order quantity and estimated annual requirement
  • Desired delivery date, labelling and packaging
Enquire about item or project quantities Plan a bespoke USB design

For bespoke products, you can also send drawings and photos to sonderanfertigung@mag-kabel.de. Feasibility, minimum order quantity and lead time will be assessed for the specific design.

Frequently asked questions

USB built-in sockets and assembly cables

What is the difference between a USB mounting cable and a USB extension cable?

A USB mounting cable is a connection with an additional mounting option for the socket. With the DINIC models shown, the USB-A socket can be secured to a suitable front panel or bezel using two screws. A standard USB extension cable does not usually feature this screw-fixing option.

Is a screw spacing of 26 mm standard for USB flush-mounted sockets?

No. The spacing depends on the specific design. The DINIC items USB-AA-MFS-03, USB-AA-MFS-05 and USB-AA-MFS-1 have a centre-to-centre distance of 26 mm. Even with the same screw spacing, the cut-out, panel thickness and space behind the faceplate must be suitable for the specific product.

What cut-out and installation depth should I allow for?

These dimensions must be determined using the product drawing or a sample. The screw spacing of 26 mm does not specify the size of the cut-out. The installation depth must also include space for the socket body and sufficient clearance for the cable outlet. The sketches on this page are for guidance only and are not production drawings.

Can I connect the installation cable directly to a motherboard header?

The three cables shown require a suitable USB-A socket on the system side. An internal motherboard header has a different connector shape and pinout. To find a suitable solution, we need the exact header type or motherboard model, preferably together with a photo and the connection documentation.

Will the USB 2.0 installation cable work on a USB 3.x port?

If the USB-A port and the connected peripheral support USB 2.0, a connection at USB 2.0 data rates is possible. The cable supports up to 480 Mbit/s. This USB 2.0 cable does not support USB 3.x data transfer.

Does the screw connection also secure the inserted USB plug?

The screws secure the mounting socket to the front panel. They do not lock the USB plug inserted from the outside. If your application requires a plug lock or additional strain relief, this requirement must be taken into account when selecting the installation solution.

Is the fitted USB socket dust- or watertight?

A screw-mounted fitting alone does not constitute an IP protection rating. No dust- or water-tightness is guaranteed on this page for the standard cables presented here. If your application requires a specific protection rating, the complete installation solution – including the housing opening and sealing – must be adapted accordingly.

Are other lengths, angled connectors or USB-C options available for installation?

MAG can assess alternative lengths, connector combinations and panel-mount versions on a project-by-project basis. In your enquiry regarding custom-made USB cables, please specify the required functions, installation dimensions and quantities. For USB-C, the data rate, charging power and, where applicable, video transmission must be specified separately.

Back