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Cash Drawers for POS Systems — Printer-Driven, USB & Flip Top
POS Plaza stocks cash drawers to suit retail, hospitality, and service businesses across Australia. Available in printer-driven (RJ11/RJ12), USB, serial, and Bluetooth configurations, with sizes ranging from compact 330mm countertop units to large 460mm heavy-duty drawers for high-volume cash handling. Brands include APG, POS-X, and our range of value POS Plaza branded units.
Printer-driven vs USB cash drawers — which do you need?
Printer-driven cash drawers connect to a receipt printer via an RJ11 or RJ12 cable (the same type used for telephone connections). When your POS software triggers a receipt to print, the printer sends a signal to pop the drawer open — no separate power supply required. This is the most common setup for retail and hospitality. The drawer is compatible with the printer, not directly with your computer or software.
USB cash drawers connect directly to a computer or POS terminal via USB. Your POS software sends the open command directly to the drawer, without needing a receipt printer. This is the better choice if you're running a paperless or digital-receipt-only operation, or if your all-in-one POS terminal has a USB port but no RJ11 port.
Serial cash drawers are an older interface. Suitable for legacy systems with a serial (RS-232) port. Not recommended for new installations.
What size cash drawer do I need?
Cash drawer widths are measured by the tray size:
- 330mm (13"): Compact, suitable for small counters in cafés, market stalls, and kiosks with lower cash volumes. Typically holds 4–5 note denominations and 8 coin slots.
- 410mm (16"): Standard size for most retail and hospitality environments. Good balance between counter space and capacity.
- 460mm (18"): Large format for high-volume cash operations. Found in supermarkets, bottle shops, and petrol stations. Holds more coin and note denominations simultaneously.
Which cash drawers are compatible with Epson and Star printers?
Most printer-driven cash drawers use a standard RJ11 connector and are compatible with the majority of Epson TM-series and Star TSP-series printers. The key is matching the kick pulse voltage:
- Epson printers typically output a 24V kick signal. Ensure your cash drawer supports 24V operation (most quality drawers do).
- Star printers output either 24V or 12V depending on the model. Check your printer's documentation or contact us to confirm compatibility.
If you purchase a receipt printer and cash drawer together from POS Plaza, we can confirm they're a compatible pair before shipping.
What is a flip-top cash drawer?
Flip-top (or flip-lid) cash drawers open upward rather than sliding forward. They're used in space-constrained counters where a standard forward-opening drawer would block access or interfere with other equipment. Common in pharmacy dispensing counters, small kiosks, and tight café counters.
Do cash drawers need a power supply?
Printer-driven cash drawers draw power from the receipt printer's RJ11 port — no separate power supply required. USB cash drawers draw power from the USB port. Neither type requires a mains power cable, making installation simple. A 240V power point is not needed at the cash drawer location.
Frequently asked questions — cash drawers
Q: Can I use a cash drawer without a receipt printer?
A: Yes. Choose a USB cash drawer. Your POS software sends the open command directly over USB. This is the correct setup for digital-receipt-only businesses and for POS software that supports direct USB drawer control.
Q: What POS software supports USB cash drawers?
A: Square, Shopify POS, Vend, Lightspeed, and most Windows-based POS software support USB cash drawers. Check your software's hardware compatibility list or contact us for confirmation.
Q: Can I lock a cash drawer?
A: Yes. Most cash drawers include a manual key lock. The drawer can be locked with a key for security and manually opened in the event of a power failure. Spare keys are typically available from POS Plaza.
Q: What cable connects a cash drawer to a receipt printer?
A: An RJ11 or RJ12 cable (similar to a telephone cable). Most cash drawers include this cable in the box. If you need a replacement or longer cable, contact us.
Q: Do you sell cash drawers with a note and coin tray?
A: Yes. All our cash drawers include a removable media insert (note and coin tray) compatible with Australian currency denominations.