— Understanding USB Power Delivery with USB4 Cables
As USB4 becomes the new standard for high-speed data and video transmission, many users are asking a key question:
👉 Does a USB4 cable support 100W or 240W power delivery (PD)?
The short answer is: It depends on the cable type.
Let’s explore the details.
🔹 Understanding USB Power Delivery (PD)
USB Power Delivery is a protocol that allows USB cables and ports to negotiate and deliver higher power levels — ideal for fast-charging laptops, tablets, phones, and docking stations.
- 100W PD = Up to 20V / 5A
- 240W PD (Extended Power Range, or EPR) = Up to 48V / 5A
USB PD has evolved with USB standards, and USB4 combines power, video, and data into one streamlined solution.
🔹 USB4 Cables and Power Support: What You Need to Know
USB4 cables come in two main types:
✅ Standard USB4 Cables (Up to 100W PD)
- Support 20V/5A = 100W max power
- Fully compatible with Thunderbolt 3/4, USB 3.2, and USB-C Alt Modes (e.g., DisplayPort)
- Suitable for most laptops, docking stations, monitors, and phones
✅ USB4 EPR Cables (Up to 240W PD)
- Compliant with USB PD 3.1 and EPR (Extended Power Range)
- Delivers up to 48V/5A = 240W
- Required for power-hungry laptops, gaming stations, and high-performance docks
⚠️ Only EPR-rated cables (clearly labeled) support 240W. Using a non-EPR USB4 cable limits charging to 100W.
🔹 How to Identify a 100W vs. 240W USB4 Cable
| Feature | USB4 100W Cable | USB4 240W Cable (EPR) |
|---|---|---|
| Power rating | Up to 100W (20V/5A) | Up to 240W (48V/5A) |
| USB PD Version | USB PD 2.0 / 3.0 | USB PD 3.1 |
| Marking | USB4 / 100W label | USB4 / EPR / 240W label |
| Applications | Most laptops, hubs, phones | Gaming laptops, 4K docks, large monitors |
🔹 Use Cases for Each Cable Type
✅ 100W USB4 Cable:
- Ultrabooks, MacBook Pro, iPads, Surface devices
- USB-C docking stations
- External SSDs or USB4 hubs
✅ 240W USB4 EPR Cable:
- Gaming laptops (Alienware, Razer Blade, etc.)
- Desktop replacement workstations
- Pro-grade docking and AV setups
🔹 Conclusion: Choose Based on Your Power Needs
If your devices draw 100W or less, a standard USB4 cable is fast, efficient, and cost-effective.
If you’re powering devices that require more than 100W, opt for a USB4 EPR cable (240W) to ensure safe and stable performance.
📦 At AV LINK, We Offer:
- ✅ USB4 cables with 100W PD
- ✅ USB4 EPR cables supporting 240W
- ✅ OEM/ODM services for custom USB-C solutions
📩 Need USB4 Cables for Your Project?
Contact us today for product specs, samples, or bulk pricing on USB4 100W and 240W cables!