FireWire (IEEE 1394) cables connect camcorders, external drives, audio interfaces and other equipment to a computer or an expansion card. Our range has over 80 models with 4-pin, 6-pin and 9-pin connectors, from half a metre to ten metres long.
Brands include DELOCK, EXSYS, INLINE and S-CONN.
How to choose a FireWire cable
Connector type. FireWire 400 devices use 4-pin or 6-pin connectors, while FireWire 800 devices use 9-pin ones. Check both sockets and pick a cable whose ends match them exactly. Our range includes cables with 6-pin, 9-pin and 4-pin connectors, as well as mixed combinations such as 9-pin at one end and 6-pin at the other.
Power. 6-pin and 9-pin connectors carry power, 4-pin ones do not. If an external drive or other device is powered directly over FireWire, both sockets need to be 6-pin or 9-pin. 4-pin sockets are mostly found on camcorders and other equipment with their own power source.
Length. Our range includes cables of 0.5, 1, 1.8, 3, 5 and 10 m. A distance of up to 4.5 m between two FireWire 400 devices is the usual figure quoted, and longer cables may work but the signal can weaken. Choose the shortest cable that reaches the device without strain.
Speed and compatibility. If you connect a FireWire 800 device to a FireWire 400 socket (using a cable with 9-pin and 6-pin ends), the link runs at the slower standard's speed. A 9-pin connection is therefore only worth choosing when both devices have the socket and you need the extra speed.
Brands we carry
- DELOCK: known for a very large selection of cables, adapters and connectors for different interfaces, so it often covers less common connector combinations.
- EXSYS: specialises mainly in interface expansion cards, including FireWire controllers, which makes it easy to choose a cable alongside a card.
- INLINE: a maker of computer accessories and cables, offering cables of various lengths for everyday use at home or in the office.
Also in our range: S-CONN (S CONN MAXIMUM CONNECTIVITY), SHIVERPEAKS, TRANSMEDIA, ROLINE, ACT and GOOD CONNECTIONS.
FireWire cable FAQ
What is the difference between FireWire 400 and FireWire 800 cables?
The connectors and the speed differ. FireWire 400 cables have 4-pin or 6-pin connectors and run at up to 400 Mbit/s, while FireWire 800 uses 9-pin connectors and is faster, at up to 800 Mbit/s. Mixed cables also exist that link a 9-pin socket to a 6-pin one.
Will a 6-pin FireWire cable fit a 4-pin socket?
A plain 6-pin plug will not fit a 4-pin socket, so you need a cable with a 6-pin plug at one end and a 4-pin plug at the other. Such a cable carries data, but the 4-pin side receives no power. A device with a 4-pin socket must have its own power supply.
What is the longest FireWire cable that works reliably?
The usual figure quoted for a FireWire 400 cable is up to 4.5 m. Our range also includes 5 m and 10 m cables, but at those distances the signal can weaken, especially when the device is powered over the cable. Where you can, choose a shorter cable.
Is FireWire still used?
Yes, FireWire is still used with older camcorders, some professional audio interfaces and external drives. Many newer computers have no FireWire socket, so you may need an expansion card or an adapter. Check which connector your device has before you buy.
