Common Questions About Cables & Adapters Answered

Cables play a vital role in almost every piece of modern technology we use. Whether you’re charging a smartphone, connecting a laptop to a monitor, setting up a home cinema or wiring a home office, choosing the right cable ensures your devices perform reliably and efficiently.

At Maplin, we offer a wide selection of cables, adapters and connectivity solutions designed for everyday home use, professional environments and specialist setups. In this comprehensive guide, we answer some of the most common questions about cables, helping you make informed choices and get the best performance from your equipment.

Using the wrong cable can result in:

• Slow charging speeds

• Poor audio or video quality

• Unstable internet connections

• Compatibility issues between devices

• Potential damage to equipment

High-quality, correctly rated cables ensure safe power delivery, reliable data transfer and consistent signal quality. Shopping with Maplin gives you peace of mind that your new cable meets modern standards and is suitable for today’s devices.

The first step is identifying what you are connecting and what the cable is being used for.

• Charging cables for phones, tablets and laptops

• Audio cables for speakers, headphones and sound systems

• Video cables for TVs, monitors and projectors

• Network cables for routers, PCs and smart devices

• Power cables and extension leads for appliances and workspaces

Checking both ends of the connection (the connector type) and the device requirements will help narrow down the correct option.

An HDMI cable is used to transmit both audio and video between devices such as TVs, monitors, games consoles, Blu-ray players and streaming devices.

Do all HDMI cables support 4K or 8K?

No. HDMI cables vary by specification. Higher-rated HDMI cables are designed to handle:

• 4K and 8K resolutions

• Higher refresh rates for gaming

• HDR (High Dynamic Range) video

• Advanced audio formats

Does cable length matter?

Yes. Longer HDMI cables can experience signal degradation. Choosing the correct length helps maintain image quality and reduces clutter.

We stock HDMI cables in multiple lengths and specifications, making them ideal for home entertainment systems, office displays and gaming setups.

USB cables are among the most commonly used — and misunderstood — cables.

USB-C

You’ll find USB-C ports on most new devices like smartphones, gaming peripherals, and laptops. Plus, its reversible, smaller oblong design means you never have to worry about plugging it in the wrong way up!

USB-A

Flat and rectangular in shape, these are the classic and original USB connectors.

Micro-USB

Micro-USB used to be the go-to option for charging portable devices like smartphone and tablets, but they are still used by plenty of devices today as a cheaper alternative to USB-C.

You can also pick up USB to Lightning cables to help you keep your compatible Apple devices synced and charged.

• Charging speed: Not all USB cables support fast charging or high power output

• Data transfer speed: Important for syncing devices or transferring large files

• Connector compatibility: Always match the cable to your device’s port

Maplin’s range of USB cables covers fast charging, data syncing and everyday connectivity, suitable for smartphones, tablets, laptops, power banks and accessories.

Ethernet cables provide a stable, high-speed internet connection, making them ideal for gaming, streaming, home offices and smart TVs.

• Cat5e: Suitable for most home networks and broadband speeds

• Cat6: Offers improved performance, reduced interference and higher speeds

If you experience slow or unreliable Wi-Fi, switching to a wired Ethernet connection using a quality Maplin cable can make a noticeable difference.

Audio cables vary depending on the equipment and sound quality required.

• 3.5mm jack cables: Used for headphones, speakers and AUX connections

• RCA cables: Common with TVs, hi-fi systems and older audio equipment

• Optical audio cables: Transmit digital audio for surround sound systems and sound bars

If you’re connecting newer devices to older audio equipment (or vice versa), Maplin also offers audio adapters to bridge the gap.

Power cables and extension leads are essential for both home and professional environments.

When choosing power solutions, consider:

• Cable length

• Number of sockets

• Surge protection

• Indoor or outdoor use

Maplin’s power cable and extension lead range includes options for home offices, workshops, entertainment systems and travel, helping keep your setup safe and organised.

This is a common source of confusion.

• Adapters change the physical connector (for example, USB-C to HDMI)

• Converters change the signal format (for example, analogue audio to digital)

Maplin’s selection of adapters and converters allows you to connect modern laptops, tablets and phones to TVs, monitors and legacy equipment without replacing existing devices.

Not necessarily. While longer cables offer flexibility, they can sometimes:

• Reduce signal quality

• Increase resistance in power cables

• Create unnecessary clutter

Choosing the shortest practical length for your setup often delivers the best performance and a cleaner installation. Maplin offers cables in a variety of lengths so you can choose exactly what you need.

When you shop with us you benefit from:

• A wide and carefully selected range of cables

• Solutions for home, office, gaming and professional use

• Clear product descriptions and compatibility information

• Trusted Maplin expertise in electronics and connectivity

From simple charging cables to complete home networking solutions, Maplin makes it easy to find reliable, high-quality products in one place.

Understanding cables doesn’t have to be complicated. By choosing the right cable for the job — and buying from a trusted retailer — you can ensure your devices work efficiently, safely and reliably.

Explore our full range of cables, adapters, power solutions and accessories and get connected with confidence.