Respironics DC power connectors

I bought some DC connectors for my Respironics CPAP machines.

They are 2.5 mm ID, 5.5 mm OD barrel connectors. The tip is positive. This is also referred to as a “size N coaxial DC power connector.”

Tip/center conductor/pin = positive.
Barrel/outer conductor = negative.

Some ResMed machines may use the same connector, but are reversed polarity. ResMed claims you must use their DC-DC converter. Don't plug the cable into the wrong machine.

I can confirm they fit the Repironics PRS1, M Series and Legacy CPAP machines.

I ordered from DigiKey. Good company to buy from.

Part number CP3-002BH-ND $1.79 each fits all three machines perfectly. I haven't actually soldered wires and powered it up yet, though.

Part number CP-2200-ND $3.42 each fits the M series and PRS1 machines fine. It doesn't fit well into the legacy REMstar machine. It makes connection, but tends to fall out. The uninsulated part of the barrel is a little longer on the connector that fits and on the official Respironics DC cable.

I like the CP-2200 ND connector a little better because it's a preassembled molded connector with a 6 foot 18 gauge wire. Sometimes, it's difficult to make a good, neat solder connection to those small connectors. It's also right angle with a strain relief. For my particular project, it should work out well.

Something feels a little chintzy about the Respironics connectors. On one of my PRS1 machines, the original manufacturer's plug loses contact with the machine and power drops out if you wiggle it the slightest bit. It doesn't fall out, it just doesn't make contact. Strangely enough, it's never actually failed to work during actual use, though.

I'm not sure what this means. Is this for a battery hook-up mod or . . . what?

Carl LaFong wrote:I'm not sure what this means. Is this for a battery hook-up mod or . . . what?

Hookup to a battery for emergency backup would be the most common reason to do this. You could also use it to replace a broken plug, or use something other than the original manufacturer's power supply.

Or to go camping! I wish I had had the time to follow your lead archangle - maybe next time I go - looks like you spent about 1/10 of what I did on that cord today

For those not comfortable with soldering, etc., just buy the Respironics power cord and plug it into a cigarette lighter jack.

I have heard that this plug fits both Respironics and some ResMed machines, but polarity is reversed, so be careful not to plug any DC cord into the wrong machine.