What is a Cash Drawer? Types, Sizes, and How It Works

In any retail or hospitality environment, the cash drawer is often the unsung hero of the checkout counter. While modern payments are shifting towards digital, cash remains a vital payment method globally. A reliable, secure, and durable cash drawer is not just a storage box—it is the primary defense for your revenue.

As we explored in our Ultimate Guide to POS Hardware Accessories, the cash drawer is a critical component of the POS ecosystem. But with so many sizes (410mm, 330mm), interfaces (RJ11, USB), and materials available, how do you choose the right one?

In this guide, we will break down exactly what a cash drawer is, how it works with your printer and POS terminal, and the different types available in the market today.

What is a Cash Drawer?

A cash drawer is a compartmentalized container used to store cash, coins, checks, and credit card receipts securely. It connects to a Point of Sale (POS) system and opens automatically when a transaction is completed, or manually via a key.

For B2B buyers and retailers, a cash drawer serves three main functions:

• Security: Locking away cash to prevent theft.
• Organization: Separating bills and coins for faster change-giving.
• Accountability: Integration with the POS system tracks every opening, reducing employee fraud.

How Does a Cash Drawer Work?

Many people assume the cash drawer connects directly to the POS computer. While this is possible (via USB), the most common industry standard is actually through the Receipt Printer.

Here is the typical workflow:

1. The POS software sends a signal to the Thermal Receipt Printer.
2. The printer finishes printing and sends a low-voltage pulse (usually 24V) through a cable.
3. This cable connects to the cash drawer via a standard RJ11 or RJ12 interface (often looking like a telephone jack).
4. The pulse triggers the solenoid inside the drawer, releasing the latch, and the spring pushes the drawer open.

Tech Note: This is why compatibility with your printer is often more important than compatibility with your computer OS.

Main Types of Cash Drawers

When sourcing hardware for your business or your clients, you will encounter several types. Understanding the difference is key to longevity.

1. Heavy-Duty vs. Standard Cash Drawers

This is the most critical distinction for hardware wholesalers.

• Standard Duty: Designed for low to medium traffic environments (e.g., small boutiques). They are typically tested for 1 million cycles.
• Heavy-Duty: Built for high-volume environments like supermarkets or fast-food chains. These feature thicker steel or aluminum alloy construction, heavy-duty ball-bearing slides, and are tested for over 3-4 million cycles.

TCANG Recommendation: For most commercial applications, investing in a heavy-duty metal chassis ensures the drawer won't fail during peak hours.

2. Slide-Out vs. Flip-Top

• Slide-Out: The traditional drawer that opens horizontally towards the cashier. Requires counter space in front.
• Flip-Top: Opens vertically (lid flips up). Commonly used in supermarkets or compact counters where space is tight.

3. Manual vs. Electronic

• Electronic: Controlled by the POS printer signal (as described above).
• Manual: Opens only by key or a push-button mechanism (Touch-and-Open).

Stay tuned: We will cover the pros and cons of Manual vs. Automatic Cash Drawers in our next blog post.

Common Sizes and Internal Layouts

Cash drawers are not "one size fits all." The size you choose depends on your counter space and currency requirements.

Physical Dimensions

• 410mm (16 inch): The industry standard size. Fits perfectly under most standard thermal printers and POS stands.
• 330mm / 350mm (13 inch): Compact size for small coffee shops or food trucks with limited counter depth.

Currency Layout (Bill & Coin Trays)

The internal tray (insert) configuration varies by region and currency:

• 5 Bill / 8 Coin: Common in many international markets.
• 4 Bill / 5 Coin: Standard for US/European markets.
• Adjustable Dividers: High-quality drawers allow you to move the dividers to fit different bill widths.

Why Material Matters: Plastic vs. Metal

As a professional POS hardware manufacturer, we cannot stress this enough: Material matters.

Cheap cash drawers often use plastic rollers and thin metal sheets. Over time, the heavy weight of coins can warp the rails, causing the drawer to stick or fail to open.

At TCANG, we focus on industrial-grade steel and aluminum alloy structures. A metal housing not only provides better security against forced entry but also ensures the sliding mechanism remains smooth even after years of daily use.

Conclusion

A cash drawer is a fundamental piece of the retail puzzle. Whether you need a compact 330mm drawer for a pop-up store or a heavy-duty 410mm drawer for a busy supermarket, choosing the right type ensures smooth operations and secure revenue.