How long can I run a USB cable for an External HDD?

[gexamb]

pretty much self explanatory thread...

How long of a USB cable can I use to run for a pc to an external harddrive?

Im thinking i need about 15-20 ft.

Thanks.

 

[kimsland]

In practice, the USB specification limits the length of a cable between full speed devices to 5 meters (a little under 16 feet 5 inches). For a low speed device the limit is 3 meters (9 feet 10 inches).

From here: http://www.usb.org/about/faq/ans5

 

[tipstir]

I have all my 4x network printers attach via USB connected to two 12FT(24FT) USB2.0 cord using 4-way hub without any issues.

 

[cosmos100]

In theory you can run USB connection upto about 15 metres without too much trouble.

But it's a theory, I have never and can't really see a situation where you would need to do that.

 

[NetCablesPlus]

Practically speaking, you can use a standard USB 2.0 cable up to 20 feet long without the need for signal amplification for most applications. Beyond those lengths, you should really use a USB repeater cable.