A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Power Supply for Your Raspberry Pi 4

Learn everything you need to know about power supplies, USB-C power delivery, and how to safely power your Raspberry Pi 4. …


Updated October 15, 2023

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Learn everything you need to know about power supplies, USB-C power delivery, and how to safely power your Raspberry Pi 4.

  1. Raspberry Pi Power Adapter The official Raspberry Pi power adapter is the most common way to power your Raspberry Pi 4. It comes with the standard kit and provides a reliable source of power for your device. The adapter outputs 5V at 3A, which is enough to power the Raspberry Pi 4 and any accessories connected to its USB ports.

Pros:

  • Easy to use and set up
  • Officially supported by Raspberry Pi Cons:
  • Limited to a single output port
  • Not compatible with USB-C PD sources
  1. USB-C Power Delivery (PD) USB-C power delivery allows you to connect your Raspberry Pi 4 directly to a high-powered USB-C charger or power bank, providing more flexibility and convenience than the official Raspberry Pi adapter. The Raspberry Pi 4 can draw up to 3A of power from a compatible USB-C PD source, which is enough for most use cases.

Pros:

  • More convenient than using an external adapter
  • Allows you to charge other devices simultaneously Cons:
  • Requires a compatible USB-C charger or power bank
  • May not work with older chargers and adapters
  1. External Power Banks External power banks are another option for powering your Raspberry Pi 4. These portable devices typically output 5V and can supply up to 3A of current, making them suitable for the Raspberry Pi 4. Some models also include additional USB ports for charging other devices or connecting peripherals.

Pros:

  • Can be used on the go
  • Provides extra battery capacity for your device Cons:
  • May not be compatible with all USB-C PD sources
  • Less reliable than official Raspberry Pi power adapters

Safety Tips: Before connecting any power source to your Raspberry Pi 4, make sure to follow these safety precautions:

  1. Use an official Raspberry Pi power adapter or a high-quality replacement with a USB micro-B connector. Avoid using cheap or unbranded adapters as they may not provide the correct voltage and current.
  2. Never connect your device to a power source without the necessary protections, such as a surge protector or fuse. This can help prevent damage in case of power surges or other electrical issues.
  3. Ensure that you have adequate ventilation around your Raspberry Pi 4 when using an external power bank or charger to avoid overheating.

In conclusion, there are several options for powering your Raspberry Pi 4, including official Raspberry Pi adapters, USB-C power delivery, and external power banks. Choose the one that best fits your needs and ensure you follow safety precautions to prevent damage or issues with your device.

Here’s a quick summary of what you need to know about choosing the right power supply for your Raspberry Pi 4:

  • Official Raspberry Pi adapter: Easy to use, reliable, but limited to one output port
  • USB-C Power Delivery: More flexible and convenient, but requires compatible sources
  • External power banks: Portable and provide extra battery capacity, but may not be compatible with all USB-C PD sources

Remember to always follow safety precautions when connecting your Raspberry Pi 4 to a power source. Choose a high-quality adapter or power bank, use protections like surge protectors or fuses, and ensure proper ventilation when using an external battery.