Learn everything you need to know about powering your Raspberry Pi, from the basics to advanced topics.

Updated September 24, 2023

Need help with your Raspberry Pi?
Contact Me!

Do you love silly Raspberry Pi Projects?
Check out my this YouTube Channel!

Powering a Raspberry Pi is an essential task for any maker or developer using this versatile device. In this article, we’ll cover all aspects of powering your Raspberry Pi, from basic concepts to more advanced options, ensuring you have the information you need to make informed decisions about how and what to power your Pi.

Introduction

Basic Concepts

Before diving into specific types of power supplies, let’s establish some fundamental principles for powering a Raspberry Pi:

Voltage: The Raspberry Pi 3B+ requires a stable 5V DC voltage supply. This means that the power source must provide a constant 5 volts to the device.
Current: The Raspberry Pi 3B+ draws up to 2A of current, depending on what components you have connected and what tasks it’s performing. This current requirement can be met by most standard USB power supplies, but if you plan to connect additional devices or perform resource-intensive tasks, you may need a higher-rated power supply.
Power Cables: You will need a microUSB cable to provide power to your Raspberry Pi. Ensure that the cable is of high quality and can handle the current requirements of your setup.
Ground: The ground wire on the USB cable connects the Pi to the electrical ground of the power supply, which helps protect against electrostatic discharge and provides a reference point for voltage measurements.

Standard Power Supplies

The most common way to power a Raspberry Pi is with a standard USB power supply. These are typically rated for 5V at 2.4A or higher and come with a microUSB connector on one end and a barrel jack connector on the other. The barrel jack can be converted to a microUSB using an adapter cable, but this is not recommended as it can introduce voltage drops and noise into the power supply.

Choosing a Power Supply

When selecting a power supply for your Raspberry Pi, consider the following factors:

Output Voltage: Ensure that the power supply outputs 5V DC.
Current Rating: The Raspberry Pi 3B+ draws up to 2A of current, so choose a power supply with at least this rating. Higher ratings are acceptable but may be wasteful and increase heat generation in the power supply.
Quality: Look for a power supply with good reviews and a reputable brand name. Avoid cheap or unknown brands, as these can be unreliable or dangerous.
Connector Type: Choose a power supply with a microUSB connector on the output to avoid the need for an adapter cable.
Output Cables: Some power supplies come with additional cables, such as a barrel jack or USB-A connector. You can use these to power other devices from the same power supply, but ensure that they are of high quality and can handle the current requirements of your setup.

Powering Your Pi with a Standard Power Supply

To power your Raspberry Pi using a standard USB power supply, simply connect the microUSB end of the power cable to the Pi’s microUSB power port and the other end to the power supply’s microUSB output. Plug the power supply into a wall outlet or battery pack, and your Raspberry Pi will be powered up and ready to go!

Advanced Power Supplies

As your Raspberry Pi projects become more complex and require additional components, you may need a higher-rated power supply to handle increased current demands. There are several options available for advanced powering, including:

USB-C Power Delivery (PD): The newest standard for powering USB devices, USB-C PD allows for variable voltage and current delivery, which can be useful for high-power applications like connecting multiple displays or running resource-intensive tasks on your Pi. However, not all devices support USB-C PD, so check that your Raspberry Pi and peripherals are compatible before investing in this type of power supply.
Dedicated Power Supplies: These are specialized power supplies designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi, often with additional features like voltage monitoring or filtering to ensure a stable power source. They typically have a barrel jack input and can be connected directly to the Pi’s GPIO pins for powering external devices.
Battery Packs: Rechargeable battery packs are another option for portable Raspberry Pi projects. Ensure that the battery pack is rated for at least 5V and has sufficient capacity to power your device and any additional components for the desired duration of use.
PoE Injectors: For networked devices, you can use a PoE (Power over Ethernet) injector to supply power to your Raspberry Pi while also connecting it to your local network. These are useful in situations where running power cables is inconvenient or impractical.

Conclusion

Powering your Raspberry Pi is an essential task that requires understanding the basics of voltage, current, and power cables, as well as considering more advanced options for complex projects. By selecting a high-quality power supply based on your needs and following best practices, you can ensure that your Raspberry Pi has a reliable and safe power source to keep it running at its best.