1

Since the Zero W doesn't have a polyfuse, am I right in assuming that the 5V pin can safely supply whatever current the power supply puts out minus the draw from the Zero W board itself (and any attached items)?

I'd like to power 4x devices with a max draw of 500mA each. My power supply provides 2400mA. According to this, the typical bare board consumption is 150mA. I don't have any USB devices attached which means I end up with 2400-500*4-150 = 250mA overhead if all 4 devices are on full load.

Is this correct? Is there any reason not to do this?

Improve this question
3
  • 1
    Your calculation is OK. Who knows how much current the board traces can "safely" handle.
    – Milliways
    Jan 13, 2018 at 2:01
  • Right, I didn't think about that. I suppose it would be better to solder wires directly to the USB power connector, and use those wires to power the 4 devices?
    – user2145184
    Jan 13, 2018 at 2:19
  • 1
    I guess there's also the option of powering the pi directly from the 5v pin and gnd
    – user2145184
    Jan 13, 2018 at 2:29

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
0

I would power from the 5V pin to minimize the current flowing through the Pi traces.

For my experiments I would actually apply power to a breadboard rail and take power from there to a Pi 5V pin. I'd also power the external devices from the breadboard rail.

Of course the Pi and devices also need to be connected to a breadboard ground rail.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.