How to power a Raspberry Pi 4 with POE – No POE-Hat needed!
Raspberry Pi Single Board Computers have numerous practical applications. Some of these include placement in areas where power outlets are unavailable. A commonly used solution is to power the board via Power over Ethernet (PoE) using a PoE-capable ethernet switch.
The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B does not support PoE on it’s own without the addition of the PoE-Hat or PoE-Hat+ daughterboard or another third-party PoE board. However, there is another option!
The Raspberry Pi 4 board introduced power delivery via a USB-C connection. With the intelligent negotiation of USB-C power delivery, many issues related to powering Raspberry Pi boards have been alleviated.
The best solution for powering a Raspberry Pi via PoE
What I have found is that a good quality PoE to USB-C adapter cable is the best solution for remote powering a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B board. Almost any PoE switch can deliver the power required by the RPi4 board.
GeeekPi offers a very reasonably priced (under $20) USB-C to PoE splitter that works great.
Click Here to buy one and I will get a small commission with no additional cost to you.
I have used this very adapter to install a Raspberry Pi in an outdoor cabinet on my roof for a IoT project I started 2 years ago. I have had great luck with this adapter and zero downtime from the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B that it powers.
How does a PoE to USB-C splitter work?
The PoE to USB-C splitter is an active PoE device that converts 48V to 5V and delivers this power via a separate USB-C connector. Here’s a diagram illustrating how the splitter connects to your Raspberry Pi 4 board.
What other devices can I power with the PoE to USB-C splitter?
So far, we have primarily focused on powering the Raspberry Pi 4 board. To my surprise, the splitter also includes a USB-C to MicroUSB adapter, allowing you to power any older Raspberry Pi board.
Several newer consumer-focused home video surveillance cameras also receive power via USB-C, and this splitter works for these devices as well!
Can I use two PoE to USB-C splitters if I do not have a PoE Switch?
Yes! but a simpler solution would be to place a 48v PoE Injector inline, it will eliminate the need to buy a dedicated PoE switch if you are just needing to power one RPi4 board. Below is a link to the Amazon Choice PoE Injector (for under $15).
Gigabit POE Injector, 48V 15.4W Power Over Ethernet, IEEE 802.3af Compliant
Need an inexpensive PoE Switch?
There are many inexpensive Power over Ethernet capable switches to choose from. Here are just a few value options to jump-start your PoE-powered Raspberry Pi 4 project off the ground.
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