Can I attach a water pump (12v) to raspberry pi (3v)?

[darpan_r]

I'm starting my first raspberry pi project. Its an irrigation system.I've got a waterpump whose input is 12V and only has a usb cable attached to it. I'm using raspberry pi 3 model A+ whose input is 3V. I think if I connect the pump to the raspberry, it'll fry up the raspberry. please can somebody help me how I can fix it?

 

[Bluejets]

Use a logic level mosfet as an interface.

 

[Alec_t]

Welcome to EP!

I've got a waterpump whose input is 12V and only has a usb cable attached to it.

Surely USB is 5V, not 12V? Can you post a link to the pump specification?

 

[darpan_r]

Welcome to EP!

Surely USB is 5V, not 12V? Can you post a link to the pump specification?

Hi, sorry for the late response. yes! you're right. the USB input is 5V and not 12V as I had mentioned. below are the links to my Raspberry PI and pump
https://thepihut.com/products/raspberry-pi-3-model-a-plus?variant=13584708763710
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/37306608...%2FeIFs%2FbTBzNtVrqy|ampid:PL_CLK|clp:2047675

 

[bertus]

Hello,

There seem to be two versions of the pump on that page.
Using the pull down menu I see:
USB DC 5V 3W or
DC 12 V

The USB version uses a USB connector.
The 12 Volts version uses a different connection.

Bertus

 

[darpan_r]

Hi! yes, you're right! there are two versions and the USB version uses 5V, but the question now is will it still work? given the input for raspberry pi is also 5V. thanks!!

 

[Alec_t]

If the pump is rated 5V 3W then the nominal running current is ~0.6A. AFAIK the Pi outputs can't provide that current, so a buffer stage between the Pi and pump will be needed. See post #2.
Note that the start-up current of the pump will likely be several times the running current. The buffer stage must handle that. Also, unless the pump already has one internally you will need a reverse-biased diode across its power terminals to catch voltage spikes which occur at switch-off.