Product overview
The Raspberry Pi PoE+ HAT powers a Raspberry Pi over the network cable. Network connectivity and power then run through a single lead, so no separate mains adapter is needed at the point of use. This requires power-sourcing equipment on the network, such as a PoE-capable switch or a PoE injector.
The board works to IEEE 802.3at-2009, the standard known as PoE+, and identifies itself as a Class 4 device. The output provides 5 V at up to 4 A, which is sufficient even for a heavily loaded Raspberry Pi 4 with USB peripherals attached. Voltage conversion is handled by a fully isolated switched-mode power supply.
A 25 by 25 millimetre brushless fan on the board cools the processor of the Raspberry Pi. The Raspberry Pi controls this fan itself: it starts according to temperature and steps up as the processor temperature rises. This version is revision 2 of the PoE+ HAT.
Technical specifications
- Standard: IEEE 802.3at-2009 (PoE+), backwards compatible with IEEE 802.3af
- Input voltage: 37 to 57 V DC, Class 4 device
- Output power: 5 V DC at up to 4 A
- Voltage conversion: fully isolated switched-mode power supply
- Cooling: 25 by 25 millimetre brushless fan delivering 2.2 CFM
- Fan control: temperature-dependent control by the Raspberry Pi
- Ambient operating temperature: 0 to 50 degrees Celsius
- Board dimensions: approximately 65 by 56.5 millimetres
- Connection: 40-pin GPIO header and four-pin PoE header of the Raspberry Pi
- Compatibility: Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ and Raspberry Pi 4 Model B
- Manufacturer availability commitment: in production until at least January 2030
Notes
This board is not compatible with the Raspberry Pi 5. On the Raspberry Pi 5 the PoE header was moved to a different position, so a purpose-built solution is required there.
With the PoE+ HAT fitted, the Raspberry Pi must be powered through the network cable only. Do not connect any additional power source to the Raspberry Pi.
Before fitting, attach the supplied spacers at the four corners of the board. Then fit the board onto both headers of the Raspberry Pi, the 40-pin and the four-pin one. When removing it, pull evenly so that the board releases from all contacts at the same time; levering off one end first can damage the connectors.
Do not handle the board while it is powered, as high voltages may be present. Operate it in a well-ventilated environment; if it is used inside a case, the case must not be covered. For full functionality, in particular fan control, the operating system of the Raspberry Pi should be up to date.
The power-sourcing equipment required, that is a PoE switch or PoE injector, and the Raspberry Pi itself are not included.
Applications
The PoE+ HAT suits any location where a Raspberry Pi runs somewhere without a mains socket, or where as few cables as possible should be installed: digital signage and information displays, access control and building services, network and measurement equipment in control cabinets, camera and sensor nodes, server racks and industrial control tasks. Combined with network boot on the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ and Raspberry Pi 4, it allows a setup that needs no connection other than the network cable.