Raspberry Pi 15W USB-C Power Supply US - Black
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AI Verdict
This is the mandatory 15W power brick for Raspberry Pi 4 owners who want to avoid undervoltage throttling, though the lack of a physical power switch is annoying.
This is a strong fit for the Raspberry Pi 4 because its 5.1V output specifically counteracts the voltage drop that causes the dreaded lightning bolt warning. Generic 5.0V phone chargers often sag under 3A loads, leading to CPU throttling and unmounted external drives.
If you plan to upgrade to a Raspberry Pi 5, skip this and buy the official 27W (5V/5A) power supply instead.
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Pros
- Outputs 5.1V instead of standard 5.0V to prevent undervoltage warnings during heavy CPU loads
- Uses a thick 18 AWG cable to minimize voltage drop over its 1.5-meter length
- Bypasses the USB-C resistor design flaw found on early Raspberry Pi 4 boards
- Maintains a stable 3.0A current without the voltage sag common in generic phone chargers
Cons
- Lacks an inline power switch, forcing you to physically unplug the USB-C cable to cut power
- The 1.5-meter cable is permanently attached, so you can't swap it for a longer one
- Triggers a low-power warning and limits USB current to 600mA if used on a newer Raspberry Pi 5
Dimension Scores
Outputs a steady 5.1V at 3A to completely eliminate Pi 4 undervoltage throttling.
Completely fanless and users report zero coil whine even under maximum 15W load.
The 18 AWG cable is thick and durable, but the captive design means a damaged cord ruins the whole unit.
The 1.5m cable is permanently attached and lacks an inline switch or velcro tie for routing.
Best For
- Running a Raspberry Pi 4 as a 24/7 home server or NAS with external drives attached
- Powering a Pi 4 inside a retro gaming console build where CPU throttling ruins performance
- Early revision Raspberry Pi 4 boards that refuse to boot with smart USB-C PD chargers
Not Recommended For
- Raspberry Pi 5 setups that require the newer 27W (5V/5A) power supply for full peripheral power
- Projects requiring cable routing through tight enclosure holes, since the brick and cable are one piece
Watch Out For
- No inline power switch — you have to yank the cord from the wall or the board to hard reboot your Pi.
- Captive cable design — if your cat chews through the 1.5m cord, you have to throw the entire power supply away.
- Pi 5 limitations — if you upgrade to a Pi 5 later, this brick will force the OS to throttle USB port power to 600mA.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B07W8XHMJZ |
| Brand | Raspberry Pi |
| Color | Black |
| Amperage | 3 Amps |
| Item Weight | 3.52 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Raspberry |
| Input Voltage | 240 Volts |
| Connector Type | USB |
| Special Feature | Travel |
| Total USB Ports | 1 |
| Item model number | KSA-15E-051300HU |
| Compatible Devices | Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, other USB-C devices meeting power requirements |
| Package Dimensions | 3.23 x 2.44 x 2.05 inches |
| Included Components | 1.5m captive cable with USB-C output connector |
| Compatible Phone Models | unkonwn |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
The most recurring theme in user forums is relief after ditching generic phone chargers for this official brick. Buyers constantly report that mysterious SD card corruptions, unexpected reboots, and the dreaded on-screen lightning bolt disappear immediately after plugging this in. The 5.1V output is the hero here, keeping voltage stable even when the Pi 4 is running heavy NAS or retro-gaming loads. The lack of an inline power switch remains a universal annoyance, forcing users to physically pull the plug to hard reset their boards. Many also express frustration that the captive cable prevents them from swapping in a longer cord for wall-mounted projects.
“Finally got rid of the low voltage warnings on my Pi 4 but it drives me crazy that there's no power switch on the cable so I have to yank it from the wall every time it freezes.”
Common Praise
- Eliminates the yellow lightning bolt undervoltage warning on the Pi 4
- Fixes random reboots and external drive disconnects under heavy CPU load
- Thick 18 AWG cable feels much more durable than standard phone charging cords
- Successfully powers early Pi 4 revisions that fail to handshake with smart PD chargers
Common Complaints
- Lack of an inline power switch requires physically unplugging the device
- Captive cable means the entire unit is garbage if the cord gets damaged
- 1.5-meter length is too short for some desk or wall-mounted setups
- Triggers a 600mA USB power limit warning when used on a Raspberry Pi 5
Ownership Tips
- The brick runs slightly warm to the touch when the Pi is under 100% load for days, but never gets alarmingly hot.
- You'll quickly realize how annoying the lack of a power switch is if you do a lot of bare-metal programming that requires hard reboots.
- The USB-C connector housing is slightly bulky and might rub against certain tight-fitting third-party aluminum cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this work with the new Raspberry Pi 5?
Yes, but the Pi 5 OS will detect it as a 15W supply and limit your USB peripheral power to 600mA. You need the 27W version for full Pi 5 performance.
Why does this output 5.1V instead of 5V?
The extra 0.1V compensates for voltage drop across the 1.5m cable under heavy load. This prevents the Pi 4's APX803 chip from triggering a low-voltage warning at 4.63V.
Can I use a generic MacBook or phone USB-C charger instead?
You can, but early Pi 4 boards have a resistor flaw that prevents smart chargers from delivering power. This 'dumb' supply bypasses that issue entirely.
Does this have an on/off switch on the cable?
No, the cable is a straight run from the brick to the USB-C connector. You must unplug it to cut power.
Can I detach the USB-C cable to use a longer one?
No, the 1.5m 18 AWG cable is captive and permanently attached to the wall plug.
Buying Guide
When buying a power supply for a Raspberry Pi 4, you can't just use whatever phone charger you have in your drawer. Phone chargers are designed to charge batteries, not run computers, and their voltage drops when the Pi demands sudden power. This official supply pushes 5.1V through a thick cable to ensure the voltage never dips below the Pi's strict minimum threshold. If you want your Pi to run stable 24/7 without corrupting your SD card, you need a supply built specifically for single-board computers.
5.1V Output
Think of voltage like water pressure. The extra 0.1V acts as a buffer so that when the Pi suddenly demands a lot of power, the 'pressure' doesn't drop low enough to crash the system.
18 AWG Cable
AWG measures wire thickness, and a lower number means a thicker wire. Thicker wires have less electrical resistance, ensuring the full 15W actually reaches your Pi instead of being lost as heat in the cable.
Captive Cable
This means the cable is permanently glued into the wall plug. It reduces electrical resistance at the connection point, but means you can't swap it out if it breaks.
Alternatives
If you need an inline power switch or plan to upgrade to a Raspberry Pi 5 soon, look for a 27W (5V/5A) USB-C PD power supply with a dedicated on/off button.
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