<h1>RAMPS power consumption</h1>
<p>The power consumption for all three versions of the board should be, essentially, the same.</p>
<h2>RAMPS 1.4</h2>
<p>The info is on the RepRapWiki - <a href="https://reprap.org/wiki/RAMPS_1.4" rel="nofollow noreferrer">RAMPS 1.4</a> - <a href="https://reprap.org/wiki/RAMPS_1.4#Power_Supply" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Power supply</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The board has two pairs of connectors for power, one labeled 11A and the other 5A, both of these pairs are 12V connections.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>and</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Your power supply should be able to deliver 16 amps, is ok if it delivers more.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>and</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Other variants are the S-480 and S-600 for 480W and 600W respectively.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>So, <span class="math-container">$I = 16 A$</span>, <span class="math-container">$V = 12 V$</span></p>
<p>You can then calculate the power from <span class="math-container">$$P = IV$$</span></p>
<p><span class="math-container">$$P = 16 x 12$$</span></p>
<p><span class="math-container">$$P = 192 W$$</span></p>
<p>Alternatively, considering each circuit in isolation:</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="math-container">$I_1=11 A$</span> for the heated bed only;</li>
<li><span class="math-container">$I_2=5 A$</span> for the stepper motors, hotend, etc.</li>
</ul>
<p><span class="math-container">$$P_1 = I_1V$$</span>
<span class="math-container">$$P_1 = 11 x 12$$</span>
<span class="math-container">$$P_1 = 132 W$$</span></p>
<p>and</p>
<p><span class="math-container">$$P_2 = I_2V$$</span>
<span class="math-container">$$P_2 = 5 x 12$$</span>
<span class="math-container">$$P_2 = 60 W$$</span></p>
<p>so the overall power consumption,</p>
<p><span class="math-container">$$P_T = P_1 + P2$$</span>
<span class="math-container">$$P_T = 132+60$$</span>
<span class="math-container">$$P_T = 192W$$</span></p>
<p><em><strong>Important note: While the overall power may indeed be 192 W, it is important that you only draw the maximum individually rated current/power (5 A and 11 A) from each of the respective circuits - you can not draw 16 A (192 W) from just one of the circuits alone. To attempt to do so would be dangerous and may result in a fire or worse.</strong></em></p>
<h2>RAMPS 1.5</h2>
<p>From RepRapWiki - <a href="https://reprap.org/wiki/RAMPS_1.5" rel="nofollow noreferrer">RAMPS 1.5</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>The layout of the RAMPS 1.5 is virtually identical to that of the RAMPS 1.4. The only real difference between the two are the MOSFETs and the fuses.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Only the form and type of the fuses are different, not their ratings. Therefore, the voltage and current specifications would appear to be the same as RAMPS 1.4</p>
<h2>RAMPS 1.6</h2>
<p>From RepRapWiki - <a href="https://reprap.org/wiki/RAMPS_1.6" rel="nofollow noreferrer">RAMPS 1.6</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>It maintains the surface-mounted fuses and flush MOSFETS of the RAMPS 1.5.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Therefore, the voltage and current specifications would appear to be the same as RAMPS 1.4</p>
<hr />
<p>Note that there are other variants of the RAMPS board that you may need to consider, such as the 24 V version and so forth.</p>
<h1>Supplying additional current and/or power</h1>
<h2>Using an External MOSFET</h2>
<p>To draw more current than the RAMPS can supply for the various heating elements, you could use an externally switched circuit (whose MOSFETS are triggered by the RAMPS outputs), <em>in place of the RAMPS outputs</em>, to supply this additional current.</p>
<p>See <a href="https://electronics.stackexchange.com/q/389502/64015">Modify RAMPS 1.4 adding external MOSFET for heat bed: can I remove original mosfet?</a> which links to the excellent <a href="https://3dprint.wiki/reprap/electronics/heatbed_mosfet" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Howto Connect your Hotbed (and or extruder) to a Mosfet</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<h3><a href="https://3dprint.wiki/reprap/electronics/heatbed_mosfet#how_to_install" rel="nofollow noreferrer">External MOSFET schematic</a></h3>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/TdOis.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" title="External MOSFET schematic"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/TdOis.jpg" alt="External MOSFET schematic" title="External MOSFET schematic" /></a></p>
<h3><a href="https://3dprint.wiki/reprap/electronics/heatbed_mosfet#apply_a_second_psu_12_or_24_volts" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Apply a second PSU ( 12 or 24 volts)</a></h3>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/jE35M.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" title="Apply a second PSU ( 12 or 24 volts)"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/jE35M.jpg" alt="Apply a second PSU ( 12 or 24 volts)" title="Apply a second PSU ( 12 or 24 volts)" /></a></p>
<h3><a href="https://3dprint.wiki/reprap/electronics/heatbed_mosfet#apply_a_second_mosfet_for_the_extruder" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Apply a second MOSFET (for the extruder)</a></h3>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/ju55y.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" title="Apply a second MOSFET (for the extruder)"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/ju55y.jpg" alt="Apply a second MOSFET (for the extruder)" title="Apply a second MOSFET (for the extruder)" /></a></p>
</blockquote>
<p>See also <strong>MOSFET Band Aid</strong> in <a href="https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/a/13302/4762">0scar's answer</a> to <a href="https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/q/13300/4762">Which 3D printer controller should I use?</a>:</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/EVwaZ.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer" title="MOSFET External module"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/EVwaZ.png" alt="MOSFET External module" title="MOSFET External module" /></a></p>
<h2>Power consumption rethink</h2>
<p>Alternatively, and probably better, rethink your power consumption, so that it matches that which can be supplied by the RAMPS board. Your current draw, and hence power requirement, shouldn't need to be so high.</p>
<h2>24 V capable RAMPS</h2>
<p>Another alternative is to get a RAMPS which can handle 24 V, which, whilst not supplying more current, will provide you with <em>more power</em> (approximately twice as much). However, this may require that you get a different set of heating elements (if your current set isn't dual voltage capable) - which obviously isn't ideal and will entail even more expense. See <a href="https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/q/1562/4762">Do I have to buy all new components if I were to get a RAMPS 1.4 that supports 24 V power?</a></p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-02-12T17:00:42.197Z
2022-02-23T06:17:06.277Z
2022-02-23T06:17:06.277Z
Greenonline
<p>I need to know the maximum input for current, voltage and power for:</p>
<ul>
<li>RAMPS 1.4</li>
<li>RAMPS 1.5</li>
<li>RAMPS 1.6</li>
</ul>
<p>I want to build a DIY 3D printer. RAMPS 1.6 can deliver only 270 W. but if I total my heatbed + hotend + other components, it will be 300 W which exceeds the amount of RAMPS 1.6 output.</p>
<p>I have 24 V 24.5 A power supply. Is it okay if I connect it to RAMPS 1.6?</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-02-13T07:08:53.647Z
I guess the heated bed is the main power consumer here, if this is drawing more than 10 A you definitely need to insert an external MOSFET, these are cheap external modules that can handle even larger currents than the board itself. Found easily on those typical online market places.
0scar
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-02-14T06:13:35.177Z
P.S. RAMPS shields on top of AtMega Arduino boards are pretty outdated, they will work, but there are plenty of other boards available to choose from. You should look into 32-bit microprocessor boards.
0scar
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-02-14T14:27:51.677Z
Furthermore, this question should be reworded, instead of focusing on the RAMPS 1.x board differences, you should focus on the real question where you are interested in: "How to get more power from a board than they are rated for?" or "The current required for my printer exceed the current ratings of my controller board, how can I mitigate this?".
0scar
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-02-14T15:36:12.943Z
And change the title to reflect that fact...
Greenonline
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-03-02T11:23:21.903Z
“maximum input for current” doesn’t make sense. You could connect the board to a 10000A power supply, but the board will only draw ~12A. Also RAMPS is ancient tech.
Navin
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-03-07T15:26:36.700Z
@Navin - good catch, that should probably be "maximum output". I hadn't noticed that.
Greenonline
<diy-3d-printer><ramps-1.4><arduino-mega-2650><ramps><ramps-1.6>
What is the maximum input ratings for current, voltage and power for RAMPS 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6?
Michael
# What is the maximum input ratings for current, voltage and power for RAMPS 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2022-02-12)

I need to know the maximum input for current, voltage and power for:

* RAMPS 1.4
* RAMPS 1.5
* RAMPS 1.6

I want to build a DIY 3D printer. RAMPS 1.6 can deliver only 270 W. but if I total my heatbed + hotend + other components, it will be 300 W which exceeds the amount of RAMPS 1.6 output.

I have 24 V 24.5 A power supply. Is it okay if I connect it to RAMPS 1.6?

**Tags:** diy-3d-printer, ramps-1.4, arduino-mega-2650, ramps, ramps-1.6
> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: I guess the heated bed is the main power consumer here, if this is drawing more than 10 A you definitely need to insert an external MOSFET, these are cheap external modules that can handle even larger currents than the board itself. Found easily on those typical online market places.  
> **username_1**: P.S. RAMPS shields on top of AtMega Arduino boards are pretty outdated, they will work, but there are plenty of other boards available to choose from. You should look into 32-bit microprocessor boards.  
> **username_1**: Furthermore, this question should be reworded, instead of focusing on the RAMPS 1.x board differences, you should focus on the real question where you are interested in: "How to get more power from a board than they are rated for?" or "The current required for my printer exceed the current ratings of my controller board, how can I mitigate this?".  
> **username_2**: And change the title to reflect that fact...  
> **username_3**: “maximum input for current” doesn’t make sense. You could connect the board to a 10000A power supply, but the board will only draw ~12A. Also RAMPS is ancient tech.  
> **username_2**: @Navin - good catch, that should probably be "maximum output". I hadn't noticed that.  

---

## 1 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2022-02-12. Score: 2

# RAMPS power consumption

The power consumption for all three versions of the board should be, essentially, the same.

## RAMPS 1.4

The info is on the RepRapWiki - [RAMPS 1.4](https://reprap.org/wiki/RAMPS_1.4) - [Power supply](https://reprap.org/wiki/RAMPS_1.4#Power_Supply):

> The board has two pairs of connectors for power, one labeled 11A and the other 5A, both of these pairs are 12V connections.

and

> Your power supply should be able to deliver 16 amps, is ok if it delivers more.

and

> Other variants are the S-480 and S-600 for 480W and 600W respectively.

So, $I = 16 A$, $V = 12 V$

You can then calculate the power from $$P = IV$$

$$P = 16 x 12$$

$$P = 192 W$$

Alternatively, considering each circuit in isolation:

* $I\_1=11 A$ for the heated bed only;
* $I\_2=5 A$ for the stepper motors, hotend, etc.

$$P\_1 = I\_1V$$
$$P\_1 = 11 x 12$$
$$P\_1 = 132 W$$

and

$$P\_2 = I\_2V$$
$$P\_2 = 5 x 12$$
$$P\_2 = 60 W$$

so the overall power consumption,

$$P\_T = P\_1 + P2$$
$$P\_T = 132+60$$
$$P\_T = 192W$$

***Important note: While the overall power may indeed be 192 W, it is important that you only draw the maximum individually rated current/power (5 A and 11 A) from each of the respective circuits - you can not draw 16 A (192 W) from just one of the circuits alone. To attempt to do so would be dangerous and may result in a fire or worse.***

## RAMPS 1.5

From RepRapWiki - [RAMPS 1.5](https://reprap.org/wiki/RAMPS_1.5)

> The layout of the RAMPS 1.5 is virtually identical to that of the RAMPS 1.4. The only real difference between the two are the MOSFETs and the fuses.

Only the form and type of the fuses are different, not their ratings. Therefore, the voltage and current specifications would appear to be the same as RAMPS 1.4

## RAMPS 1.6

From RepRapWiki - [RAMPS 1.6](https://reprap.org/wiki/RAMPS_1.6)

> It maintains the surface-mounted fuses and flush MOSFETS of the RAMPS 1.5.

Therefore, the voltage and current specifications would appear to be the same as RAMPS 1.4

---

Note that there are other variants of the RAMPS board that you may need to consider, such as the 24 V version and so forth.

# Supplying additional current and/or power

## Using an External MOSFET

To draw more current than the RAMPS can supply for the various heating elements, you could use an externally switched circuit (whose MOSFETS are triggered by the RAMPS outputs), *in place of the RAMPS outputs*, to supply this additional current.

See [Modify RAMPS 1.4 adding external MOSFET for heat bed: can I remove original mosfet?](https://electronics.stackexchange.com/q/389502/64015) which links to the excellent [Howto Connect your Hotbed (and or extruder) to a Mosfet](https://3dprint.wiki/reprap/electronics/heatbed_mosfet):

> ### [External MOSFET schematic](https://3dprint.wiki/reprap/electronics/heatbed_mosfet#how_to_install)
>
> [![External MOSFET schematic](https://i.sstatic.net/TdOis.jpg "External MOSFET schematic")](https://i.sstatic.net/TdOis.jpg "External MOSFET schematic")
>
> ### [Apply a second PSU ( 12 or 24 volts)](https://3dprint.wiki/reprap/electronics/heatbed_mosfet#apply_a_second_psu_12_or_24_volts)
>
> [![Apply a second PSU ( 12 or 24 volts)](https://i.sstatic.net/jE35M.jpg "Apply a second PSU ( 12 or 24 volts)")](https://i.sstatic.net/jE35M.jpg "Apply a second PSU ( 12 or 24 volts)")
>
> ### [Apply a second MOSFET (for the extruder)](https://3dprint.wiki/reprap/electronics/heatbed_mosfet#apply_a_second_mosfet_for_the_extruder)
>
> [![Apply a second MOSFET (for the extruder)](https://i.sstatic.net/ju55y.jpg "Apply a second MOSFET (for the extruder)")](https://i.sstatic.net/ju55y.jpg "Apply a second MOSFET (for the extruder)")

See also **MOSFET Band Aid** in [0scar's answer](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/a/13302/4762) to [Which 3D printer controller should I use?](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/q/13300/4762):

[![MOSFET External module](https://i.sstatic.net/EVwaZ.png "MOSFET External module")](https://i.sstatic.net/EVwaZ.png "MOSFET External module")

## Power consumption rethink

Alternatively, and probably better, rethink your power consumption, so that it matches that which can be supplied by the RAMPS board. Your current draw, and hence power requirement, shouldn't need to be so high.

## 24 V capable RAMPS

Another alternative is to get a RAMPS which can handle 24 V, which, whilst not supplying more current, will provide you with *more power* (approximately twice as much). However, this may require that you get a different set of heating elements (if your current set isn't dual voltage capable) - which obviously isn't ideal and will entail even more expense. See [Do I have to buy all new components if I were to get a RAMPS 1.4 that supports 24 V power?](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/q/1562/4762)


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