DC Water Pump
A small submersible DC pump that moves water from its inlet through an outlet tube.
Part images
What it is
A small submersible DC pump that moves water from its inlet through an outlet tube.
How students use it
Students use it for fountains, plant watering, and water-transfer projects. The Pico controls a driver circuit; the pump itself behaves like a DC motor load.
Pins and power
Two power leads. SunFounder notes reversing polarity does not turn it into an intake pump.
SunFounder lists DC 3-4.5V, 120-180mA operating current, 0.36-0.91W power, 0.35-0.55m max water head, and 80-100 L/H max flow rate.
Treat it as a motor load. Use a suitable driver and power path; do not connect it directly to Pico GPIO.
Voltage and safety
Pump current is far above safe GPIO current. It also creates electrical noise like other motor loads.
SunFounder warns it should remain submerged during operation; it can overheat if run dry. Keep water away from the Pico and computer.
Module internals
DC magnetic drive pump in an engineering-plastic submersible body with outlet pipe and 25cm male wire leads.
Datasheet notes
SunFounder provides operating specs but no exact manufacturer model number. Match the pump label before using a model-specific datasheet.
Common libraries
No special library is needed. Use machine.Pin to switch the driver on/off; PWM speed control is not assumed unless a lesson validates it.
Common mistakes
Running it dry, powering it from GPIO, ignoring startup current, expecting reversed polarity to reverse water flow, and letting water reach electronics.