Powering ESP Microcontrollers from 12 volts

Published at : 18 Dec 2025

A quick look at a couple of ways to power ESP microcontroller boards from 12 (or 24) volts for use with ESPHome and Home Assistant.

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📔 RESOURCES

ESPHome: https://esphome.io
Getting started with ESPHome: https://esphome.io/guides/getting_started_hassio.html
ESPHome devices: https://devices.esphome.io
Which pins to use (ESP8266): https://randomnerdtutorials.com/esp8266-pinout-reference-gpios/
Which pins to use (ESP32): https://randomnerdtutorials.com/esp32-pinout-reference-gpios/
Esphome board list (ESP 8266): https://registry.platformio.org/platforms/platformio/espressif8266/boards

🚨 BEGINNER KITS

If you don't want to buy individual components, there are some good beginner kits available that come with an ESP board, sensors, relays and other goodies to experiment with. You might want to try one of these if just want to dabble:
Small ESP32 Starter Kit: https://amzn.to/3Njmg61
Large ESP32 Starter Kit: https://amzn.to/3TXf579

🛒 PRODUCTS

ESP8266 (D1 Mini): https://amzn.to/3ZOjNbn
6-24v to 5v Step-Down Regulators: https://amzn.to/3YjVteU
12/24 to 5v USB-C Converter: https://amzn.to/3YfTFUi
Micro USB pigtails: https://amzn.to/4dW82TB
USB-C pigtails: https://amzn.to/4hwqsxk
Breadboard Power Supply: https://amzn.to/4ebfZVb
Barrel plug male (2.1mm): https://amzn.to/3OeFtGJ
Barrel socket female (2.1mm): https://amzn.to/4frT4Xb
USB Tester: https://amzn.to/4foKgRu

2x relay board: https://amzn.to/3zFAKu0
4x relay board: https://amzn.to/3NTDPtJ
8x relay esp module: https://amzn.to/4hEDjNT
Motor controller: https://amzn.to/3XYGZRB
UART programmer: https://amzn.to/4ew83Ph

Breadboards: https://amzn.to/3U1WpU7
Breadboard jumper wires: https://amzn.to/4823oSH

DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps us keep making content! Thanks so much.

0:00 Intro
0:26 ESP Voltage Requirements
1:08 Voltage Step-Down Options
2:20 3D Printed Cases & Barrel Connectors
2:53 Boards with Power Conversion
3:15 USB Digital Tester
3:56 Breadboard Power Supply
4:26 Wrap Up