USB Extension | Home Assistant | Page 1

hybrid delta Dec 28, 2025, 5:27 PM

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I’m about to setup HA for the first time using a raspberry pi and a sonoff zigbee dongle. I’ve seen all of the recommendations to use a USB extension cable for the dongle to keep it from the USB 3 ports. I’m curious if this is necessary only if there are devices actively plugged into the USB 3 ports, or if the interference will still occur with those plugs empty?

celest osprey Dec 28, 2025, 5:30 PM

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It's in the realm of can cause major issues but might not

hybrid delta Dec 28, 2025, 5:35 PM

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So interference is still a potential problem if the 3.0 ports are not in use?

celest osprey Dec 28, 2025, 5:37 PM

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They are still powered up and available yes

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Wether or not this matters is something you need to try out

hybrid delta Dec 28, 2025, 5:38 PM

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Got it, thanks! I’ll go ahead and pick up an extension now before it becomes a headache

marble dawn Dec 28, 2025, 7:28 PM

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Connect to usb2.0 😉

hybrid delta Dec 28, 2025, 7:29 PM

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Yup, will do

marble dawn Dec 28, 2025, 7:54 PM

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHqZhNcFEvA

YouTube

Home Assistant

Demo: Zigbee interference caused by USB 3.0

USB 3.0 can cause your Zigbee devices to fully stop functioning. In this video we show this by moving a Zigbee device and Zigbee adapter next to USB 3.0 port and cable.

The demo is done with a Home Assistant SkyConnect and IKEA Tradfri remote but this affects all Zigbee sticks and devices.

To avoid interference, use a shielded USB 2.0 extensio...

▶ Play video

wise lava Dec 29, 2025, 5:30 AM

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I'm not using the extension cord and I have USB, no problems whatsoever.

marble dawn Dec 29, 2025, 5:40 AM

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Well, lucky you !!!

marble dawn Dec 29, 2025, 6:20 AM

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As Horstexplorer mentioned, it can work in some cases, yes. But for OP this is the right answer given from him to eliminate issues before they start to annoy, and OP can react to it 😉

#USB Extension