arduino nano voltage limits

hi!

even though arduino nano specifications says that "Input Voltage (limits) 6-20 V", I am using one with a 5V power supply. 4.88V to be precise

why is that?

Because you choose to do so?

Seriously, have you re-read your post? You state you are using it with something and then ask us why?

If you mean, can I use this with a 5V supply? Then yes, but connect it to Vcc/5V instead of Vin/RAW.

Just be aware you can't plug in a 5v supply into the power socket on an Arduino board, it's not a high enough voltage. You must supply it to the Vin pin but be very careful - if you exceed 5v then goodbye Arduino. :o

@Ralph, nope... You must not apply 5v to the Vin/RAW but to 5V/Vcc. Vin/RAW is just connected to the barrel jack on a Uno. And here we talk about a Nano which has no socket.

And about the careful, yeah, you must not apply 12V no. But the ATmega has a maximum of 6V so you got some play. 20% play is quite a bit I would say.

septillion:
@Ralph, nope... You must not apply 5v to the Vin/RAW but to 5V/Vcc.

Yes of course, otherwise it gets regulated just the same! Silly mistake, thanks for spotting it.