In the past, security cameras required separate power supplies like adapters or battery packs. With Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, devices such as IP cameras, doorbells, and VoIP phones are now powered through a single Ethernet cable.
Using POE also simplifies the installation process of security cameras. This powerful technology allows devices to be installed in different and unlikely areas of the property as they are not tethered to an electrical outlet.
Curious about PoE camera wattage and standards? In this article, we're going to do a deep dive into different PoE standards and their corresponding wattage capabilities, so read on.
PoE Standards and Wattages
Like anything related to power and data, PoE also has established standards. And there are reasons for this. PoE standards allow you to plug your device into a compatible switch and receive both data and power.
This technology also allows different devices (such as cameras, routers, DVRs, etc.) to work easily when connected and used together. Lastly, it allows network administrators to monitor power usage across the system and manage it properly.
There are three PoE standards. These are IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at, and IEEE 802.3bt. Read on to learn more about these standards:
- IEEE 802.3af. This is the standard Power over Ethernet, or PoE. It has a maximum wattage of 15.4 watts and a minimum guaranteed power of 12.95 watts. It is compatible with devices that don't consume much power, such as basic VoIP phones.
- IEEE 802.3at. The second PoE standard is IEEE 802.3at, which is also referred to as PoE+. This standard can deliver up to 30 watts, which makes it suitable for some devices such as newer alarm systems, biometric sensors, and advanced PoE security cameras with enhanced features.
- IEEE 802.3bt. Also known as PoE++, this is the latest in Power over Ethernet technology. There are two types of PoE++, namely Type 3 PoE++ and Type 4 PoE++.
- Type 3 PoE++ can provide up to 60 watts per device port, making it ideal for powering the latest security cameras with advanced features, some medical devices, and video conferencing equipment.
- Type 4 PoE++, on the other hand, can deliver up to 100 watts per device port. Because of this, it is often used to laptops, monitors, and TVs.
How to Calculate PoE Camera Wattage?
Planning to have a PoE camera installed at home or on your commercial property? Here's a quick guide to calculating PoE camera wattage before you plug those devices in.
Step 1: Check the Power Requirement of Each Camera
- Look at the camera’s specification sheet or manual to find the power requirement, listed in watts (W).
- Basic IP cameras typically use less than 30W, so PoE (15.4W) or PoE+ (30W) switches are usually enough.If your camera has advanced features like Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) or IR illuminators, it may need PoE++ (up to 90W).
Step 2: Calculate the Total Power Consumption for Multiple Cameras
- Multiply the number of cameras by their individual power requirements.
Example: If you have 3 cameras, each needing 5W, the total power required is: 3×5W=15W
Step 3: Check Your PoE Switch or Injector’s Power Budget
- Look at the power budget of your PoE switch or injector (the maximum power it can provide).
Example: A PoE+ switch with a 150W power budget can handle multiple devices.
- Ensure the total power consumption of your cameras is within the switch’s power budget.
Example: If your 3 cameras need 15W, and the switch has a 150W budget, you're well within the limit.
Step 4: Add a Safety Buffer
- To keep the switch from running at full capacity and ensure long-term reliability, add a 20–30% buffer to your calculation.
Example: If your cameras need 15W, include a 30% buffer: 15W×1.3=19.5W
- Check that the switch still has enough power after adding this buffer.
Step 5: Consider Cable Length and Power Loss
Long cables (over 50 meters) can cause power loss due to resistance. If you're using long cables, choose high-quality cables (e.g., Cat6 or Cat6a) to reduce power loss.
As a rough estimate, add 5–10% more power if your cable runs exceed 50 meters.
Quick Example:
You’re installing 4 IP cameras, each requiring 7W, and using a PoE+ switch with a 150W power budget.
Total power consumption: 4×7W=28W
Add a 30% safety buffer: 28W×1.3=36.4W
Compare with the switch’s power budget:
The switch can supply 150W, so 36.4W is well within its capacity.
By following these steps, you can easily calculate the power needs for your PoE cameras and ensure your system is efficient and reliable.
Conclusion
Understanding PoE camera wattage is essential for designing a reliable and efficient PoE system. By leveraging the appropriate PoE standard, calculating power requirements accurately, and accounting for safety buffers and cable length, you can ensure your system operates seamlessly. Whether for basic IP cameras or advanced PoE++ devices, following these guidelines helps you optimize your setup for long-term performance and scalability.
FAQs
Do PoE cameras use a lot of electricity?
PoE camera power consumption depends on the power rating and number of cameras you're using. Basic PoE cameras consume as little as 5 watts of power, while others are rated 12 or 15 watts. Naturally, the higher the PoE camera wattage and the more cameras you've installed, the higher the power consumption.
How many watts does a PoE camera use?
If you're wondering, "How much power does a PoE camera use?" then, the answer depends on the type of PoE camera you have chosen to purchase and install.
Some security cameras are designed to be more energy-efficient with a power rating of just 5 to 6 watts, while others can go as high as 12 to 15 watts. Naturally, higher-resolution and feature-rich cameras have higher power consumption compared to low-watt ones.
Do PoE cameras work with regular Ethernet cables?
Yes, PoE cameras are compatible with Ethernet cables rated Cat5e or higher. These Ethernet cables are capable of transmitting not just power but also data.
How do I know if my PoE system is underpowered?
If your PoE system is underpowered, you may notice frequent camera failures, video feed loss, or devices rebooting/disconnecting. Devices might not start at all. This often happens due to a mismatch between device wattage and switch capacity, or voltage drops in long cables. Upgrade to PoE+ for higher power needs, reduce the number of connected devices, or add another PoE switch to balance the load. Check your setup to ensure it meets power requirements.
