Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that allows electricity and data to travel together through an Ethernet cable to power devices like security cameras, Wi-Fi routers, or phones. Normally, you need two wires for power and internet, but PoE delivers both with just one cable. Now, what is PoE voltage?
PoE voltage is the specific amount of electricity PoE uses to power devices. That’s why there are PoE standards with different voltage levels. They help you decide what standard or voltage level matches your device’s voltage requirement. Understanding what is PoE voltage is crucial for optimizing your device performance and ensuring network safety.
What Voltage is PoE?
Based on the PoE standards, the voltage for PoE typically delivers 48 volts (V) of direct current (DC) over Ethernet cables. This PoE voltage level is reliable and high enough to minimize power loss over long cable runs while being safe for devices.
In other words, the amount of 48 volts is the standard that works well with both lower-power and higher-power devices without damaging them. However, the exact PoE voltage can still vary depending on the specific PoE standard you choose.
PoE Standards and Voltage
PoE technology gave birth to PoE standards to cater to the power requirements of different devices. Too much power can destroy while too low power will not suffice. PoE standards are like rules that ensure your devices get the right amount of PoE power voltage they need.
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) developed the PoE standards which are now helping the global community how to measure PoE voltage. Here are the three relevant PoE standards and their corresponding PoE voltage ranges:
1. IEEE 802.3af (PoE): Basic PoE
This standard is the original PoE standard. It provides a PoE voltage output of up to 15.4 watts with a PoE voltage range of 44 to 57 volts. This volt range is enough to power smaller devices like NVR security cameras which are IP cameras without advanced features because they don’t require too much power to function.
2. IEEE 802.3at (PoE+): Enhanced PoE
PoE+ voltage is the enhanced version of the basic PoE voltage. It delivers up to 30 watts of PoE voltage output with a voltage range of 50 to 57 volts. This volt range is used for more power-hungry devices such as security cameras with a higher resolution.
Security cameras with PoE ports are NVR security cameras. The basic PoE standard can support NVR security cameras. However, use PoE+ voltage if you have high-end cameras that have advanced features to ensure optimal performance and prevent power shortage.
3. IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++): High Power PoE
POE++ voltage is the latest PoE standard designed for devices that eat a high amount of power. It has a PoE voltage range of 50 to 57 volts which can deliver two types of PoE voltage output: the Type 3 and Type 4 power output. The type 3 version can deliver up to 60 watts while the type 4 version can deliver up to 90 watts.
This PoE voltage is recommended for very power-hungry devices such as PTZ cameras and high-end IP cameras with multiple advanced features such as 4k resolution, heating systems, advanced analytics, and PTZ mechanisms.
Factors that Affect the PoE Voltage Range
After learning how to check PoE voltage that suits your devices based on the PoE standards, you need to ensure that your devices receive the right amount of power they need. Here are several factors that can influence the voltage delivered to your PoE-powered devices:
1. PoE Standards
To determine the right PoE voltage for your device, you need to be familiar with the PoE standards. These standards have set the maximum and minimum voltage limits that can be safely transmitted through Ethernet cables. As you have learned above, there are three PoE standards: the basic POE voltage, the POE+ voltage, and the POE++ voltage.
2. Cable Length and Quality
Ethernet cables are used to deliver both power and data. For security cameras, Ethernet cables are used to connect Network Video Recorders (NVR) with PoE ports to the security cameras. The length and quality of cables you use can affect the PoE voltage delivery.
The longer the Ethernet cable, the greater the PoE voltage drop which causes your device to receive less power than it needs. Additionally, the quality of Ethernet cables also plays a role. Low-quality Ethernet cable means poor delivery of the required power of your device.
3. Device Power Requirement
Different devices have varying power requirements. For example, a low-power device like an IP security camera requires only the basic PoE voltage while high-end and 4K security cameras require the POE+ voltage. Thus, if you use the basic PoE voltage for your 4K security cameras, it will likely affect your device performance or result in a power shortage
4. Environmental Conditions
Environmental conditions, including temperature, can affect your PoE-powered devices. Hot weather conditions can increase the resistance in wires and cause the loss of the PoE voltage supply. If you're installing PoE devices, make sure to use cables and equipment that are appropriate for your temperature conditions.
How to Optimize Device Power with PoE Voltage Output
The PoE voltage that matches your device's power requirement may not be really equal. It is important to ensure that your devices do not receive too low or too high power. To ensure the optimal performance of your PoE-powered devices:
1. Choose the Right PoE Standard
Understand the required power of your devices. Check the specifications of your IP security cameras, phones, or other connected devices. Devices with lower power needs can use basic PoE voltage (802.3af), while others may need PoE+ (802.3at) or even PoE++ for high-powered requirements.
2. Use High-Quality Ethernet Cables
There are different types of Ethernet cables with varying quality. Use high-quality Ethernet cables like the standard Cat5 and Cat6 cables that are efficient and effective in minimizing power loss over longer distances. Low-quality cables can lead to PoE voltage drops and compromise the performance of your device.
3. Consider Cable Length
PoE has distance limitations. The standard cable distance is about 100 meters. If your setup exceeds this, you may experience power loss or require additional devices like PoE extenders to maintain receiving sufficient PoE voltage. To optimize voltage output, consider keeping your Ethernet cables as short as possible.
4. Choose the Right PoE Injector or Switch
Not all PoE-powered devices are created with equal capacity. Ensure your PoE switch or injector can deliver the correct voltage output for your devices. A managed PoE switch often comes with monitoring tools that let you check power usage in real time Thus, investing in a high-quality and managed PoE switch gives you more control over PoE voltage regulation and power distribution.
5. Upgrade When Necessary
If your current PoE setup struggles to meet the demands of your growing network, consider upgrading to a stronger system with a higher PoE voltage. Newer PoE standards, like PoE++ (802.3bt), support higher power outputs, making them ideal for high-end devices requiring up to 90 watts.
Conclusion
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is making things possible and easier by supplying power and internet connection to your device using one Ethernet cable. Understanding the different PoE voltage standards enables you to determine what is PoE voltage matches your device’s voltage needs.
However, it does not end with knowing what PoE voltage to use on your devices. You need also to ensure that your device really receives adequate PoE voltage power. By optimizing your PoE equipment, you can ensure a safe and reliable network in the long term.
FAQs
Is PoE 12V or 48V?
Based on PoE standards, the reliable PoE voltage typically operates at 48V DC. However, some non-standard PoE systems may use different voltage levels such as 12V or 24V. It's important to verify the voltage requirements of your devices before connecting them to a PoE source to prevent future problems.
What is the difference between PoE and PoE+ voltage?
PoE is the original PoE standard that provides a power output of up to 15.4 watts with a voltage range of 44 to 57 volts. On the other hand, PoE+ has a power output of up to 30 watts with a voltage range of 50 to 57 volts. PoE is perfect for devices with lower voltage requirements while PoE+ is used for high-end devices with greater power needs.
Is standard PoE 48V?
Yes, the universal PoE voltage level typically operates at around 48V DC. This voltage amount is reliable and suitable for powering lower-power and higher-power network devices without requiring separate power sources.
Is PoE always 24V?
No, the standard PoE voltage is not 24V. Standard PoE systems usually operate at around 48V DC. However, some passive PoE implementations, which are non-standard, may use 24V. It's crucial to check your device's power requirement to ensure the 24V amount will suffice and not harm your device.
