Current Affairs… (we love a pun!)

We’re seeing more and more devices moving toward POE in the industry which will place higher demands on your structured cabling.  What started as a way of remotely powering Thin Clients, Wireless Access Points and CCTV has grown in capacity to include PTZ CCTV cameras, Video Phones, access controls, heated cameras and information kiosks. With the standard now able to support 90 Watts we can now remotely power desktop computers, TV displays, Video conference hardware and high-power Wireless Access Points.

Below is an easy to follow reference table to help guide you through the different standards that POE can operate at:

 

Here’s a chart to help guide you through the different POE classifications available:

 

Below we have an infographic to help show the different devices available on POE as well as the POE classification they fall under:

 

At the top end of the present standards of IEEE 802.3bt your structured cabling will be handling up to 900mA of current per pair of conductors. All this power through the wrong cable or poorly installed cable has the potential to generate a lot of heat. It’s for this reason that EN50174 recommends Class EA cabling for installations to support Type 4 Power over Ethernet devices. Consideration has to be made for how the cable is installed (24 way bundles, loose lay) and the containment that the cabling is installed in/on (tray, basket, cable mat) as this can greatly influence how the heat generated in the cable can be dissipated.

 

3DEC is an Information Technology Consultancy based out of London, UK.

If you would like to talk through any upcoming project needs;

Get in touch at info@3DEC.co.uk or call us on +44 (0) 203 126 4990