Power Over Ethernet with Panduit Copper Cabling How To Create More Meaningful Connections With The Highest Performing InfrastructureMore Meaningful Connections Introduction Power over Ethernet (PoE) represents one of the most meaningful changes to enterprise network infrastructure happening right now. This technology reduces installation costs and time by allowing power and data onto a single twisted-pair cable, installed by a single low-voltage contractor and eliminating the need for a separate electrical cable to each device. As the ubiquitous nature of Ethernet has grown, an increasing number of items are being networked together. These new items, such as digital signage, next generation wireless access points, nurse call stations, and thin clients, have power needs beyond the existing PoE+ standards. The industry has recognized this need, and has begun to develop PoE++ equipment that will supply 51 to 71 watts. This document provides information and guidance on installing Panduit cabling and connectivity with both the existing PoE+ and the new higher power PoE++ standards. Cable Standards and Power over Ethernet It is important to understand that the cables and connectors, by themselves, can handle the 960 mA current and the 71 W of power. The concerns with running PoE in cables has to do with heat and temperature rise that occurs when the cables are bundled, and the concern with connectors is arcing that occurs when a plug is removed from a connector with live PoE. Concerns with these factors are: Some temperature rise will increase cable insertion loss and may create bit errors for your application Extreme temperature increase past the recommended cable operating range can damage the cable Arcing can damage plug and jack contacts, and make transmission through them impossible Temperature Rise Guidance from TIA TSB-184 and TSB-184-A The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) TSB-184 is a technical service bulletin that provides guidance for installing cables that run PoE with currents up to 600 mA on 2 pairs. This TSB will soon be upgraded to TSB-184-A to provide guidance specific to POE++ which is up to 960 mA on 4 pairs. These o documents recommend that a bundle of cables should not exceed a 15 C temperature rise within the center of the bundle. This temperature rise depends upon: Size of bundle Current running through the wire pairs and number of energized pairs Cable wire gauge and construction Arcing Test Method Standards IEC 60512-9-3 and IEC 60512-99-001 An electrical arc (spark) naturally occurs most times when removing a plug from a jack with PoE running. The arc poses no danger to the user, and it is often difficult to notice. However, it can damage the points on the jack and plug contacts where it occurs. Connectors must be designed so the location damaged by the arc is not where the plug and jack mate. The IEC developed test methods IEC 60512-9-3 and IEC 60512- 99-001 to address this particular issue. 2 POWER OVER ETHERNET WITH PANDUIT COPPER CABLING