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PoE Lighting FAQs

PoE (Power over Ethernet) technology is a collection of standards whereby IT protocols are sent over standard Ethernet cables but where also power is transferred at the same time. It is in use globally already for VoIP phones, network cameras and Wireless Access Points. A PoE enabled lighting setup uses standard Ethernet cables to draw power from PoE switches & to communicate data, thus eliminating the need for separate electrical wires. Each luminaire is assigned a unique IP address for two-way communications with the building’s IT network.

At the simplest level, PoE lighting refers to the ability to use an Ethernet cable to power light fixtures (luminaires) and transmit data between the luminaire and the control software. What this means is that one cable can both power and control the fixtures attached to the network.

Customers who switch to PoE lighting can save up to 33% in energy costs, and proponents of PoE argue that the power supply is more reliable. There are also savings on CAPEX.  OPEX savings are obtained when the customer utilizes the IoT capability of the system.

PoE FAQs

Power over Ethernet (POE) technology sends 10/100/1000 Mbps of data and 15W, 30W, 60W, and up to 90W of power budget to devices over Cat5e and Cat6 Ethernet cables for a maximum distance of 100m. The device that transmits power is a PSE, while the device that is powered is a PD.

Any Cat6 cable will be OK. There are PoE 802.3af, PoE+ 802.3at, or some kind of passive PoE. Usually, 802.3af works over Cat 3 cable or higher. And Cat6 cable is ok for PoE applications.

If your PoE device uses the PoE standard 48V 802.3af or 802.3at, it is considered to use active POE. Passive PoE usually refers to any device using PoE that is not 802.3af or 802.3at. This includes devices such as cameras and radio antennas that run on 24V PoE.

The main advantage of Power over Ethernet (PoE) is delivery of data AND power over one Cat5e/Cat6 Ethernet cable. PoE ends the need for AC/DC power supplies and outlets. A remote installation costs less than fiber as no electrician is required. Ethernet cable costs less and is often already installed buildings.

PoE is a great solution for many indoor applications such as offices, data centers, hospitals, and schools. Due to the nature of its architecture with Ethernet cables, it works best when this technology is part of the design and specification consideration for either new construction or deep renovation projects.

PoE devices can be mixed in a network with non–PoE devices, but non–PoE devices cannot provide power for PDs or be powered by PSEs.

The entire system is conveniently and cost-effectively managed by a centrally hosted from an open API. This enables customers to take advantage of the extra cost savings, productivity boost and data harvesting of applicable luminaires without having to pay for the technology in areas where the benefits are minimal.

Standard PoE has Ethernet cable distance restrictions of 100 meters (328 feet) for data and power transmission, whether for IEEE 802.3af (PoE) or 802.3at (PoE+). However, when utilizing high current DC Power distribution, which is safe to the touch, distances up to 1931 meters (1.2 miles) can be achieved.

IEEE 802.3af/at/bt compliant PoE technology is safe. PoE injectors and switches will not damage any equipment, even if the equipment is not designed for PoE applications. … It is this built-in feature of all IEEE 802.3af/at/bt-compliant devices that makes PoE technology inherently safe.

The larger the network, the greater number of ports you’ll need. It is better to choose a switch that has more interfaces than you actually need. Maximum Power Supply: The maximal power supply of your PoE switch matters as well.

Lighting FAQs

Connected lighting is where every light point is connected to an intelligent system that delivers high-quality, reliable illumination and serves as a pathway for information and services. A connected luminaire gathers and shares information which helps to:

  • Connect people with location based services and in-context information delivered via mobile apps. It delivers an enhanced experience for building occupants with personalization and response to needs and preferences.
  • Connect spaces with integrated sensors and collect insights on energy consumption, occupancy patterns, space utilization and light level data.
  • It also integrates into a building’s digital ecology to increase efficiencies.
  • Future proof & scalable with more unexplored possibilities.

Primary value propositions of conventional lighting (fluorescents and LEDs with 0-10V, DALI or DMX controls) are energy savings and operational (OpEx) savings with easier maintenance. In addition to these benefits, connected lighting can enable ease of integration with other sub systems in the building, provide actionable insights on space utilization with occupancy and people counting sensors and an enhanced employee experience with personal control, room reservation, wayfinding, etc.

No, we offer an open API. All the components, hardware and software have been tested with each other to optimize performance.

PoE technology eliminates all the high voltage circuit alignment in the ceiling and any associated metal conduits required to run those high voltage wiring. Considering this benefit along with the low voltage installation labor charges, PoE based connected lighting installations tend to be significantly cost effective than traditional lighting installations. The actual savings varies for each market and is heavily influenced by the local labor charges.

When these drivers or controllers are mounted externally then additional labor effort is required for this installation and associated sensor mounting. This cost adds linearly with the total luminaire count in the space. With luminaire integrated drivers & sensors, the labor effort is limited to physical installation of the luminaires, therefore, there is no additional cost involved for sensor and driver installation.

When these nodes or controllers are mounted externally then additional labor effort is required for this installation and associated sensor mounting. This cost adds linearly with the total luminaire count in the space. With luminaire integrated nodes & sensors, the labor effort is limited to physical installation of the luminaires, therefore, there is no additional cost involved for sensor and node installation.

Financial Benefits of PoE Lighting

PoE technology eliminates all the high voltage circuit alignment in the ceiling and any associated metal conduits required to run those high voltage wiring. Considering this benefit along with the low voltage installation labor charges, PoE based connected lighting installations tend to be significantly cost effective than traditional lighting installations. The actual savings varies for each market and is heavily influenced by the local labor charges.

Many new features can be enabled with simple firmware upgrades and with minimum infrastructure investments, which is financially beneficial. Others will require new hardware which may be installed as a new insert or standalone system install.

The answer varies depending on project size, location, current installation if applicable, project needs. It is important to evaluate any connected lighting project with not only energy savings potential but also savings with space optimization, productivity, and other benefits.

Learn More FAQs About PoE, Lighting, and PoE Lighting

For more information about PoE lighting solutions, contact the experts at Bryte Light. We are happy to answer any PoE and PoE lighting questions you may have. To start a conversation, submit the website contact form and we will be in touch.