PoE adapters and injectors feed power into an Ethernet cable, so access points, IP cameras and VoIP phones can run from a single network cable without a nearby power socket. Our range covers models from Cisco, Ubiquiti and Zyxel, from simple units for a home office to professional-grade ones for larger installations.
How to choose a PoE adapter or injector
PoE standard. Match the injector to the standard your device uses. IEEE 802.3af is the older, lower-power standard, 802.3at (PoE+) delivers more for devices such as pan-tilt cameras and dual-band access points, and 802.3bt supplies higher power still. A higher-standard injector normally works with a lower-standard device, but not the other way round.
Power budget. Check the wattage your device needs and choose an injector that supplies at least that amount. A unit working close to its limit tends to run warmer and leaves no room for a later upgrade.
Passive or standard PoE. Some equipment, including certain older Ubiquiti devices, uses passive PoE at a fixed voltage instead of negotiated 802.3af/at. Connecting the wrong type can damage a device, so read the device specification before buying.
Network speed. If your device and network run at gigabit speed, the injector must pass gigabit data too. Fast Ethernet-only models will limit the link to 100 Mbps.
Placement and temperature. Injectors usually sit indoors in a cupboard, rack or on a shelf. The operating temperatures listed in our range include 10 to 40 °C (14 to 104 °F), which suits normal office conditions but not an unventilated roof space or an outdoor enclosure in summer.
PoE adapter and injector brands we carry
- Cisco: a major enterprise networking manufacturer, whose injectors are designed to power its own access points and other network equipment in business environments.
- Ubiquiti: known for the UniFi and airMAX ranges, with PoE adapters made to power its access points, cameras and wireless bridges.
- Zyxel: a networking vendor with switches, routers and Wi-Fi access points, offering injectors that fit into those setups.
Cisco has the most models in our range, followed by Ubiquiti, with one from Zyxel.
PoE adapters and injectors: frequently asked questions
What does a PoE injector do?
A PoE injector adds electrical power to an Ethernet cable that carries data. You plug your router or switch into the data port, and a single cable then runs to the device and powers it. It is used when the network equipment itself cannot supply PoE.
Do I need an injector if I already have a PoE switch?
No. A PoE switch already supplies power on its ports, provided the ports support the standard your device needs. An injector is for networks with a non-PoE switch or router, or for one device that needs more power than the switch can offer.
What is the difference between 802.3af, 802.3at and 802.3bt?
They are successive PoE standards, each delivering more power to the connected device. 802.3af covers lower-power devices such as basic phones and access points, 802.3at suits more demanding equipment, and 802.3bt is aimed at the most power-hungry devices. Always check the wattage your device requires.
How long can the cable be between an injector and the device?
The Ethernet standard limits a PoE cable run to 100 metres, including the cable between the switch and the injector. Use good-quality Cat5e or better copper cable. Longer runs lose power and data reliability, so they need a switch or extender in between.