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PoE vs. PoE+: Which Power Option Does My PTZOptics Device Need?

April 02, 2025​

Powering PTZOptics Cameras via Ethernet (PoE)

PTZOptics has enhanced its cameras to include Power over Ethernet (PoE) as a standard feature, starting with models introduced midway through the G2 series and now included in all new models. Cameras produced before January 1, 2020, may not have PoE, and G2 USB models do not support PoE and must use the DC power supply.

Understanding PoE Standards for PTZOptics Products​

PTZOptics products are compatible with different levels of PoE, and it’s essential to verify your camera’s power requirements when selecting a PoE switch or injector. Here’s a breakdown of PoE levels:

  1. **Standard PoE (802.3af, 48V)**Supports up to 15.4W. Compatible with most PTZOptics cameras, including:

    • G2 Fixed Box Cams

    • G2 SDI/NDI PTZ cameras

    • SE G3 models

    • Simple Track 3

    • PT-JOY-G3/G4, Studio Pro, and Super Joy controllers

  2. **PoE+ (802.3at, 54V)**Provides up to 30W, necessary for higher-power PTZOptics cameras, such as:

    • Move 4K models

    • Link 4K models

  3. **PoE++ and PoE+++ (802.3bt)**Known as PoE++ or 4-Pair PoE, this provides up to 60W (Type 3) or 100W (Type 4) for very high-power devices, such as certain lighting and industrial equipment.
    While no PTZOptics cameras require PoE++ or PoE+++, these standards are backward-compatible, meaning a PoE++ or PoE+++ switch will support PTZOptics PoE and PoE+ cameras without issues.

  4. **Passive PoE (24V)**This non-standard PoE option, primarily used for security cameras and proprietary networks, is less common and incompatible with PTZOptics products . Avoid using Passive PoE for PTZOptics cameras.

Important: PoE devices negotiate the power level with compatible switches/injectors. Connecting a PoE camera (802.3af) to a PoE+ (802.3at) or PoE++/PoE+++ (802.3bt) switch is safe and won’t over-power the device. However, connecting a PoE+ (802.3at) camera to a standard PoE (802.3af) switch may not supply adequate power for operation.

Summary​

When selecting a PoE switch or injector for your PTZOptics camera, confirm its power requirements to ensure optimal performance. Using the wrong PoE level could result in operational issues, especially with high-power cameras requiring PoE+.