Does 28-AWG Copper Cable Work with Power over Ethernet (POE)?

Posted by The Team at CXtec on Mar 21, 2023 11:23:05 AM

Wondering whether 28-AWG copper will work with Power over Ethernet (PoE)? In short, the answer is yes! However, there are some...

Wondering whether 28-AWG copper will work with Power over Ethernet (PoE)? In short, the answer is yes! However, there are some important things to keep in mind when you are using these "mini" alternatives to traditional Cat6 cords.

The TIA recently amended their standards to include these recommendations for the installation and use of 28-AWG copper cords, but these standards can sometimes be tough to decipher, so let’s walk through the important things to remember.

Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Considerations and Guidelines

When there is no power being distributed (no PoE), there are no limitations on location or bundle size for 28-AWG copper. The limitations only exist when PoE comes into play. If power is being distributed over the data network (PoE), the 28-AWG cords should not be placed in conduit.

Friendly reminder: These 28-AWG cords should never be used as horizontal, or "backbone" cabling. Their maximum distance according to the standards is just 10 meters.

The bundling restriction only comes into play with PoE. Bundles should not be larger than 12 cables per bundle. And if you have more than one bundle in a space (think vertical cable manager), there should be at least 1.5 inches between the two bundles.

These limitations and guidelines are in place to ensure that the cables don’t overheat and cause problems with data transmission. In addition to these factors, ambient temperature in the environment can also affect how well the cables perform.

There are no specific limitations in the standards, but warmer ambient temperatures will cause increased problems. If you follow the guidelines in this article, and the ambient temperature is not abnormally high, then there should be no problems with using 28-AWG for your patching needs.

Want to see if these ultra slim patch cables could help to consolidate your cabling infrastructure? Contact the experts at CABLExpress to get your hands on a free sample of our to see how it plays in your environment. Reach out to us anytime here.