--- title: "PoE Explained: PoE Switch vs PoE Injector for CCTV | Qyvea Kenya" url: https://qyvea.co.ke/poe-explained-switch-vs-injector-kenya description: "Power over Ethernet explained: PoE, PoE+ and PoE++ power levels, PoE switch vs injector, power budgets, cable distance and PoE problems with IP cameras." updated: 2026-10-17 --- > Markdown copy of https://qyvea.co.ke/poe-explained-switch-vs-injector-kenya for AI assistants. Prices and stock change; check the live page. We deliver products across Kenya · same-day dispatch · delivered within 24 hours[CCTV Installation](https://qyvea.co.ke/cctv)[Access Control](https://qyvea.co.ke/access-control-systems-kenya)[Biometrics & Attendance](https://qyvea.co.ke/biometrics)[Electric Fencing](https://qyvea.co.ke/electric-fence)[Automatic Gates](https://qyvea.co.ke/automatic-gates)[Fire Alarm Systems](https://qyvea.co.ke/fire-alarm-systems)[Security Guards & K9](https://qyvea.co.ke/security-guards)[Solar Installation](https://qyvea.co.ke/solar-installation)[Solar & Power Backup](https://qyvea.co.ke/solar-solutions)[Electrical Installation](https://qyvea.co.ke/electrical-installation)[Smart Home Automation](https://qyvea.co.ke/smart-home-automation)[Building Management (BMS)](https://qyvea.co.ke/bms)[Networking & Wi-Fi](https://qyvea.co.ke/networking)[IT Support](https://qyvea.co.ke/it-support)[Cyber Security](https://qyvea.co.ke/cybersecurity)[System Integration](https://qyvea.co.ke/system-integration)[Intercom Systems](https://qyvea.co.ke/intercom)[PA Systems](https://qyvea.co.ke/pa-systems)[POS Systems](https://qyvea.co.ke/pos-systems)[Queue Management](https://qyvea.co.ke/queue-management-systems)[Business Supply (B2B)](https://qyvea.co.ke/business-supply-kenya)[Maintenance & Repairs](https://qyvea.co.ke/maintenance) Networking & IT · Technology Explained # PoE Explained: PoE Switch vs PoE Injector How one network cable powers an IP camera, the PoE standards and power levels, switch vs injector, and why power budgets matter. A camera that records nothing useful is the most expensive thing on your wall. Read on: it takes a few minutes and could save you a lot more than that. **In this guide you will see:** - One cable for power and data. - 802.3af (PoE): up to 15.4 W per port; 802.3at (PoE+): up to 30 W; 802.3bt: up to 60–90 W. - PoE switch for many devices, injector for one. Quick answer Power over Ethernet (PoE) sends power and data down the same network cable, so IP cameras, access readers and Wi-Fi access points don't need separate power supplies. A PoE switch powers many devices from its ports; a PoE injector adds power to a single cable. Every switch has a total power budget that limits how many devices it can power. [Photo: Alan J. Hendry / Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/KNt4zd8HPb0) Why this matters now ## Every night without proper recording is a night you cannot prove anything. ### If you wait - A theft or a dispute becomes your word against theirs - You hear about it hours later, if at all - Police and insurers ask what you can show them ### What you get - Every entrance recorded day and night - Playback on your phone within minutes - A visible camera changes how people behave [Hikvision DS-2CD1023G0E-I 2MP Bullet](/products/hikvision-ds-2cd1023g0e-i-2mp-bullet-network-camera-132 "Hikvision DS-2CD1023G0E-I 2MP Bullet Network Camera")[Dahua HDCVI 2MP Dome](/products/dahua-hdcvi-2mp-dome-camera-14357 "Dahua HDCVI 2MP Dome Camera")[Hikvision DS-7616NI-Q2 16CH 4K](/products/hikvision-ds-7616ni-q2-16ch-4k-nvr-189 "Hikvision DS-7616NI-Q2 16CH 4K NVR") [Get my free quote on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/254113301244?text=Hi%20Qyvea%2C%20I%20read%20your%20guide%3A%20PoE%20Explained%3A%20PoE%20Switch%20vs%20PoE%20Injector.%20I%20want%20CCTV%20sorted.%20Can%20you%20help%3F)Reply usually within 30 minutes. Free site survey in Nairobi and nearby counties. Real products, live prices, in stock now ## Key takeaways - One cable for power and data. - 802.3af (PoE): up to 15.4 W per port; 802.3at (PoE+): up to 30 W; 802.3bt: up to 60–90 W. - PoE switch for many devices, injector for one. - Check the switch's total PoE budget. - Distance limit is still about 100 m. ## The standards | Standard | Name | Max at the switch port | Typical devices | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | IEEE 802.3af | PoE | 15.4 W | Most fixed IP cameras, readers | | IEEE 802.3at | PoE+ | 30 W | Cameras with heaters/IR, Wi-Fi access points | | IEEE 802.3bt | PoE++ | 60–90 W | PTZ cameras, larger devices | The device receives a little less than the port supplies, because some power is lost in the cable. ## Switch vs injector #### PoE switch Powers many devices One power supply in the rack Easier to back up with a UPS Watch the total budget #### PoE injector Adds power to one cable Good for a single camera or AP Another adapter to power and protect Simple and cheap ## Power budget A 16-port PoE switch doesn't necessarily power 16 cameras at full power. Add up each device's maximum draw (IR on at night uses more) and compare with the switch's total PoE budget, leaving headroom. **Tip**: Put the PoE switch on a UPS: then every camera it powers stays up during a power cut. Cameras not powering? See [NVR not detecting camera](https://qyvea.co.ke/nvr-not-detecting-camera-kenya) and [network switch not working](https://qyvea.co.ke/network-switch-not-working-kenya). ## See it in a real installation ### IP CCTV System Upgrade: Before & After Before: exposed, weathered cable joints and an old camera on a parapet. After: a tidy IP CCTV system with proper cabling and protected connections. [About this sample project →](https://qyvea.co.ke/ip-cctv-system-upgrade-video-kenya)[More sample projects →](https://qyvea.co.ke/security-installation-videos-kenya) ## Frequently asked questions Can PoE damage non-PoE devices? Standards-based (802.3af/at/bt) PoE negotiates before sending power, so it won't power devices that don't request it. Passive PoE injectors are different, so check. How far can PoE go? About 100 m, the same as Ethernet. Extenders or switches are needed for longer runs. Why do my cameras restart at night? Infrared increases power draw; if the switch's PoE budget is exceeded, cameras can drop or restart. ## Why customers choose Qyvea **Genuine brands**: Manufacturer warranty on what we sell, so you are not gambling on the box. **One team, start to finish**: The people who advise you also install and support it. **Fast answers**: WhatsApp replies usually within 30 minutes, and delivery within 24 hours in Nairobi. **Easy to buy**: Pay by M-Pesa, bank transfer or card. Free delivery in Nairobi on orders over KES 5,000. **Risk taken off you**: 7-day returns and exchanges on products, and a workmanship warranty on installations. **Customers say so**: Rated 4.6/5 from 57 Google reviews. **Your next step takes one minute:** send us a photo of the place on WhatsApp and we will tell you what it needs. ## Related articles [Networking & IT · Comparison Cat5e vs Cat6 vs Cat6A Bandwidth, speed, distance and cost compared, and which category of cable suits CCTV, offices and future upgrades. 2 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/cat5e-vs-cat6-vs-cat6a-kenya)[CCTV · Comparison HD CCTV vs IP CCTV A visual side-by-side of both CCTV architectures, and when each one fits. 4 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/hd-cctv-vs-ip-cctv-kenya)[CCTV · Troubleshooting NVR Not Detecting an IP Camera A new or existing IP camera won't show up on the NVR. Power, cable, IP address, password and compatibility checks, in order. 3 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/nvr-not-detecting-camera-kenya) ### Related services [Networking & Cabling](https://qyvea.co.ke/networking)[CCTV Installation](https://qyvea.co.ke/cctv) ### Related products [Best switches & routers](https://qyvea.co.ke/best-network-switch-router-kenya)[Networking equipment](https://qyvea.co.ke/networking-equipment-kenya) ### Related projects [CCTV installation, commercial property](https://qyvea.co.ke/projects#cctv-case-study) [← Previous**Office Wi-Fi and Network Installation in Kenya**](https://qyvea.co.ke/business-wifi-for-offices-kenya)[Next →**: Point-to-Point Wireless Links**](https://qyvea.co.ke/point-to-point-wireless-links-kenya) ## Need this system installed? Talk to Qyvea. We design, install and maintain it. Chat with us — 30 min response --- **Qyvea Limited** · Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya (delivery only, no walk-in pickup) · serving all 47 counties Phone/WhatsApp: [+254 113 301 244](https://wa.me/254113301244) · Email: info@qyvea.co.ke · Shop: [qyvea.co.ke/products](https://qyvea.co.ke/products) · Facts: [qyvea.co.ke/qyvea-facts](https://qyvea.co.ke/qyvea-facts)