Comnet 48VDC 802.3af Power Injector 15w - CWPOEIPS-15

Comnet CWPOEIPS-15 48VDC PoE Midspan Injector

Overview

The Comnet CWPOEIPS-15 is a 48VDC Power over Ethernet midspan injector that combines power and 10/100TX data onto a single CAT-3, CAT-4, or CAT-5 cable run — eliminating the need to pull separate power outlets to remote camera, wireless access point, or VoIP phone installations. The unit supplies up to 15.4W maximum output (0.3A at 48VDC) to powered devices (PDs), draws less than 19W from a standard 100-240VAC wall outlet, and requires zero configuration. Support for transmission distances up to 100 meters (330 feet) and full IEEE 802.3af Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) compliance make this a straightforward retrofit solution for sites where running additional electrical is impractical — fiber-fed remote networks, wireless tower sites, and industrial perimeter installations included.

Key Features

• 48VDC output at 0.3A (15.4W max): sufficient for low-power IP cameras, access points, and VoIP phones without a second power run. At 15.4W, you're targeting devices in the sub-15W range — not the newest high-resolution domes pulling 25W+, so verify your PD power spec before deployment.
• IEEE 802.3af fully compliant PSE: auto-detects powered devices and only supplies power when a compatible PD is present. Prevents damage to non-PoE devices if accidentally connected.
• Injection on spare pairs (pins 4, 5, 7, 8): data rides on standard pins 1, 2, 3, 6; power uses the unused twisted pairs. This design avoids data corruption and works seamlessly with 10/100TX networks without protocol negotiation.
• Universal AC input (100–240VAC, 50/60Hz): single power supply works across North America, Europe, and APAC. Only 0.3A draw means minimal impact on shared facility circuits.
• Short-circuit and overvoltage protection: built-in safeguards on the AC input and DC power output prevent cascading failures if a PD shorts or a cable is damaged. No external breaker or fuse required for most deployments.
• Compact, passive form factor: no fans, no thermal management complexity. Rugged enough for outdoor equipment closets, telecom cabinets, and industrial control enclosures (0–45°C operating range). Storage rating to -40°C handles winterized storage without degradation.

Integration and Compatibility

The CWPOEIPS-15 (often searched as CWPOEIPS 15) is a transparent Layer 1 device — it doesn't care what VMS, NVR, or access control platform you're running. Drop it inline between your switch and any 802.3af-compatible powered device: IP cameras from Axis, Hikvision, Dahua, and Uniview; Cisco/Ruckus wireless APs; Avaya and Polycom SIP phones; industrial IoT sensors. No firmware updates, no driver installs, no management interface. One Ethernet cable in, one Ethernet cable out, one 48V power pair in-between.

The unit supports CAT-3 and CAT-4 cable (legacy installations) as well as CAT-5 at up to 100 meters. If you're pushing closer to the 330-foot limit, voltage drop may reduce usable power at the PD end — always validate with your specific cable gauge and device minimum operating voltage.

Environmental and Approvals

Operating temperature 0–45°C suits most indoor racks and outdoor equipment cabinets with passive cooling. Operating humidity up to 90% (non-condensing) handles high-moisture environments like rooftop housings without condensation inside the unit itself. Storage temperature to -70°C means the injector survives long-term warehouse storage. Approvals: UL, cUL (North America safety), FCC, CE, EN60950-1 (European equipment safety), and RoHS (no lead, mercury, cadmium). These certifications are essential for enterprise compliance audits and utility rebate programs.

What's in the Box

The CWPOEIPS-15 comes as a single injection module with two RJ-45 connectors (data in/out, power out) and a removable AC power cord. No mounting hardware, no documentation beyond the label — it's a true plug-and-play device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the warranty on the CWPOEIPS-15?

A: Comnet provides a 5-year manufacturer warranty from the date of purchase.

Q: Can the CWPOEIPS-15 power high-end IP cameras like Axis Q1615 or Dahua Starlight?

A: Only if those cameras draw 15.4W or less. Modern thermal or high-resolution domes often pull 20–30W, especially with heaters. Check your camera's power spec first — the CWPOEIPS-15 is best suited to entry-level domes, fixed cameras, and wireless access points in the 8–14W range.

Q: Does the CWPOEIPS-15 work with PoE switches I already have?

A: Yes. The injector sits between a non-PoE switch (or a switch port you want to use without PoE) and the remote PD. It's agnostic to the switch brand.

Q: What happens if I accidentally plug a non-PoE device into the power output?

A: The 802.3af auto-detection circuit should detect the absence of a valid PD signature and not energize the power pins. However, best practice: label the output RJ-45 connector to prevent accidental connection of non-compliant devices.

Q: Is the CWPOEIPS-15 NDAA compliant or approved for federal government projects?

A: No NDAA or TAA compliance is stated in the product documentation. If you're working on a federal or state government contract, confirm NDAA requirements separately with procurement.

Q: Can I use the CWPOEIPS-15 outdoors or in wet environments?

A: The unit itself is rated 0–45°C operating and handles up to 90% humidity (non-condensing). For permanently outdoor mounting, house it in a weatherproof cabinet or junction box to avoid direct rain and condensation.

Ted Perry

I've deployed the CWPOEIPS-15 in a handful of retrofits where pulling new AC power to a remote camera location would have meant either calling an electrician or leaving equipment unpowered. The unit's 15.4W output at 48VDC is the critical limiting spec — it locks you into cameras and access points in the low-power tier. The CWPOEIPS-15 works well for fixed domes under 13W and wireless access points, but the moment your spec calls for PTZ, thermal, or a modern varifocal with motorized focus, you'll exceed this injector's ceiling.

Technical Highlights:

• IEEE 802.3af PSE auto-detection: the unit only energizes power pins when it sees a valid PD handshake. This prevents damage to non-PoE gear and is a reliability safeguard you want on any injection system, especially in industrial or outdoor cabinets where misconnections happen.
• Spare-pair injection (pins 4, 5, 7, 8): data and power don't share the same twisted pair. On a 100-meter CAT-5 run, this keeps RFI crosstalk minimal and eliminates the need for shielded cabling or impedance matching tuning at the field end.
• Built-in overvoltage and short-circuit protection: if a PD shorts or a cable is pinched, the injector's protection circuit limits fault current. You won't blow a facility breaker or cascade into related switch ports — a real win in multi-camera installations where one bad device shouldn't take down the whole rack.

Deployment Considerations:

• The 15.4W ceiling is non-negotiable. Verify every powered device's actual draw (not spec sheet worst-case, but measured steady-state) before committing to this injector. An undersized device will limp along on marginal voltage.
• 100-meter transmission distance assumes standard CAT-5 and assumes you measure voltage at the powered device — don't assume you get full 48V at the far end, especially on older copper or thinner gauge runs. Test with a multimeter before installing cameras.
• Operating temperature 0–45°C suits indoor telecom cabinets and shaded outdoor housings, but not direct sunlight enclosures. If your cabinet sits in uninsulated equipment on a loading dock, you'll want active cooling or a relocation.

The CWPOEIPS-15 shines in retrofit scenarios where you're powering a single remote camera or AP and the power budget is small — fiber-fed network sites, wireless backhauls, and industrial IoT sensor drops. If you're building new infrastructure or upgrading to modern high-power cameras, invest in PoE+ infrastructure at the switch instead.