Axis 5026-204 T8120 15W Single-Port PoE Midspan Injector
The Axis 5026-204 is a compact midspan injector that solves a common retrofit problem: you need to power an IP camera or VoIP device on a network run that doesn't carry PoE from your switch. Rather than replace the switch or add new cabling, the T8120 injects 48V DC power onto an existing Ethernet line—data passes through untouched. This is especially useful in older installations, branch locations, or scenarios where you're extending camera coverage beyond your PoE switch's port count.
Key Features
- 15W power output (48V DC, max 15.4W): Sufficient for standard IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points that draw under 15W. Covers most single-camera retrofits without adding a separate power supply to the site.
- IEEE 802.3af compliant with auto-sensing: Automatically detects powered and unpowered devices, eliminating configuration errors. Backward-compatible with existing PoE infrastructure—no firmware updates needed.
- Gigabit Ethernet passthrough (10/100/1000 Mbps): Full data bandwidth passes unimpeded; the midspan only adds power on pins 4/5 and 7/8 (Mode B wiring). Your network speed is never a constraint.
- Plug-and-play installation: Connect AC mains, plug in Ethernet cables on both sides, done. No IP configuration, no serial console, no learning curve. Takes under two minutes to deploy.
- Compact form factor (33 × 53 × 140 mm): Fits neatly in a wall-mounted bracket, on a shelf behind a cabinet, or clipped to a DIN rail using the optional AXIS T91A03 accessory. Low visual footprint in server rooms or IDF closets.
- LED status indicators: Power and fault LEDs let you confirm at a glance that the injector is running and the connected device is receiving power. Troubleshooting becomes visual and immediate.
- Low idle power consumption (2W unloaded, 18.9W with device powered): Minimal standby draw if you're running multiple midspans. Helps keep your electrical bill predictable, especially on larger deployments.
Integration & Compatibility
The 5026-204 works with any IEEE 802.3af-compliant device: Axis cameras, third-party IP cameras, wireless APs, SIP phones, and sensors rated under 15W. Requires shielded Cat5e or better cabling; unshielded cable will degrade power delivery over longer runs. Rated for indoor environments only (0–40°C, 10–90% RH non-condensing)—do not install in unheated warehouses or damp crawlspaces.
If you're planning a larger PoE switch deployment, review your total power budget first: each injected port consumes up to 18.9W from mains AC, so three units pull roughly 57W. For new greenfield installations with many cameras, a direct PoE+ switch is often simpler than daisy-chaining midspans, but for one or two retrofit feeds, this injector is cost-effective and avoids downtime.
What's in the Box
- 1x Axis T8120 PoE Midspan
- 1x AC power cord
- 1x Installation guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use the 5026-204 to power devices that draw more than 15W?
A: No. The T8120 is hard-limited to 15.4W output. Devices requiring 25W or more (such as PTZ cameras or high-power APs) will not function or will shut down. Verify your device's power specification before deployment. If you need higher wattage, consider a PoE+ or PoE++ switch instead.
Q: Does the 5026-204 work outdoors or in harsh environments?
A: No. The T8120 is rated for indoor use only (0–40°C, 10–90% non-condensing humidity). Do not install in unheated spaces, damp enclosures, or direct sunlight. If you need outdoor power injection, look for a weatherproof PoE midspan or upgrade to an outdoor-rated PoE switch.
Q: Will the midspan add latency or reduce network speed?
A: No. The 5026-204 passes data on pins 1/2 and 3/6 unmodified (Mode B). Power is injected on separate pairs (4/5 and 7/8). Your Gigabit connection speed is unchanged, and latency is negligible—typically under 1 microsecond.
Q: What warranty covers the 5026-204?
A: Axis includes a 3-year warranty against manufacturing defects. Coverage is limited to the midspan itself, not the connected devices or cabling.
Q: Can I use the T8120 with shielded cabling to reduce EMI?
A: Yes. The injector is designed for shielded Cat5e or higher, and it supports Mode B wiring on standard RJ45 connectors. Shielded cable is actually recommended to reduce conducted EMI and RF interference on longer runs (50m+).
Q: Is the T8120 compliant with NDAA Section 889 or export restrictions?
A: Axis products are widely deployed in U.S. federal and enterprise settings. For definitive NDAA or export compliance for your specific jurisdiction, consult Axis technical support or your procurement team. We cannot certify export status here.
Eden PhillipsPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Axis 5026-204 solves a real problem that integrators face constantly: a camera run that bypasses your PoE switch because the run was installed ten years ago or because it's in a satellite building. Rather than rewire or upgrade core infrastructure, the T8120 injects 48V onto the existing pair in under five minutes. At 15.4W maximum, it covers standard IP cameras, older VoIP phones, and lightweight APs without breaking a sweat.
Technical Highlights:
- Mode B wiring, 15.4W max output: Power on pins 4/5 and 7/8 means your data stream (pins 1/2, 3/6) runs untouched at full Gigabit speed. This is the key advantage over power-on-data schemes—no negotiation, no speed loss, and devices that don't understand PoE at all still work fine.
- Auto-sensing IEEE 802.3af detection: The injector probes the line before applying power, preventing damage to non-PoE devices if someone accidentally plugs it in. Backward-compatible with equipment from 2005 onward—no version mismatch risk.
- 2W idle draw: If you deploy three or four of these in a distributed setup (e.g., four remote building feeds), total standby load is under 10W. Meaningful in always-on energy budgets where every watt counts at scale.
Deployment Considerations:
- The 15W ceiling is non-negotiable. If you're retrofitting a PTZ (which typically draws 25–35W), you'll need a different approach—either a PoE+ switch or a dedicated 24V DC power supply alongside the network line.
- Shielded Cat5e or better is required for reliable power delivery beyond 30m. Unshielded cable works for short indoor runs but introduces resistive loss that cuts usable wattage. Budget for retermination if your existing run is marginal.
- Indoor-only rating is strict. Do not mount this in an equipment shed or unheated garage. Temperature swings and condensation will eventually cause failure.
Deploy the 5026-204 for single-camera retrofits in offices, retail branches, and satellite facilities where PoE availability is spotty but bandwidth is good. It's not a substitute for proper switch-based PoE, but for targeted, low-power extensions, it's reliable and cost-effective.
