Code Blue CB2E00342 PoE Network Switch
Overview
The Code Blue CB2E00342 is an IP68-rated network switch purpose-built for surveillance and networked security installations where equipment sits in harsh or wet environments. This model delivers 24V DC power input and supports 802.3af Power over Ethernet, allowing you to run camera and edge-device power from a single cable run—eliminating the need for parallel power infrastructure to each remote location.
Key Features
- IP68 Environmental Rating: Sealed against dust and full submersion, meaning this switch handles outdoor cable runs, damp equipment rooms, and installations where moisture or spray is a deployment reality. Skip this if your environment stays climate-controlled indoors; IP68 adds cost and bulk you won't need.
- 802.3af PoE (Power over Ethernet): Supplies power and data across a single Cat5e/Cat6 run to connected devices. Reduces field wiring labor and eliminates the need to run separate 24V power drops to each camera or edge sensor—meaningful savings on retrofit projects where you're pulling new cable.
- 24V DC Input Power: Accepts standard 24V DC feeds from your facility's UPS or central power distribution, integrating cleanly with existing surveillance power architectures. No need for a separate 12V/24V converter in the field.
- Ethernet Connectivity: Carries network traffic and power simultaneously, so your IP cameras, analytics appliances, and access-control edge devices share a consolidated backbone. Simplifies topology compared to running separate data and power circuits.
- Surveillance-Grade Build: Designed for the specific demands of camera networks—fanless, solid-state, and engineered to handle the continuous 24/7 operation typical of security deployments without thermal cycling failures.
Integration and Compatibility
The CB2E00342 works with any standard ONVIF IP camera or edge device that accepts 802.3af PoE input. Pair it with Milestone XProtect, Axis Camera Station, or other ONVIF-capable VMS platforms. Because it operates at Layer 2, it does not require configuration—plug in power and Ethernet, and it begins switching traffic immediately. If your environment includes paging amplifiers or other 12–24V DC edge devices, the CB2E00342's native 24V DC input simplifies centralized power delivery for those appliances as well.
What's in the Box
Package contents are not specified in available documentation. Contact the manufacturer or your distributor for the exact bill of materials and mounting hardware included with your unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the CB2E00342 suitable for outdoor installations?
A: Yes. The IP68 rating means it withstands dust and full submersion, so it works in outdoor cable vaults, wet equipment rooms, and spray-prone environments. Verify that your mounting location and power connectors are also rated for your specific outdoor conditions.
Q: How many cameras can the CB2E00342 power?
A: The switch delivers 802.3af PoE, which supplies up to approximately 13W per port. The total number of cameras depends on your port count (not specified in available documentation) and the power draw of each camera. Consult your camera's datasheet and your distributor to confirm the port configuration and maximum simultaneous load.
Q: Does the CB2E00342 require configuration?
A: No. As an unmanaged Layer 2 switch, it operates plug-and-play. Apply 24V DC power and Ethernet input, and it immediately begins forwarding traffic. No IP address assignment, firmware updates, or VMS integration setup is required.
Q: Can I use the CB2E00342 indoors?
A: Yes, but it is designed for harsh environments. If your deployment is in a controlled, climate-stable room, you may be paying for environmental protection you do not need. Consider a standard commercial PoE switch to reduce cost and footprint.
Q: What power supply should I use with the CB2E00342?
A: The switch requires 24V DC input. Pair it with a 24V DC power supply rated for your total device load plus 20% headroom. If your facility already has 24V DC UPS or backup power, the CB2E00342 integrates directly into that backbone.
Q: Is the CB2E00342 NDAA-compliant?
A: Compliance information is not specified in available documentation. Contact Code Blue directly or your distributor to confirm NDAA Section 889 compliance for your procurement requirements.
The CB2E00342 is built for one specific problem: deploying PoE-powered cameras and edge devices in environments where sealed connectors and submersible housings matter. I've seen too many standard unmanaged switches fail in outdoor cable vaults or damp utility rooms where humidity and occasional spray are the norm. The IP68 rating on this model eliminates that worry—you get a switch rated for full dust and water immersion, not just splash-resistance.
Technical Highlights:
- IP68 Environmental Sealing: The enclosure withstands dust ingress and full submersion, so cable terminations and internal circuits don't degrade in wet or spray-prone locations. This is non-negotiable in outdoor cable vaults or rooftop equipment closets.
- 802.3af PoE Delivery: Supplies approximately 13W per port over standard Ethernet cabling, eliminating parallel power runs. On retrofit projects where you're pulling new cable through conduit, this cuts labor and materials cost measurably.
- Native 24V DC Input: Integrates directly into existing surveillance UPS and backup power infrastructure, so you don't need to step down from 48V industrial power or step up from 12V DC. Single power backbone simplifies field service and troubleshooting.
Deployment Considerations:
- Verify your port count and per-port budget before you plan for multiple cameras. 802.3af maxes out around 13W, so a high-power camera or appliance may require PoE+ (802.3at) or a separate power feed—check your camera's spec sheet.
- As an unmanaged switch, the CB2E00342 has zero visibility into traffic or device health. If you need SNMP monitoring, port statistics, or remote management, you'll need a managed switch in your core network and this device as a remote PoE aggregator only.
The CB2E00342 is your answer for small to medium outdoor or harsh-environment camera clusters—say, 4–8 cameras in a parking lot perimeter, dock, or rooftop cabinet where PoE power and sealed connectors are non-negotiable. Pair it with a 24V DC battery backup, and you have 24/7 uptime even during a facility power loss.
