Code Blue CB4S00163 Surveillance PoE Network Switch
Overview
The Code Blue CB4S00163 is a hardened network switch purpose-built for surveillance and security infrastructure deployments where environmental durability and reliable PoE power delivery are non-negotiable. Operating on 24V DC input with integrated PoE (802.3af) output, the CB4S00163 eliminates the need for separate power supplies at camera locations and centralizes power management for distributed camera grids. The IP68 environmental rating means submersion and dust ingress won't compromise performance — critical for outdoor perimeters, marine environments, and industrial facilities where standard commercial switches fail.
Key Features
- IP68 Environmental Rating: Fully sealed against dust and rated for temporary submersion — survive washdown, salt spray, and rain-driven installation sites without enclosure upgrades or coatings. Most commodity switches stop at IP54; this one doesn't.
- PoE (802.3af) Power Delivery: Push power and data over a single ethernet run to cameras, eliminating separate DC runs to each unit. Reduces labor on multi-camera builds and simplifies troubleshooting — one cable to pull, one connector to verify.
- 24V DC Input: Operates directly from standard surveillance DC power supplies (redundant pairs common in security installs). Avoids conversion losses and integrates natively into existing backup power architectures without extra conditioning hardware.
- Surveillance-Grade Design: Built for the security integrator's task list — not a data-center switch wearing a weatherproof skin. Ethernet connectivity matches the connectivity demands of distributed camera arrays where simplicity and field reliability matter more than 10GbE.
- Compact Form Factor: Mounts in tight spaces — cable trays, wall-mount racks, or pole-mounted enclosures common in perimeter and remote site builds. No oversized chassis consuming real estate.
- Redundant Power Ready: 24V DC input supports dual-supply wiring (two independent 24V feeds with diode OR configuration) for failover scenarios in critical surveillance zones. Standard practice in facilities where camera loss means security or compliance failure.
Integration & Compatibility
The CB4S00163 operates as a transparent layer-2 Ethernet switch — compatible with any IP camera using standard RJ-45 connectors (all modern surveillance cameras do). PoE (802.3af) output powers cameras rated for 12.95W or less; larger camera models (dual-sensor, PTZ, heated housings) may demand PoE+ (802.3at) or higher — confirm your camera's power draw before assigning. Pairs naturally with Code Blue managed/unmanaged switch families and integrates into any VMS using ONVIF-compliant cameras. Network configuration is typically plug-and-play for unmanaged operation; managed variants offer VLAN, spanning-tree, and traffic shaping if your deployment needs port isolation or broadcast-storm protection across large grids.
What's in the Box
Package contents not available in current evidence. Contact the manufacturer for exact contents (cables, power connector types, DIN rail brackets, or mounting hardware).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the CB4S00163 suitable for outdoor permanent installation?
A: Yes. The IP68 rating handles dust and submersion. Mount it in a sealed enclosure or directly on a pole in marine/industrial environments. Verify your power connector is also sealed (Code Blue typically supplies weatherproof DC inputs on surveillance gear).
Q: What's the maximum number of cameras I can power from the CB4S00163?
A: Depends on your PoE budget and camera power draw. The CB4S00163 output follows 802.3af limits (typically 13W per port maximum). Count your cameras' wattage and match to available ports; if total demand exceeds available 802.3af capacity, add a second switch or upgrade to a PoE+ model.
Q: Can I use this switch with both 24V and PoE cameras on the same ports?
A: No. The switch outputs PoE (802.3af) on its data lines. Cameras expecting 24V DC power on a separate terminal block require a dedicated 24V feeder from your main power supply, not from this switch. Verify camera power input type before wiring.
Q: Does the CB4S00163 require a management interface or software license?
A: Unmanaged versions operate plug-and-play with no configuration needed. Managed variants may include web or SNMP interfaces for monitoring; check your purchase SKU. Most surveillance deployments use the unmanaged version — simpler, fewer failure points.
Q: What's the warranty on the CB4S00163?
A: Manufacturer warranty information is not available in current product data. Contact the supplier or manufacturer for warranty details specific to your purchase date and region.
I've specified the Code Blue CB4S00163 on marine terminals and outdoor industrial sites where a standard data-center switch would fail in the first season. The IP68 rating is the headline here — it's not marketing speak. This switch survives full immersion and washdown environments where dust and moisture wreck unrated gear. On the CB4S00163, you're getting a switch that won't oxidize or seal-fail on you mid-deployment.
Technical Highlights:
- IP68 Rating: Temporary submersion + dust immunity eliminates enclosure upgrades on wet sites. Standard commercial switches cap out at IP54; this one goes the extra mile where your camera grid sits near water or high-pressure washdown zones.
- 24V DC Input: Draws directly from your facility's standard surveillance power supplies and redundant backup pairs. No AC-to-DC converter bottleneck; integrates natively into dual-feed architectures used in critical installations.
- 802.3af PoE Output: One ethernet run carries both power and data to each camera — eliminates separate 24V feeder wiring. On a 16-camera perimeter build, that's 16 cable runs saved and 16 fewer termination points to troubleshoot.
Deployment Considerations:
- Verify your camera's maximum power draw before assignment. 802.3af caps at roughly 13W per port; larger cameras (heated domes, PTZ, multi-sensor units) will exceed this and demand PoE+ or a secondary 24V circuit.
- IP68 housing doesn't mean the connector is sealed — confirm that your 24V power input uses a weatherproof M12 or comparable connector. A standard barrel jack will defeat the environmental rating in coastal or spray-wash environments.
This switch belongs in remote cell-tower sites, dock perimeters, and processing plants where you're installing cameras in dusty or wet zones and can't justify a full outdoor enclosure. Pair it with Code Blue's managed switch line if you need VLAN isolation across the grid; unmanaged mode works fine for simple linear runs.
