Cradlepoint 170732-001 56V PoE Injector
Overview
The Cradlepoint 170732-001 is a 56V power-over-ethernet injector designed to deliver DC power and simultaneous gigabit ethernet data transmission over a single network cable run. This injector bridges the power source and the endpoint device, eliminating the need for separate power conduits in installations where remote equipment requires higher-voltage PoE supply than standard 802.3af or 802.3at systems provide.
Key Features
- 56V Output with Safe Operating Range: Rated for 56V delivery, with actual operating voltage spanning 45.6–50.4V. This voltage envelope prevents overstress on endpoint circuitry while ensuring sufficient power margin for cable losses in longer runs — critical when you cannot afford brownout conditions on remote equipment.
- Gigabit Ethernet Data Path: Supports standard gigabit ethernet speeds alongside power injection, so data throughput doesn't degrade as a tradeoff for power delivery. Useful for applications requiring both video, management traffic, or sensor data from powered endpoints.
- Integrated Cable Assembly: Ships with a 1.8 meter North American Type B power cable fitted with a C5 connector. This pre-assembled cable eliminates field termination work and reduces installation time — you mount the injector and connect two cables (power in, ethernet to endpoint).
- Single-Cable Deployment Model: Consolidates power and data into one ethernet run, reducing physical clutter in cable trays, conduit, or wall routing. Fewer penetrations and simpler troubleshooting — a single cable failure affects both, but you're not juggling separate power and data harnesses.
- Suitable for Remote High-Power PoE Devices: The 170732-001 targets network nodes — such as IP cameras, access points, or industrial sensors — that cannot operate on 60W maximum (802.3bt Class 4) or lower supplies. If your endpoint datasheet specifies a 56V or high-current requirement, this injector is the bridge between your PSU and the device.
- Minimal Configuration: No external configuration or firmware required. Install between a compliant power source and the endpoint; the injector simply conducts voltage and data passively, lowering integration complexity compared to managed power systems.
Integration & Compatibility
Deploy the 170732-001 upstream of any 56V-rated endpoint connected via ethernet. The injector expects a DC power source capable of supplying 56V at the amperage your endpoint requires — verify endpoint current draw before sizing the power supply. The gigabit ethernet interface is protocol-agnostic: it passes DHCP, static IP configuration, and traffic from management, video, or sensor systems without filtering or regeneration.
Typical integration places the injector in a network closet, cabinet, or outdoor enclosure, with the 1.8m cable run to the first active component and a secondary ethernet patch from the injector's output to the powered device. For longer distances beyond 1.8m, standard ethernet extensions (up to cable length limits) follow the injector output.
What's in the Box
- Cradlepoint 170732-001 56V PoE Injector
- 1.8m NA Type B power cable with C5 connector
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What power source do I need to use with the Cradlepoint 170732-001?
A: You must supply an external DC power source capable of delivering 56V output at the amperage required by your endpoint device. The injector itself does not include an integrated power supply — it acts as the coupling point between your external PSU and the ethernet-powered equipment.
Q: Can the 170732-001 work with devices rated for lower PoE voltages like 48V or standard 802.3af?
A: No. The 170732-001 is designed specifically for 56V endpoints. Connecting it to devices rated for 48V, 36V, or 12V PoE will cause overvoltage damage. Always verify your endpoint's input voltage specification before deploying this injector.
Q: What is the maximum cable run length supported by the Cradlepoint 170732-001?
A: The injector itself comes with 1.8m of cable. Beyond that, standard ethernet cabling distance rules apply — typically up to 100 meters for unshielded twisted pair (UTP), though voltage drop over long runs may reduce the available power margin. Calculate voltage loss for your specific current draw and cable gauge before committing to extended runs.
Q: Is the 170732-001 suitable for outdoor or high-vibration environments?
A: The evidence provided does not include environmental ratings (IP, temperature, shock/vibration specs) for the 170732-001. Contact the manufacturer or your integrator to confirm environmental compatibility for outdoor or industrial mounting.
Q: Does the injector include surge or overcurrent protection?
A: The technical evidence available does not specify built-in protection circuitry. It is prudent to include upstream surge suppression and overcurrent protection (fuses, breakers, or surge arrestors) on the 56V power supply feeding the 170732-001 to safeguard downstream equipment.
Eden PhillipsPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Cradlepoint 170732-001 solves a specific integration problem: consolidating 56V DC power and gigabit ethernet data into a single cable path. This is not a general-purpose PoE injector — it's built for endpoints that require higher voltage than standard 802.3af (15.4W @ 48V) or 802.3at (30W @ 48V) supplies, or where cable loss over distance demands the efficiency gain from higher voltage at lower current.
Technical Highlights:
- 56V Operating Envelope (45.6–50.4V actual): The voltage window is intentionally wide to account for cable losses and supply tolerance. At the low end (45.6V), you still have usable power for most devices; at the high end (50.4V), you're within safe margins for protection circuits on the endpoint. This flexibility is why the 170732-001 appears in demanding installations — it doesn't assume a perfect supply.
- Gigabit Passthrough Without Regeneration: Data and power ride the same cable, but they are decoupled at the injector. Ethernet remains full-speed gigabit, which matters if your remote camera or access point also streams video or high-bandwidth telemetry. No collision or slowdown from the power injection — the media itself handles dual duty cleanly.
- Pre-Terminated 1.8m Cable with C5 Connector: The bundled cable is not a generic patch cord. Type B connectors and C5 terminations are industrial-grade, reducing field errors. For integrators, this is time saved on termination and validation — one less variable in the installation checklist.
Deployment Considerations:
- Verify your endpoint's input specification before ordering. A mismatch between injector output and device input is a silent killer — overvoltage damage may take hours or days to manifest.
- The injector does not include built-in surge protection or overcurrent limiting. In harsh environments (factory floors, outdoor cabinets), add upstream surge suppressors or fused supplies. This adds cost but prevents catastrophic loss if a cable is shorted or struck.
- Cable loss scales with current and distance. For high-power endpoints (10A+ at 56V), runs beyond 30–50 meters begin to lose meaningful voltage margin. Use copper gauge calculators and validate your specific scenario before committing to long cable runs.
The 170732-001 is the right choice when you have a known 56V endpoint, you need to minimize cable infrastructure, and your power budget demands the efficiency and reach of higher-voltage delivery. It is not suitable for mixed-voltage environments or as a drop-in replacement for standard PoE switches — use it only when the endpoint datasheet explicitly calls for it.
