PoE Switches

220 products

Power and Data Over a Single Cable

Island Electrical Supply stocks PoE switches from Ubiquiti, HPE Aruba, Netgear, TRENDnet, TP-Link, and other leading brands. PoE switches deliver electrical power alongside data over standard ethernet cables, eliminating the need for separate power adapters at access points, IP cameras, VoIP phones, and other powered devices.

Common PoE Switch Deployments

  • Wireless access point rollouts — Powering ceiling-mount indoor APs and outdoor APs with a single cable per device
  • IP camera systems — Delivering power and video data to fixed and PTZ cameras across a building or campus
  • VoIP phone deployments — Powering desk phones across an office floor without individual power adapters at each desk
  • Digital signage — Feeding power and content to wall-mounted displays in lobbies, hallways, and retail spaces
  • Door access and intercom systems — Powering card readers, video intercoms, and smart locks over ethernet

What Makes PoE Switches Different

A PoE switch combines network switching with power delivery in one device. Instead of running an ethernet cable and a separate power cable to each access point or camera, a single ethernet cable handles both. This simplifies installation, reduces cable clutter, and lets you place devices in locations without nearby power outlets.

PoE standards determine how much power each port can deliver. 802.3af (PoE) provides up to 15.4W per port for VoIP phones and basic devices. 802.3at (PoE+) delivers up to 30W, which covers most WiFi 6 access points and fixed cameras. 802.3bt (PoE++) pushes up to 60W or 90W for PTZ cameras, video conferencing endpoints, and outdoor access points with built-in heaters.

The total PoE budget is the key spec to watch. It's the maximum combined wattage the switch can deliver across all ports simultaneously. A 24-port PoE+ switch might have a 370W budget, meaning it can power all 24 ports at 15W each, but only 12 ports at 30W each. Add up the wattage of every powered device to make sure the switch can handle the total load with room to spare.

PoE switches come in both managed and unmanaged configurations. If you need VLANs and QoS alongside power delivery, look at our managed switches that include PoE. For single-device power needs without a full switch, consider a PoE injector instead. Check out our UniFi Switches for Ubiquiti's PoE lineup or Aruba Switches for HPE's enterprise PoE options.

Key Specifications

  • PoE standards: 802.3af (15.4W), 802.3at/PoE+ (30W), 802.3bt/PoE++ (60W/90W)
  • Total PoE budgets: From 65W on 5-port desktop models to 740W+ on 48-port rack-mount units
  • Port counts: 5, 8, 16, 24, and 48-port models
  • Uplinks: SFP and SFP+ uplink ports for fiber connections to core switches
  • Management: Unmanaged (plug-and-play), smart managed, and fully managed options

In-stock PoE switches ship same day, and qualifying orders ship free. We offer installer discounts, wholesale pricing, and net terms for qualified B2B accounts. Browse all ethernet switches or see our full networking catalog. Need help sizing your PoE budget? Reach us directly any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much PoE budget do I need?

Add up the wattage of every powered device. A typical access point draws 15-25W, an IP camera draws 12-15W, and a VoIP phone draws 6-8W. Choose a switch with a PoE budget at least 20% above your total to allow for growth.

What is the difference between PoE and PoE+?

PoE (802.3af) delivers up to 15.4W per port, enough for VoIP phones and basic devices. PoE+ (802.3at) delivers up to 30W, which covers most WiFi 6 access points and IP cameras. PoE++ (802.3bt) delivers up to 60W or 90W for high-draw devices.

Can I use PoE switches with non-PoE devices?

Yes. PoE switches auto-detect whether a connected device needs power. Non-PoE devices like desktops and printers connect normally and receive data only. The switch will not send power to a device that doesn't request it.