MAG Network Guide

PoE, PoE+ and PoE++ – which patch cable and which AWG gauge?

Power over Ethernet transmits data and electrical power via the same network cable. However, as PoE power output increases, so do the demands placed on copper conductors, conductor cross-sections, connectors, cable length and heat dissipation. Particularly with PoE++ at 60 or 90 watts, you should therefore not use just any RJ45 patch cable.

Cat 6A, Cat 7 or Cat 8 – which network cable? U/UTP, F/UTP, S/FTP – which LAN shielding?
PoE, PoE+ und PoE++ Power over Ethernet
The short answer:
For PoE and PoE+, high-quality AWG26 solid copper patch cables may be suitable, provided they are approved by the manufacturer for the relevant PoE power rating. For PoE++ Type 3 and Type 4, larger copper conductors are becoming increasingly relevant. For newly planned high-power PoE runs, AWG24, AWG23 or AWG22 are advantageous, depending on power, length, bundling and installation.

A comparison of PoE, PoE+ and PoE++

Designation IEEE standard Type Power at the PSE Power at the terminal device* Pairs of wires supplied Typical applications
PoE IEEE 802.3af Type 1 up to 15.4 W up to approx. 12.95 W 2 pairs VoIP telephones, basic IP cameras, sensor systems
PoE+ IEEE 802.3at Type 2 up to 30 W up to approx. 25.5 W 2 pairs Access points, cameras, IoT, small displays
PoE++ IEEE 802.3bt Type 3 up to 60 W up to approx. 51 W 4 pairs High-performance access points, PTZ cameras, building services
PoE++ / 4PPoE IEEE 802.3bt Type 4 up to 90 W up to approx. 71 W 4 pairs Displays, lighting, power-hungry network devices and building services

* The power available at the end device is lower than that supplied by the PSE, as electrical losses occur along the copper cable. PSE = Power Sourcing Equipment, for example a PoE switch or PoE injector. PD = Powered Device, i.e. the end device being powered.

Which AWG wire gauge is suitable for PoE?

AWG stands for American Wire Gauge and describes the conductor size. A rule applies here that may initially seem unfamiliar to many users:

The smaller the AWG number, the larger the copper conductor.
An AWG23 conductor is therefore thicker than an AWG26 and, given a comparable design, has lower electrical resistance.
AWG Nominal conductor cross-section approx. Property PoE rating
AWG 28 0.08 mm² very thin, flexible, higher resistance Suitable for short, specialised patch cables; for high PoE power ratings and long distances, only with appropriate product approval
AWG26 0.13 mm² Typical patch cable cross-section Suitable for PoE/PoE+ subject to appropriate manufacturer approval
AWG24 0.20 mm² Larger conductor, lower resistance Good headroom for higher-power PoE applications
AWG23 0.26 mm² Commonly used in high-quality installation cables An excellent basis for planning high-performance PoE/PoE++ infrastructures
AWG22 0.33 mm² Large conductor, low resistance High electrical headroom for demanding high-power PoE applications

The cross-sectional area values are rounded nominal values. In the case of flexible, multi-strand conductors, the construction and electrical properties may differ from those of solid conductors. For practical PoE design, the technical data and approval of the specific cable are therefore decisive.

PoE by power rating: Which patch cable should I choose?

Application Practical cable selection What should I pay particular attention to?
PoE
up to 15.4 W		 High-quality copper patch cable, e.g. AWG26 or larger CU conductor, standard-compliant RJ45 connector and product approval
PoE+
up to 30 W		 AWG26 solid copper may be suitable if it has the appropriate PoE+ approval Length, bundling, temperature and quality of the connectors
PoE++ Type 3
up to 60 W		 preferably larger copper conductors, e.g. AWG24 or AWG23, with explicit 802.3bt compliance all four pairs, DC resistance, temperature and cable bundles
PoE++ Type 4
up to 90 W		 High-quality 4-pair PoE cabling with large copper conductors, for example AWG23 or AWG22, depending on the overall system Explicit Type 4/4P PoE approval, heat generation, connectors and installation conditions
Important: AWG23 does not automatically mean PoE++.
Even a cable with a large conductor cross-section should be technically suitable for the desired PoE application or approved by the manufacturer. Conversely, a high-quality AWG26 patch cable may be perfectly adequate for PoE+.

Why is a larger conductor advantageous for PoE?

With PoE, network cables transmit not only data but also electrical power. When current flows through a copper conductor, electrical losses occur, generating heat.

A larger copper cross-section has lower resistance for a comparable length. This helps to reduce power losses and heat generation.

AWG26

Thinner and particularly well-suited to flexible patch connections in the network cabinet or at the workstation.

A practical solution for PoE and PoE+ provided the cable is approved for these applications.

AWG23

A larger copper conductor with lower resistance. Frequently found in high-performance installation cables for structured building cabling.

Particularly useful for long distances, higher PoE power ratings and future-proof network planning.

Why are cable bundles important for PoE++?

A single PoE cable is relatively good at dissipating the heat it generates into its surroundings. However, if many network cables carrying a load at the same time are tightly bundled together in cable ducts, conduits or cable trays, heat can build up inside the bundle.

The higher the PoE power transmitted, the more important the conductor cross-section, cable construction, ambient temperature, bundle size and heat dissipation become.

  • Larger copper conductors reduce electrical resistance
  • Smaller cable bundles can improve heat dissipation
  • Tight and very large bundles should be avoided with high-power PoE
  • Take account of ambient temperature and maximum cable temperature
  • Take into account the manufacturer’s specifications regarding permissible PoE power
  • Plan the entire cabling route for high-power applications
Particularly with PoE++ at 60 or 90 W: Do not focus solely on the patch cable. Installation cable, keystone jacks, network sockets, patch panels, RJ45 plugs and couplers must all be suitable for the planned power rating.

PoE cables: copper or CCA?

For professional PoE installations, ensure that the conductors are 100 per cent copper (CU).

CCA stands for Copper Clad Aluminium. In this case, the conductor consists mainly of aluminium and has only a copper coating. Aluminium has a higher electrical resistance than copper.

Particularly when electrical power is being transmitted at the same time, higher conductor resistance can lead to greater losses and additional heat generation.

MAG recommendation for professional PoE networks:
Use network cables with 100% copper conductors and check the specific PoE certification of the product in question.

Cat 6A, Cat 7 or Cat 8 for PoE?

The Ethernet category and PoE power rating are, in principle, two distinct characteristics. A Cat 8 cable is therefore not automatically better suited for PoE than a Cat 6A cable.

Key factors for power transmission include, in particular, conductor resistance, conductor cross-section, cable length, contact quality, cable bundling and temperature behaviour.

For newly planned high-performance PoE++ networks, high-quality structured cabling at Cat 6A level or higher, with sufficiently large solid copper conductors, is often recommended.

More on choosing the transmission category: Cat 6A, Cat 7 or Cat 8 – which network cable do I need?

Does LAN shielding play a role in PoE?

U/UTP, F/UTP or S/FTP primarily describe the shielding and not the electrical PoE power class. However, a shielded cable design can offer additional benefits in professional installations and demanding environmental conditions.

The key factor remains that the entire network link must be suitable for the intended data and power transmission.

Further information: U/UTP, F/UTP, S/FTP – which LAN shielding is right?

What is the recommended patch cable length for PoE?

As the cable length increases, so does the electrical resistance of the copper link. This also leads to increased power losses. For PoE, the general rule is therefore:

As long as necessary – but not unnecessarily long.

Particularly with high-power PoE, the total channel length should be taken into account. This includes not only the patch cables, but also the permanently installed data cable and all transition points.

PoE++: Why are the RJ45 connectors also important?

With PoE, the supply current also flows through the contacts of the RJ45 connectors. At higher power levels, the demands on contact quality and the connection therefore also increase.

Particularly with PoE++, care should be taken to ensure that the plugs, sockets, keystone modules, network sockets and patch panels used are suitable for the intended power level.

This is particularly relevant when connections are disconnected or connected whilst under load. The approval ratings of the system components used should therefore be taken into account.

DINIC patch cables for PoE and PoE+

The latest DINIC Cat 7 and Cat 8.1 patch cables from MAG feature 100 per cent copper conductors in AWG26 and are suitable for PoE+ in accordance with IEEE 802.3at.

This makes them suitable, for example, for many PoE/PoE+ applications involving access points, VoIP telephones, IP cameras and IoT components.

Note regarding PoE++: An existing PoE+ approval must not be automatically extended to IEEE 802.3bt PoE++. For Type 3 or Type 4, the specific suitability of the respective patch cable and the other system components must be verified.

Which cable is best suited for new PoE installations?

Planning scenario Recommendation
VoIP, sensors, simple cameras PoE-approved solid copper patch cable
Access points and PoE+ cameras PoE+-approved CU patch cable, AWG26 or larger
New building cabling with PoE reserve High-quality Cat 6A/Cat 7 infrastructure with solid copper conductors, for example AWG 23
PoE++ Type 3 up to 60 W 4-pair PoE-compatible system with larger copper conductors and explicit IEEE 802.3bt compliance
PoE++ Type 4 up to 90 W Total cable run approved for Type 4; take into account large copper conductors, heat generation and cable bundling at the planning stage

Network cables for PoE and professional LAN installations

Under the DINIC brand, MAG offers network and Ethernet solutions for specialist retailers, system integration, building cabling, server rooms and professional IT projects. For PoE applications, in addition to category and length, particular attention should be paid to the conductor structure, AWG cross-section and the specified PoE suitability.

LAN & Ethernet range Cat 7 patch cables – PoE+ Cat 8.1 patch cables – PoE+ LAN installation cables

Frequently asked questions about PoE, PoE+ and PoE++ patch cables

Which cable do I need for PoE?

For PoE, a standard-compliant network cable with high-quality copper conductors should be used. For professional installations, 100% copper cables are recommended. It is also crucial that the specific cable is PoE-certified.

Which patch cable do I need for PoE+?

For PoE+ in accordance with IEEE 802.3at, a high-quality AWG26 solid copper patch cable may be suitable, provided it is expressly approved for PoE+. The DINIC Cat 7 and Cat 8.1 patch cables from MAG meet this requirement.

Which cable do I need for PoE++?

PoE++ in accordance with IEEE 802.3bt utilises four pairs of wires and, depending on the type, can supply up to 60 or 90 watts at the PSE. For such power ratings, larger copper conductors such as AWG24, AWG23 or AWG22 are particularly suitable. However, it is crucial that the entire cabling run is explicitly approved for the desired PoE++ power rating.

Is AWG23 better than AWG26 for PoE?

With a comparable cable construction, AWG23 has a larger copper cross-section and lower electrical resistance than AWG26. This can offer advantages, particularly with higher PoE power ratings, long runs and bundled cables. For PoE+, however, a suitably certified AWG26 patch cable may be perfectly adequate.

Which is better for PoE: AWG24 or AWG26?

AWG24 has a larger conductor cross-section and therefore, in principle, lower conductor resistance than AWG26. AWG26, on the other hand, allows for thinner and more flexible patch cables. The choice depends on the PoE power rating, cable length, bundling and the cable manufacturer’s approval.

Is AWG26 sufficient for PoE++?

This cannot be determined solely on the basis of the AWG specification. An AWG26 cable may only be used for PoE++ if the cable and cabling system are designed or approved for the relevant IEEE 802.3bt application. At high power levels and over longer distances, larger conductors provide additional electrical and thermal headroom.

Do I need Cat 8 for PoE++?

No. PoE++ does not automatically require Cat 8. Ethernet category and PoE power level are different specifications. For high-performance new installations, for example, suitable Cat 6A or higher-grade cabling with sufficiently sized copper conductors is a possible solution.

Can Cat 7 transmit PoE++?

A Cat 7 cable is not automatically approved for PoE++ simply because of its category. Conductor cross-section, conductor resistance, temperature range, connection technology and the approval status of the specific product must also be taken into account.

Can I use a PoE+ cable for PoE++?

Not automatically. Certification for IEEE 802.3at PoE+ does not necessarily mean that the cable is also suitable for IEEE 802.3bt Type 3 or Type 4. For PoE++, the relevant product or system certification must be checked.

Why do PoE cables get warm?

The electrical resistance of the copper conductors causes losses during current transmission, which are dissipated as heat. The higher the current and the larger or denser the cable bundle, the more important effective heat dissipation becomes.

Are CCA cables suitable for PoE?

For professional PoE installations, MAG recommends cables with 100 per cent copper conductors. CCA conductors have a higher electrical resistance than solid copper, which can be particularly detrimental when transmitting higher electrical power levels.

What is 4PPoE?

4PPoE stands for Four-Pair Power over Ethernet. Unlike traditional PoE variants, which supply power via two pairs of wires, the IEEE 802.3bt standard utilises all four pairs of wires in the network cable for high-power levels.

How many watts does PoE++ supply?

IEEE 802.3bt Type 3 provides up to 60 watts at the PSE. Type 4 enables up to 90 watts at the PSE. Due to losses along the cable run, a maximum of approximately 51 watts is available to the end device for Type 3 and 71 watts for Type 4.

Further information on selecting network cables, categories, types of shielding and connectors can be found in the MAG Cable Encyclopaedia .

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