R&M quality seal for PoE range PowerSafe

R&M has launched a quality seal, PowerSafe, for the Power over Ethernet (PoE) product range.

Cabling products labelled PowerSafe can continuously transmit high currents in local data networks. The range includes patch cords, cable assemblies, connection modules, couplers and field-mountable connectors. R&M also provides information on the consequences of transmitting high currents in the LAN.

In the future, PoE is to be operated with 90 W and with power transmission on all four pairs of the data cables. The current rating is reaching 1 A per twisted pair. In the future, current is to flow over all four twisted pairs of the copper data cabling (4PPoE). The relevant standard IEEE 802.3bt is likely to be ratified in 2018.

There will also be PoE applications which require maximum electrical output around the clock. To date, peak loads have only lasted a few seconds or at most minutes, eg, during start-up or switching operations. The entire LED lighting of large buildings (ie, connected lighting or smart lighting) or LED advertising spaces (digital signage) can be operated over data networks in the future.

The insulation displacement contact (IDC) used by R&M offers long-term safety. Two sides of a spring contact clamp the wires permanently; the contact halves cut through the insulation and flexibly terminate the wire. IDC terminations are fatigue proof, load, vibration, temperature and and moisture resistant, dust and gas tight, and thus corrosion protected.