Power

Power is a critical factor in any physical security solution, impacting the initial deployment, ongoing functionality, and total cost of ownership throughout the solution’s lifecycle.

  • TCO: Power consumption should be included in the calculation of a system’s total cost of ownership (TCO).
  • System Requirements: When deploying a solution with a PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch, it’s important to evaluate the power requirements to ensure the upstream hardware can adequately support the device.
  • Solution Footprint: For solutions utilizing alternative power sources, such as solar, choosing low-power devices is key to reducing the solution’s environmental impact, particularly in remote or mobile deployments.
Device Requirements
Devices have varying power requirements, with some needing just a few watts, while others may require 20 watts or more, depending on their features. Axis Communications is recognized for offering power-efficient devices, while many other manufacturers may neglect this factor, leading to inefficient solutions that can result in substantial long-term costs. Below are two examples of how Axis Communications stacks up against another camera provider on the market.

Calculating and Comparing the Cost of Power
The total cost of power can be calculated using this equation:

Cost = (Power in watts / 1000) x Hours of operation x Cost per kWh

Below is how cost stacks up for a 5-watt vs 10-watt vs 20-watt device

PoE Classes

Power over Ethernet (PoE) classes categorize devices according to their power consumption needs when utilizing PoE technology. These classifications help determine the amount of power that can be delivered through the Ethernet cable from the PoE-enabled switch or injector to the powered device. Box, dome, and bullet form factor cameras from Axis Communications typically fall into class 1, 2, or 3. While devices such as multsensor, panoramic, or PTZ may require class 4 or “high PoE”.

“High PoE” refers to the enhanced power delivery capabilities of PoE++, which can supply up to 100 watts per port, making it ideal for powering more energy-intensive devices.

For precise device requirements, please consult the product datasheets provided by Axis Communications.

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