The future is low voltage: unlocking value with PoE lighting

colleagues in a large office lit by PoE lighting - TeleDynamics blog

Lighting is no longer just about illumination; it’s becoming an intelligent part of the network. As smart building technologies gain traction, Power over Ethernet (PoE) is emerging as a key enabler, extending far beyond its original role of powering network gear. One of the most exciting frontiers? PoE lighting.

In this article, we explore how PoE lighting can be seamlessly integrated into your existing infrastructure, and how resellers and system integrators can tap into this growing trend to expand their offerings, add value for clients, and stay ahead of the curve. We also take a look at what’s next for PoE as it powers a new era of low-voltage innovation.

Quick review of PoE

Power over Ethernet leverages the conductive properties of copper UTP cable to send electrical power to connected network devices. A while back, we covered the fundamentals of the operation of PoE, and we also discussed the more recent evolution of PoE technology.

As PoE has developed, its potential uses in other areas have become more apparent. Because PoE is a highly configurable feature and can be easily deployed on existing, extensively deployed structured cabling infrastructure, it is a readily available platform on which many low-voltage applications can be deployed.

Connected PoE lighting

PoE lighting leverages PoE's infrastructure and properties to deliver power to lighting of all types, including room lighting, decorative lighting, signage, and signaling. Due to its low voltage requirements and extreme energy efficiency, PoE lighting is always of the light-emitting diode (LED) type.

PoE lighting isn’t only about powering the light source, though; it is largely about control. PoE-powered lights become IP-connected endpoints that can be controlled and adjusted as part of a broader smart building infrastructure, as we’ll see shortly.

How PoE lighting differs from regular lighting

Conventional lighting systems require standard high-voltage AC power (120V) to be delivered over a separate electrical infrastructure. This is the typical electrical network deployed within a building. LED lights operate using DC, so a transformer is required to convert the high-voltage AC power to low-voltage DC. Such lighting is often controlled using a typical light switch, but in less common cases, it may also be controlled by a more sophisticated electrical control system.

In contrast, PoE lighting uses the same UTP copper cabling used for data to provide electrical power. The power over this infrastructure is already low-voltage DC, so no additional transformers are required. This is a more elegant solution that saves on hardware costs compared with AC-powered lights.

Another great advantage here is that PoE lighting can employ built-in control mechanisms to adjust lighting based on a wide range of parameters. In other words, PoE lights are also network endpoints that can be controlled via centralized management platforms. This allows fine-grained adjustments of lighting levels, scheduling, color temperature, and motion-based automation. These are capabilities for which traditional lighting systems require additional wiring, sensors, and control units, which can be cumbersome and expensive.

Advantages of PoE lighting

PoE lighting brings several compelling advantages from both a technical and an operational point of view:

Simplified infrastructure: Using the already deployed structured cabling is an advantage because it can easily be expanded, especially in ceilings and other hard-to-reach areas. Structured UTP cabling is typically cheaper and safer to scale up than conventional electrical systems.
Centralized management: Lighting can be controlled from a single software platform via web interfaces, mobile apps, or installed panels and sensors.
Energy efficiency: A single AC power source can power switches, midspans, and other PoE delivery systems. These, in turn, can support dozens or hundreds of lighting devices, requiring fewer transformers and using less energy.
PoE power negotiation: The IEEE standards for PoE++ (802.3af/at/bt) allow devices to negotiate power usage with the power sourcing equipment (PSE), using the most efficient and appropriate power consumption method.
Availability: Because such systems are typically powered by the same UPS and generator systems that deliver always-on power to data centers and telecom closets, LED lighting can enjoy the same high availability delivered to network systems.
Safety: PoE uses low-voltage DC power that is not harmful to humans if the conductors are touched, making installation, maintenance, and use completely safe. When paired with CAT6 communications multipurpose plenum (CMP) cabling, it also provides superior fire safety versus running overhead electrical circuits, thanks to flame-retardant, low-smoke jackets designed for above-ceiling air-handling spaces. (Plenum is space above and below floors, typically occupied by heating and air ductwork.)
Smart building integration: Lighting becomes part of the IP network, thus opening the door to integration with other smart systems, including HVAC, occupancy sensors, and access control.

Where else PoE can be leveraged

Although lighting is a major area of innovation, it is just one of many applications benefiting from PoE’s flexibility and efficiency. This is where smart building integration comes in.

Facilities management is a major area in which PoE lighting can be integrated. Many additional connected devices can be incorporated, such as sensors, thermostats, touch-based control panels, and various access management system devices, including face recognition cameras, doorbells, code pads, smart card readers, and others. In combination with PoE lighting, these options can provide a complete facilities management solution.

Conclusion

PoE has come a long way from powering more conventional PoE devices such as IP phones and cameras. With PoE lighting as part of a broader smart building and facilities management framework, living and working spaces can gain much from smart automation and management. The result is more power-efficient systems and a higher degree of usability and management.