Ethernet & PoE Calculator
Max distance, voltage drop, and heat limits for Cat5e, Cat6, and PoE cable runs.
CABLE CONFIGURATION
Ethernet & PoE Status Compliance StatusMax cable length is 328ft (100m) for data compliance.
Standard Compliance
TIA-568 standards limit channel length to 100 meters (328 ft). PoE voltage drop depends on cable resistance (AWG size) and device current draw.
Popular ethernet poe Configurations
PoE Voltage Drop
Loss increases with length and current.
NEC 725.144
NEC Article 725.144 imposes ampacity limits on bundled data cables carrying power (PoE) to prevent overheating. Large bundles of high-power PoE (Type 3/4) cables require significant derating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the max length for Cat6 cable?
The TIA-568 standard limits Ethernet over copper to 100 meters (328 feet) for reliable data transmission, regardless of cable category (Cat5e/6/6a).
Why does PoE stop working on long runs?
Voltage drop causes the voltage at the device to fall below the minimum operating threshold (e.g., 37V for Type 1, 42.5V for Type 2). Calculate the drop before pulling long runs.
Can I bundle PoE cables?
Yes, but be careful. Bundling traps heat. NEC 725.144 requires you to derate the ampacity of wires in large bundles to prevent insulation damage.