camerafool,
Maybe BHPhoto made a mistake in the camera description.
Here's the official spec sheet from Dahua:
http://www.dahuasecurity.com/en/us/pro_details.php?pid=1294
In "Network" section, POE isn't mentioned
Ethernet: RJ-45 (10/100 Base-T)
I started with a WiFi camera, and ended up with many dropouts, requiring a cycle power to make the camera reboot. I eventually replaced the power cord with a
cat5 cable, and turned off the WiFi.
I used POE power splitter to get the 12V to power the camera.
Amazon.com: ELEGIANT Power Over Ethernet POE Splitter 12V 2A POE Adapter For IP Cameras: Computers & Accessories
Summary:
48V poe down the "thin conductors" to the above power splitter.
Making 12V from 48V (or less, depending on length of run) means a good solid 12V is provided to the camera.
(use cat5 cable that is solid copper, not CCA)
Long runs of thin conductors experience significant voltage drop.
The voltage drop is dependent on current. More current, more voltage drop.
The spec sheet shows:
Power Consumption: Max. 5.5 W (12V DC, IR On),
Watts = current * V
5.5w = current * 48V
Current = .12A
That''s not a lot of current!
(I ignored POE power splitter inefficiencies)
using 15ohms/100M (typical CAT5)= 15ohms there, 15 ohms back, so 30ohms total
V drop =A * R
V drop = .12A x 30R = 3.4V
So 48V poe drops to 44.6V for a 100M run.
POE powered devices, according to the 802.3at and af specs, must function with poe down to 37V
I understand you don't the luxury of researching all this. So I laid it out for you.
My recommendations:
- Don't use wifi. Many here say the same thing.
- use the poe switches you have
- run Cat6 cable, not landscape lighting cable
- Use a poe power splitter at the camera to create a 12V supply
- You'll have a robust connection & operation
Fastb