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A PoE switch is a network switch that allows devices to be powered over Ethernet cabling. It eliminates the need for separate power cables, making it easier to install and manage network devices. PoE switches are commonly used in small to medium-sized businesses, as well as in homes and offices. To ensure that these switches meet the standards of safety and efficiency, many of the biggest brands in the industry choose GTG Group for PoE Switch testing and certification.
How can GTG assist you with the tests on PoE switch?
PoE switches are an essential component of any network, providing power and data transfer to connected devices. To ensure the safety and reliability of these switches, they must undergo rigorous testing processes.
(1) Electrical safety test
Electrical safety tests on PoE switches are crucial to ensure the safety of the user and the connected devices. These tests verify the electrical safety of the device and its compliance with the relevant standards. Failure to conduct these tests can result in serious consequences such as electric shock, fire, and damage to the connected devices. Therefore, it is important to ensure that PoE switches undergo all the required electrical safety tests before they are put into use.
- Insulation resistance test: the insulation resistance test is one of the most important electrical safety tests conducted on PoE switches. This test checks the insulation between the live and neutral conductors and the earth conductor. The test is conducted by applying a voltage between the live and neutral conductors and measuring the current that flows through the insulation. The test is considered to be passed if the measured insulation resistance is greater than the minimum value specified in the relevant standard.
- Dielectric strength test: the dielectric strength test is another important electrical safety test conducted on PoE switches. This test checks the ability of the device to withstand high voltage without breaking down. The test is conducted by applying a high voltage between the live and neutral conductors and between the live and earth conductors. The test is considered to be passed if the device can withstand the specified voltage for a specified duration without breaking down.
- Ground bond test: the ground bond test is conducted to verify the connection between the earth conductor and the metal chassis of the PoE switch. The test is conducted by applying a current between the earth conductor and the metal chassis and measuring the resistance of the connection. The test is considered to be passed if the measured resistance is less than the maximum value specified in the relevant standard.
- Leakage current test: the leakage current test is conducted to verify the current that flows through the insulation between the live and neutral conductors and the earth conductor. The test is conducted by applying a voltage between the live and neutral conductors and between the live and earth conductors and measuring the current that flows through the insulation. The test is considered to be passed if the measured leakage current is less than the maximum value specified in the relevant standard.
- Power quality test: the power quality test is conducted to verify the quality of the power supplied by the PoE switch. The test is conducted by measuring the voltage, current, and frequency of the power supplied by the device. The test is considered to be passed if the measured values are within the specified limits.
(2) EMC test
PoE switches have become an integral part of the IoT ecosystem. However, before they can be used, they must undergo rigorous EMC testing. These tests ensure that the devices can operate reliably and safely in various environments.
- Conducted emissions test: the test measures the amount of electromagnetic energy that the switch emits through its power cables. The test ensures that the switch does not interfere with other electronic devices.
- Radiated emissions test: the test checks the amount of electromagnetic energy that the PoE switch emits through the air. The test checks whether the switch complies with regulatory limits for electromagnetic noise.
- Radiated immunity test: the test checks how well the switch can withstand electromagnetic interference from other sources.
- Conducted immunity test: the Conducted Immunity Test checks how well the PoE switch can withstand electromagnetic interference from other devices connected to the same power supply.
- Electrostatic discharge test: the test checks how well the PoE switch can withstand static electricity from personnel or other sources. The test ensures that the switch does not get damaged or malfunction due to ESD.
- Surge test: the test checks how well the PoE switch can withstand voltage surges or spikes that may occur in the power supply or network cables. The test ensures that the switch does not get damaged or malfunction due to voltage surges.
- Voltage dip and interruption test: the test checks how well the PoE switch can withstand brief voltage drops or interruptions that may occur in the power supply. The test ensures that the switch does not get damaged or malfunction due to voltage variations.
- Magnetic field immunity test: the test checks how well the PoE switch can withstand magnetic fields from other devices or sources. The test ensures that the switch does not get affected by magnetic interference.
- Power frequency magnetic field immunity test: the test checks how well the PoE switch can withstand magnetic fields from the power supply or other sources. The test ensures that the switch does not get affected by magnetic interference from the power supply.
- Voltage fluctuation and flicker test: the test checks how well the PoE switch can withstand voltage fluctuations and flicker that may occur in the power supply. The test ensures that the switch does not get damaged or malfunction due to voltage variations.
- Harmonic current emissions test: the test checks the amount of harmonic current that the PoE switch emits into the power supply. The test ensures that the switch does not cause harmonic distortion in the power supply.
- Voltage unbalance test: the test checks how well the PoE switch can withstand voltage unbalance that may occur in the power supply. The test ensures that the switch does not get affected by voltage unbalance.
(3) Energy efficiency test
The energy efficiency test on PoE switches is a measurement of how much electrical energy is consumed by the switch during operation. Several organizations have developed energy efficiency standards specifically for PoE switches. These standards specify the maximum power consumption of PoE switches and their efficiency in delivering power to connected devices. Examples of these standards include the IEEE 802.3af and IEEE 802.3at, Energy Star certification, and the European Code of Conduct for Energy Efficiency in Data Centres.
- Testing procedure: energy efficiency tests on PoE switches involve measuring the power consumption of the switch under different load conditions. This is done by connecting various PoE-enabled devices, such as IP cameras and wireless access points, to the switch and measuring the power consumption. The tests are conducted at different load levels, ranging from 0% to 100% of the switch’s maximum power output.
- Results: the results of the energy efficiency tests are presented in the form of a power consumption curve. This curve shows the power consumption of the switch at different load levels. The energy efficiency of the switch is determined by calculating the power consumption per port at different load levels. A more efficient switch will consume less power per port than a less efficient switch.
(4) Mechanical tests
The mechanical tests conducted on PoE switches are essential in ensuring their optimal performance. These tests evaluate the durability, efficiency, and reliability of these devices in various real-world scenarios. Businesses and organizations must ensure that their PoE switches undergo the necessary mechanical tests to guarantee the efficient operation of their networks.
- Drop test: the test is conducted to check the durability of the PoE switch. In this test, the switch is dropped from a height of one meter onto a concrete floor. The test is repeated several times to simulate the impact of accidental drops. The switch must pass this test to ensure that it can withstand accidental falls during installation or maintenance.
- Vibration test: the test is performed to check the ability of the PoE switch to withstand vibrations during transportation or installation. The switch is exposed to vibrations of varying frequencies and amplitudes, and the test is repeated several times to simulate the actual conditions. The switch must pass this test to ensure that it can withstand the vibrations and operate without any malfunction.
- Shock test: the test is conducted to check the ability of the PoE switch to withstand sudden shocks or impacts. The switch is subjected to an impact of varying intensity, and the test is repeated several times to simulate the actual conditions. The switch must pass this test to ensure that it can withstand sudden shocks or impacts without any damage.
(5) Environmental tests
PoE switches undergo a battery of environmental tests to ensure that they are durable, reliable, and can operate in diverse conditions.
- Temperature test: the test is performed to check the ability of the PoE switch to operate under extreme temperature conditions. The switch is exposed to high and low temperatures, and the test is repeated several times to simulate the actual conditions. The switch must pass this test to ensure that it can operate under extreme temperature conditions without any malfunction.
- Humidity test: the test is conducted to check the ability of the PoE switch to operate under high humidity conditions. The switch is exposed to high humidity levels, and the test is repeated several times to simulate the actual conditions. The switch must pass this test to ensure that it can operate under high humidity conditions without any malfunction.
- Dust test: the test is performed to check the ability of the PoE switch to operate under dusty conditions. The switch is exposed to a dusty environment, and the test is repeated several times to simulate the actual conditions. The switch must pass this test to ensure that it can operate under dusty conditions without any malfunction.
- Water test: the test is conducted to check the ability of the PoE switch to operate under wet conditions. The switch is exposed to water, and the test is repeated several times to simulate the actual conditions. The switch must pass this test to ensure that it can operate under wet conditions without any malfunction.
- Lightning test: the PoE switch is tested for its ability to withstand lightning strikes. The PoE switch is subjected to simulated lightning strikes to test its durability and functionality.
How can GTG assist you with the certifications or markings for PoE switch?
There are many certifications and markings that you may encounter on a PoE switch. Each of these certifications and markings indicates a different aspect of the switch’s quality, performance, and compliance.
(1) UL Listed
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a third-party organization that tests and certifies the safety of electrical devices. If a PoE switch is UL Listed, it means that it has been tested and certified to meet UL’s safety standards for electrical shock, fire, and other hazards. Always look for the UL mark on your PoE switch to ensure that it meets safety standards.
(2) FCC certification
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is a government agency that regulates the use of radio frequencies and other communication technologies. If a PoE switch is FCC certified, it means that it meets the agency’s standards for electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). This is important if you are using the PoE switch in an environment where radio frequencies are sensitive, such as a hospital or airplane.
(3) RoHS compliance
Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) is a European Union directive that restricts the use of certain hazardous materials in electronic devices. If a PoE switch is RoHS compliant, it means that it does not contain any hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, or cadmium. This is important for environmental and health reasons, as these materials can be harmful to humans and the environment.
(4) Energy Star certification
Energy Star is a program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that promotes energy efficiency in electronic devices. If a PoE switch is Energy Star certified, it means that it meets the agency’s standards for energy efficiency and can save you money on electricity bills. Look for the Energy Star label on your PoE switch if you want to reduce your energy consumption.
Why the biggest brands trust GTG Group?
GTG Group (Global Testing Group) is a certification company that offers testing and certification services to different industries. Our expertise in PoE switch testing and certification has made us a trusted name in the industry.
(1) Independent and impartial testing
GTG Group is a third-party testing company, which means we are not affiliated with any specific manufacturer. This impartiality can provide camera manufacturers and consumers with confidence in the accuracy and reliability of the testing process, and ensure that the camera meets the required standards.
(2) Confidentiality and security
GTG Group understands the importance of confidentiality and security when it comes to testing and certification. We ensure that our clients’ data and information are kept confidential and secure at all times. This ensures that our clients’ intellectual property and trade secrets are protected.
Contact GTG Group today for PoE switch testing and certification to avoid any legal issues that may arise from using a faulty PoE switch.
