Power over Ethernet sends both power and data down one network cable, usually from the recorder (NVR) or a PoE switch. When a PoE camera goes dead, the fault is almost always at one of three places: the PoE source, the cable, or the camera.
The checks below help narrow it down. If it's still dead, call 0421 772 661 and we'll test the run from end to end.
PoE itself is low voltage, but the recorder and switch plug into mains power. If anything is hot, discoloured, smells of burning or is near water, switch off at the outlet or main switch if it's safe and keep clear. Call 000 for fire or injury.
Don't climb ladders to reach cameras, and don't cut, join or re-crimp cables yourself. In NSW, CCTV installation is licensed security work.
Make sure it's switched on at the outlet and its lights are on. If it's on a power board, check the board itself is switched on and working.
Most recorders and switches have a light next to each port. Compare the dead camera's port with the working ones. No light suggests a cable or port problem.
If there's a spare PoE port, unplug the camera's cable and plug it into that one. If the camera comes on, the original port is likely faulty.
If the camera died after you added another camera, floodlight or Wi-Fi access point to the same switch, the switch may have run out of PoE power.
Turn the recorder and switch off at the wall, wait a short time and switch back on, then allow a few minutes for everything to start.
Port or PoE budget. Individual PoE ports fail, and every recorder or switch has a total power limit. Cameras with infrared, heaters or motorised lenses draw more, especially at night, so a system can work by day and drop a camera after dark.
Cable damage or poor termination. A cable crushed by roof tiles, chewed by rodents, or with water in an outdoor joint will often pass enough to light a port but not enough to power the camera. Long runs and cheap copper-clad cable make it worse.
Injector or midspan failure. Some systems use a separate PoE injector or adaptor near the router. These are small and easy to knock out of a power board, and they do fail.
Camera fault. If the cable tests sound and the port supplies power, the camera itself may have failed. That's a supplier or manufacturer warranty matter; we'll confirm the cable and power first so you know what you're dealing with.
Call us if the camera stays dead on a known-good port, drops off at night or in rain, a cable has been damaged, or your system needs a bigger PoE switch or more cable runs.
We test each cable, check the PoE power reaching the camera, re-terminate and weatherproof connectors, and replace damaged runs. For more, see our security camera installation guide and CCTV services.
Night vision draws extra power. If the port or switch is near its limit, or the cable is marginal, the camera can drop out when infrared switches on.
Use proper solid-copper network cable rated for outdoor use where needed. Cheap copper-clad cable can cause power problems over longer runs.
The cable may be carrying a data link but not enough power, or the camera has failed. Testing the run tells us which.
Yes, it is low voltage. The hazards are the mains-powered recorder and switch, and working at height to reach cameras.
Yes. NSW Security Licence S00014414 and Electrical Contractor Licence 332956C.
NSW Electrical Contractor Licence 332956C · Fully insured · Since 2016 · Based in Hurlstone Park
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