PoE switches are the backbone of any CCTV or network installation
If you’re setting up IP cameras, WiFi access points, or VoIP phones, you need a PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch. It sends power and data through a single network cable. No separate power adapters, no electrician needed at every mounting point.
But buying the wrong PoE switch means cameras reboot randomly, access points drop off the network, or you run out of power halfway through your installation. Here’s how to get it right.
PoE standards: af vs at vs bt
This is the single most important thing to understand about PoE:
| Standard | Power per port | Max devices | Typical price (8-port) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 802.3af (PoE) | 15.4W per port | Basic cameras, old APs, VoIP phones | R600-R1,500 |
| 802.3at (PoE+) | 30W per port | Modern APs, PTZ cameras, video phones | R1,200-R3,000 |
| 802.3bt (PoE++) | 60-90W per port | High-power APs, thin clients, small displays | R3,000-R8,000 |
Most modern IP cameras need PoE (15.4W). Most modern access points need PoE+ (30W). Check the datasheet before you buy. A PoE switch won’t power a PoE+ device.
Total power budget: the number everyone forgets
A switch might have 8 PoE ports, but its total power budget might only be 60W. That’s not enough for 8 cameras at 7.5W each plus overhead.
Example: A TP-Link TL-SG1008P has 8 PoE ports and a 55W budget. Each Hikvision 4MP turret draws about 7.5W. So you can power about 6 cameras comfortably, not 8.
Always check the total PoE budget, not just the number of PoE ports.
How to choose the right PoE switch
For 4 CCTV cameras
- 8-port PoE switch (4-6 PoE ports)
- 55-65W PoE budget
- Unmanaged or smart managed
- Budget: R600-R1,500
For 8 CCTV cameras
- 16-port PoE switch (8 PoE ports)
- 120-150W PoE budget
- Smart managed (for VLANs separating camera traffic)
- Budget: R2,000-R4,000
For 8 cameras + 2-3 access points
- 16-24 port PoE+ switch
- 240W+ PoE budget (APs need 30W each)
- Managed with VLAN support
- Budget: R3,000-R6,000
For a full business network (cameras + APs + phones)
- 24-48 port managed PoE+ switch
- 370W+ PoE budget
- Layer 2/3 management, VLANs, QoS
- Budget: R5,000-R15,000
Top PoE switches in South Africa
TP-Link (budget to mid-range)
| Model | Ports | PoE | Budget | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TL-SG1008P | 8 (4 PoE) | 55W | PoE | about R600 |
| TL-SG1008MP | 8 (8 PoE) | 120W | PoE | about R1,200 |
| TL-SG1218P | 16 (8 PoE+) | 120W | PoE+ | about R2,000 |
| TL-SG1024PE | 24 (8 PoE+) | 192W | PoE+ | about R3,500 |
Best value for small installations. The TL-SG1008P at R600 is hard to beat for a 4-camera setup.
Ubiquiti UniFi (managed, mid-range)
| Model | Ports | PoE | Budget | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USW-Lite-8-PoE | 8 (4 PoE+) | 52W | PoE+ | about R1,200 |
| USW-16-PoE | 16 (8 PoE+) | 150W | PoE+ | about R3,500 |
| USW-24-PoE | 24 (16 PoE+) | 400W | PoE+ | about R4,500 |
| USW-Pro-48-PoE | 48 (32 PoE++) | 600W | PoE++ | about R9,000 |
Managed through the UniFi app alongside your gateway and access points. One dashboard for everything.
Hikvision (CCTV focused)
| Model | Ports | PoE | Budget | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS-3E0105P-E | 5 (4 PoE) | 55W | PoE | about R500 |
| DS-3E0109P-E | 9 (8 PoE) | 120W | PoE | about R1,000 |
| DS-3E0318P-E | 18 (16 PoE) | 250W | PoE+ | about R2,500 |
Purpose-built for CCTV. If your only PoE devices are cameras, Hikvision switches are the most cost-effective option.
Common mistakes
- Buying PoE when you need PoE+ – Check the power requirements of your APs. Most modern APs need PoE+.
- Exceeding the power budget – 8 cameras at 7.5W each = 60W. If your switch only has a 55W budget, one camera will keep rebooting.
- Not budgeting for the NVR – Your NVR also needs a network port (but not PoE, it uses its own power supply).
- Running cables without planning – Measure distances first. Cat6 is reliable up to 90 metres. Beyond that, you need a repeater or fibre.
- Forgetting the UPS – A PoE switch draws 60-400W depending on load. Put it on a UPS so your cameras stay on during load shedding.
Shop PoE switches at Remote Help – TP-Link, UniFi, and Hikvision, nationwide delivery, VAT included.
Not sure which PoE switch to get? WhatsApp us on 081 358 4869 with your device list and we’ll calculate your power budget.
