How Many Watts Does a PoE Camera Use in 2026 A Complete Guide

Most PoE cameras in 2026 use between 5 to 15 watts, depending on resolution, infrared night vision, and PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) features. Standard models typically fall under 10W, making them energy-efficient and ideal for 24/7 surveillance over a single Ethernet cable using PoE (802.3af/at) switches or injectors.

Key Takeaways

• Most PoE cameras use 5–15 watts under normal operation.
• Check camera specs for max wattage to avoid overloading switches.
• PoE+ (802.3at) supports up to 30W for high-performance models.
• IR night vision increases power draw by 2–5 watts in darkness.
• Use PoE calculators to plan deployments and ensure stable power delivery.
• Outdoor cameras often need more power due to heaters or PTZ functions.

Understanding PoE Camera Power Consumption: A Growing Concern in 2026

In today’s rapidly advancing world of smart surveillance, Power over Ethernet (PoE) cameras have become the backbone of modern security systems for homes, businesses, and public infrastructure. As we move into 2026, the demand for high-resolution, AI-powered, and always-on cameras is skyrocketing. But with great technology comes greater power needs. One of the most frequently asked questions by installers, IT professionals, and security consultants is: how many watts does a PoE camera use? Understanding this is crucial not only for selecting the right hardware but also for ensuring network stability, energy efficiency, and long-term cost savings.

The answer isn’t as simple as a one-size-fits-all number. Power consumption varies widely based on camera type, resolution, features, and environmental conditions. With PoE standards evolving and new camera models pushing the limits of what’s possible, it’s essential to understand the nuances behind wattage usage. Whether you’re designing a new surveillance network, upgrading an existing system, or simply curious about energy efficiency, this comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about PoE camera power consumption in 2026—from basic standards to real-world scenarios and future trends.

How PoE Works: The Foundation of Power Delivery

To understand how much power a PoE camera uses, it’s vital to first grasp how Power over Ethernet functions. Unlike traditional cameras that require separate power and data cables, PoE cameras receive both power and data through a single Ethernet cable (typically Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6a). This integration simplifies installation, reduces clutter, and enhances system reliability.

The Role of PoE Standards

The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) has established several PoE standards that define how power is delivered over Ethernet. These standards are critical because they dictate the maximum power a device—like a camera—can draw and what the switch or injector must support.

• IEEE 802.3af (PoE): Also known as “Standard PoE,” this delivers up to 15.4 watts per port, with a guaranteed 12.95 watts at the device. Introduced in 2003, it’s still widely used for basic IP cameras.
• IEEE 802.3at (PoE+): Released in 2009, this doubles the power, providing up to 30 watts per port (25.5 watts at the device). Ideal for more advanced cameras with features like pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) or heaters.
• IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++): This includes two types:
  • Type 3 (PoE++): Up to 60 watts (51 watts at device)
  • Type 4 (PoE++): Up to 100 watts (71 watts at device)

  These are essential for high-performance cameras with AI processing, dual lenses, or extreme-weather enclosures.

In 2026, most new PoE camera installations leverage PoE+ or PoE++, especially for outdoor and AI-enhanced models. The choice of standard directly impacts how many watts a camera can use—and how much your switch or midspan injector must supply.

Power Delivery Mechanism

PoE power is delivered in two primary ways: endspan (built into the switch) and midspan (via a PoE injector). The switch or injector negotiates power requirements with the camera using a process called power negotiation, where the device (camera) requests a power class, and the PSE (Power Sourcing Equipment) responds accordingly. This prevents overloading and ensures efficient power use.

For example, a camera that only needs 10 watts won’t draw 30 watts from a PoE+ port—it will request only what it needs. This dynamic allocation is key to avoiding energy waste and maximizing port availability on a PoE switch.

How Many Watts Do Different PoE Cameras Use? A Breakdown by Type

Not all PoE cameras are created equal. Their power consumption depends on several factors, including resolution, lens type, onboard features, and environmental needs. Below is a detailed breakdown of how many watts various PoE camera types typically use in 2026.

1. Basic Indoor IP Cameras (1–5 MP)

These are entry-level fixed cameras used in homes, offices, and small retail spaces. They usually feature 1080p or 2K resolution and basic motion detection.

• Average Power Use: 3–7 watts
• PoE Standard: 802.3af (PoE)
• Examples:
  • Hikvision DS-2CD2347G2-LU (4MP, fixed): ~4.5 watts
  • Axis M1125-E (2MP, indoor dome): ~5.2 watts

These cameras are highly energy-efficient and can be powered by any PoE switch. They’re ideal for low-power applications and are often used in large-scale deployments due to their low draw.

2. Outdoor Fixed Cameras (4–8 MP with IR/Heater)

Outdoor cameras face harsher conditions, requiring infrared (IR) night vision, weatherproofing, and often built-in heaters for cold climates. These features significantly increase power consumption.

• Average Power Use: 8–15 watts
• PoE Standard: 802.3af or 802.3at (PoE+)
• Examples:
  • Reolink Duo 2 PoE (8MP, dual-lens, IR): ~12 watts
  • Dahua IPC-HFW5849T1-ASE-LED (8MP, IR, heater): ~14.3 watts

Tip: In freezing temperatures, the heater can spike power usage temporarily to 18–20 watts. Always account for peak power, not just average.

3. PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) Cameras

PTZ cameras offer motorized movement and optical zoom, making them power-hungry due to mechanical components and higher-resolution sensors.

• Average Power Use: 15–25 watts
• Peak Power (during movement): Up to 30 watts
• PoE Standard: 802.3at (PoE+) required; some high-end models need PoE++
• Examples:
  • Bosch NBN-73023BA (30x zoom, 4MP): ~22 watts
  • Hikvision DS-2DE4425IW-DE (4MP, 25x zoom): ~24 watts

Important: PTZ cameras often exceed the 15.4-watt limit of standard PoE, making PoE+ mandatory. Always verify the camera’s maximum power draw in the datasheet.

4. AI-Powered and Dual-Sensor Cameras

In 2026, AI analytics (like facial recognition, vehicle detection, and loitering alerts) are standard in many enterprise-grade cameras. These require onboard processors (NPU or GPU), increasing power needs.

• Average Power Use: 10–30 watts
• PoE Standard: 802.3at (PoE+) or 802.3bt Type 3 (PoE++)
• Examples:
  • Axis Q6155-E (AI, 4K, dual sensors): ~28 watts
  • Hanwha QNP-6320R (AI, 5MP, IR): ~18 watts

These cameras are ideal for smart cities and high-security facilities but require careful planning of PoE switch capacity.

5. High-End 4K and 8K Cameras with Advanced Features

Ultra-high-resolution cameras with features like 360° fisheye, thermal imaging, or dual IR/visible sensors push power limits.

• Average Power Use: 25–40 watts
• Peak Power: Up to 50+ watts (especially with heaters or PTZ)
• PoE Standard: 802.3bt Type 3 (PoE++) or Type 4 (PoE++)
• Examples:
  • Avigilon H4A 4K PTZ: ~38 watts
  • FLIR FH-Series (thermal + visible): ~42 watts

For these cameras, PoE++ switches or injectors are essential. Some may even require dual PoE inputs or external power backup.

Factors That Influence PoE Camera Power Consumption

While the camera model and type are primary determinants, several external and operational factors can affect how many watts a PoE camera actually uses in real-world conditions.

1. Environmental Conditions

Temperature and weather play a major role. Outdoor cameras in cold climates (< 0°C / 32°F) often include heaters to prevent lens fogging and component failure. These heaters can double power usage during startup or in extreme cold.

• Example: A camera using 10 watts in summer may spike to 22 watts in winter due to heater activation.
• Tip: Use smart heating cameras that only activate heaters when needed, reducing average consumption.

2. Infrared (IR) Illumination

IR LEDs provide night vision but consume additional power. High-power IR arrays (e.g., 30m range) can add 2–5 watts to the base draw.

• Example: A 5MP camera uses 5 watts during the day but 8 watts at night with IR on.
• Tip: Look for cameras with Smart IR or adaptive brightness to minimize energy use.

3. Onboard Analytics and AI Processing

Cameras with built-in AI (e.g., object classification, people counting) run processors continuously, increasing power draw by 3–10 watts compared to non-AI models.

• Example: A standard 4K camera uses 12 watts; the AI version uses 18 watts.
• Tip: For large deployments, consider offloading analytics to a server or NVR to reduce per-camera power.

4. Frame Rate and Resolution Settings

Higher frame rates (e.g., 30 fps vs. 15 fps) and maximum resolution (4K vs. 1080p) require more processing and bandwidth, indirectly increasing power use.

• Tip: Adjust settings based on need—e.g., use 15 fps at night and 30 fps during the day.

5. Cable Length and Quality

Power loss occurs over long Ethernet runs. A 100-meter Cat5e cable can lose up to 20% of delivered power due to resistance.

• Example: A camera needing 15 watts may require 18 watts from the switch if the cable is 90 meters long.
• Tip: Use Cat6 or Cat6a cables for runs over 50 meters to minimize loss. Also, ensure proper cable termination.

6. Simultaneous Features Activation

When multiple features run at once (e.g., PTZ movement + IR + AI + heater), power spikes occur. These peak loads are critical for switch planning.

• Example: A PTZ camera may use 25 watts normally but 38 watts when panning, zooming, and heating.
• Tip: Always design your PoE switch with a 20–30% power buffer to handle peaks.

Planning Your PoE Network: Calculating Total Power Needs

Installing multiple PoE cameras requires careful power budgeting. Overloading a switch can lead to port failures, reboots, or even hardware damage.

Step 1: List All Cameras and Their Power Draw

Create a spreadsheet with:

• Camera model
• Maximum power (from datasheet)
• PoE standard required
• Environmental conditions (indoor/outdoor, temperature range)

Example: A 10-camera system includes:

• 4 indoor 4MP cameras: 5 watts each = 20 watts
• 3 outdoor 8MP cameras: 14 watts each = 42 watts
• 2 PTZ cameras: 25 watts each = 50 watts
• 1 AI 4K camera: 30 watts = 30 watts

Total: 142 watts (average), 190 watts (peak, including heaters and PTZ movement).

Step 2: Choose the Right PoE Switch

Select a switch with:

• Enough PoE ports (e.g., 8, 16, 24)
• Total PoE budget exceeding your peak power needs
• Support for required PoE standards (PoE+, PoE++)

Example: For the above system, a 24-port PoE+ switch with 240 watts total budget (e.g., Netgear GS724TPP) is ideal. It supports up to 30 watts per port and leaves room for future expansion.

Step 3: Account for Redundancy and Future Growth

• Always reserve 20–30% of the switch’s PoE budget for peaks and future cameras.
• Use a PoE power calculator (available from vendors like Cisco, Hikvision, or Ubiquiti) to simulate load.
• For mission-critical systems, consider dual power supplies or PoE midspan injectors as backups.

Step 4: Monitor Power Usage

Modern PoE switches offer SNMP or web interfaces to monitor real-time power draw per port. Use this data to:

• Identify underperforming cameras
• Detect power-hungry devices
• Optimize settings for energy savings

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings in 2026

With rising energy costs and sustainability goals, optimizing PoE camera power use is more important than ever. Here’s how to reduce wattage and save money.

1. Choose Energy-Efficient Cameras

Look for cameras with:

• Low standby power (< 1 watt)
• Smart features (e.g., sleep mode when no motion)
• Energy Star or EPEAT certification

Example: The Axis Q1656 uses only 3.5 watts in standby, reducing annual energy use by 30% compared to older models.

2. Use PoE++ Only When Necessary

While PoE++ offers flexibility, it’s overkill for basic cameras. Mix PoE and PoE+ ports on your switch to save energy and costs.

3. Implement Scheduling and Automation

Use your NVR or VMS to:

• Turn off IR lights during daytime
• Deactivate PTZ motors when not in use
• Reduce resolution at night

4. Upgrade to PoE Switches with Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE)

EEE (IEEE 802.3az) reduces power during low-traffic periods. Modern switches can cut idle power by up to 50%.

5. Calculate Long-Term Savings

Example: A 20-camera system using 10 watts each instead of 15 watts:

• Daily savings: (5 watts × 20) × 24 hours = 2.4 kWh
• Annual savings: 2.4 kWh × 365 = 876 kWh
• At $0.15/kWh: $131.40 saved per year

Over 5 years, that’s over $650 in savings—plus reduced carbon footprint.

Data Table: PoE Camera Power Consumption (2026 Models)

Camera Type	Resolution	Avg. Power (W)	Peak Power (W)	PoE Standard	Example Model
Indoor Fixed	1080p–4MP	3–7	8	802.3af	Hikvision DS-2CD2347G2-LU
Outdoor Fixed (IR)	4–8MP	8–15	18–20	802.3af/at	Dahua IPC-HFW5849T1-ASE-LED
PTZ	2–4MP	15–25	30	802.3at	Bosch NBN-73023BA
AI Analytics	4–5MP	10–30	35	802.3at/bt	Axis Q6155-E
4K/8K High-End	4K–8K	25–40	50+	802.3bt	Avigilon H4A 4K PTZ
Dual-Sensor/Thermal	Mixed	30–45	55	802.3bt	FLIR FH-Series

Conclusion: Powering the Future of Surveillance

In 2026, the question of how many watts a PoE camera uses is more complex—and more important—than ever. From basic 4MP indoor cameras using just 5 watts to AI-powered 4K PTZ models drawing 40+ watts, the range is vast. The key to a successful deployment lies in understanding your camera types, planning for peak loads, and leveraging modern PoE standards like PoE+ and PoE++.

By factoring in environmental conditions, onboard features, and cable quality, you can accurately estimate power needs and avoid costly overages. More importantly, energy-efficient practices—such as using smart cameras, scheduling features, and upgrading to EEE switches—can lead to significant long-term savings and a greener security infrastructure.

As technology evolves, so will power demands. But with the right knowledge and tools, you can future-proof your PoE network, ensure reliability, and keep your surveillance system running smoothly—without blowing the power budget. Whether you’re securing a small office or a smart city, mastering PoE power consumption is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many watts does a PoE camera use on average?

Most standard PoE cameras consume between 5 to 12 watts, depending on features like infrared night vision, motion tracking, or 4K resolution. High-performance models with PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) may use up to 20 watts.

Can I power multiple PoE cameras with one switch, and how many watts do they need?

Yes, a PoE switch can power multiple cameras, but you must ensure its total wattage capacity exceeds the combined draw of all devices. For example, 8 cameras using 10W each would need at least an 80W switch (plus headroom for safety).

What’s the difference in power consumption between PoE and PoE+ for cameras?

Standard PoE (802.3af) delivers up to 15.4W per port, while PoE+ (802.3at) provides up to 30W, making it better for high-wattage PoE cameras with heaters or PTZ motors. Always check your camera’s specifications to match the right standard.

How many watts does a PoE camera use during nighttime with IR LEDs?

Infrared (IR) LEDs can increase power usage by 2–5 watts, depending on the camera’s range and brightness. A camera using 8W during the day may consume 10–13W at night when IR is active.

Do PoE cameras waste power when idle?

Modern PoE cameras use efficient standby modes, drawing minimal power (around 2–4 watts) when idle. Look for ENERGY STAR® or low-power-certified models to reduce long-term energy costs.

How does weatherproofing affect a PoE camera’s wattage?

Weatherproof PoE cameras with built-in heaters (for cold climates) or cooling fans can use 15–25 watts in extreme conditions. Always factor in environmental needs when calculating total power requirements.