Thermal analysis of Ethernet connector in power applications with an engineering mechanics approach

Interest is gaining within industry to use standard 8P8C connectors (commonly called Ethernet or RJ45 connectors) for power applications with currents far in excess of typical data lines. In some cases referred to as “Power over Ethernet” (PoE), this ability to supply 15-90W of power via an eight-wire network type cable offers simple methods of supplying low amounts of power to applications such as VoIP phones, IP cameras, wireless access points, industrial devices, LED lighting systems and remote point of sale kiosks. In this study, a general engineering mechanics approach used in an earlier study is used to evaluate the power-handling ability of the connector and system. It is seen that Class 2 low voltage powers up to 90W are feasible, but powers above this and degradation of the connector from powered disconnections will result in unsatisfactory performance.