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Some of our wired ethernet data connections are energized with Power Over Ethernet at 48 volts. But not all of our devices utilize POE.

Is it harmful to plug a device into POE when the device's NIC does not utilize POE? I would like to use the wired ethernet connection for data on a device which does not utilize POE.

steampowered
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1 Answers1

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POE switches generally check if a device supports POE before sending power to it. If it doesn't, then no power is sent. You should be fine.

PatrickEM
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    Ok, I believe you. But could you provide a link to some supporting documentation or explain how this is done so I can feel comfortable with the answer? – steampowered Oct 16 '12 at 22:07
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    This page has some information on the 802.3AF standard. The part you're interested in is "detection". http://www.network-1.com/poe/poe_ovw.htm – PatrickEM Oct 16 '12 at 22:13