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X-PoE DESIGN GUIDELINES#

D1 - INPUT AND OUTPUT POWER#

D1.1 - Input Power Range#

The X-PoE lighting controls system is powered by 48V - 57V DC power. This allows it to be compatible with many standard DC power supplies and systems. To determine the maximum current draw, multiply the number of ports on the X-PoE controllers by 2.3 (maximum current output per port).

D1.2 - Output Power Range#

The X-PoE lighting controller is capable of providing 2.3A maximum output per port. Each port is split among 2 separate channels with a 1.15A maximum output each. Each port has a maximum voltage matching that of the input voltage (D1.1 - Input Power Range), meaning the maximum wattage output is ~54W - 65W.

D2 - X-PoE LIGHTING CONTROLLERS#

D2.1 - System Design#

When planning the design of an X-PoE lighting system, careful consideration must be given to determining the required number of lighting controllers. It is crucial to note that X-PoE lighting controllers offer a range of port types, including one or two channel control, and not all of them may support network connectivity. To accurately assess the quantity of X-PoE lighting controllers, refer to the specific lighting controller's specifications, which outline the available X-PoE and network enabled ports.

D2.2 - Networking#

  1. X-PoE lighting controllers must be connected to the same network in order to communicate. This ensures seamless data exchange and enables centralized management of the xpoe lighting system.
  2. Router must be capable of and have MDNS support enabled
  3. For large sites (>255 devices) the router (or specific DHCP server) must be capable of acting as a DHCP server for a single subnet large enough to fit all of the associated devices (capable of opening up the LAN subnet mask further than 255.255.255.254, which is the default and locked on a lot of non-commercial routers).
  4. Ideally, though not required, the router should be capable of providing mac-based DHCP leases across the full subnet
  5. For cloud connectivity all all firewall requirements must be met

D2.3 - Layout#

X-PoE lighting controllers are typically arranged in either a centralized or distributed layout. Large AC/DC power supplies are used to power a cluster of centralized X-PoE controllers. Smaller AC/DC power supplies and high voltage DC distribution systems are used to power distributed X-PoE lighting installations.

D2.4 - Thermal Management#

When installing X-PoE lighting controllers in tight spaces or equipment racks, it is important to consider ventilation and air flow. X-PoE lighting controllers should not be directly stacked in equipment racks. A blank space is recommended for thermal management.

D2.5 - High Frequency Noise#

Depending on the selected dimming mode, the X-PoE lighting controller may emit a high frequency noise. This noise is typically within normal operational parameters and does not indicate a malfunction unless it becomes excessively loud or is accompanied by other issues.

D3 - LOW VOLTAGE WIRING#

D3.1 Wire Selection#

Standard 23AWG Cat6 or thicker is recommended for most applications. Thinner cables are not supported. It is best practice to minimize the length of the wire runs between the X-PoE lighting controller and the lighting loads. X-PoE supports distances up to 100m (328ft), in line with the Ethernet and PoE standards. If many of the X-PoE loads will be far away from the controllers, it is recommended to explore a distributed X-PoE installation or consider using 22AWG Cat6 cabling.

D4 - PDs (POWERED DEVICES)#

D5.1 - Overview#

The X-PoE PDs convert the RJ45 from the Cat6 infrastructure to pairs of conductors for connecting to an LED. These are small enough to fit into most places, and most fixture housings can be adapted to fit the panel mount PD model. Most PD models also pass through the X-PoE power so additional fixtures can be daisy chained. For more information, see XPD Overview.

D5.2 - Multi-Channel PDs#

Fixtures and loads greater than 1.15A will need to use a single channel port or a two channel port with a two channel PD. Both channels can be used to power a high wattage fixture, or share a load with several low wattage fixtures. However, it is not recommended to use two channels from a single X-PoE port to power two separately controlled loads (circuits)1.

D5.3 - IEEE PDs#

The X-Poe ports are compatible with IEEE802.3af/at/bt-type 4, up to 90W per port. Standard IEEE PoE splitters/PDs can be used to provide low voltage power to a variety of devices. All ports support IEEE power, but not all ports support data connectivity.

D5 - LED Light Fixtures#

D5.1 - Fixture Selection#

The X-PoE lighting controllers contain LED lighting drivers, capable of dimming constant current and constant voltage LED loads. This eliminates the need for an LED driver at each fixture. Each X-PoE port can support up to 2.3A maximum output (1.15A per channel on2 channel X-PoE ports). In order to connect an LED to an X-PoE channel, an adapter called a “PD” is used (D4 - PDs).

D6 - CONTROLS#

D6.1 - Integration#

The X-PoE lighting controls system is controls agnostic, meaning it can work with any IP based controls system. Standard IEEE PoE PDs can be used to power a variety of low voltage sensors, switches, and other controllers. MQTT and a REST API are available and can easily be integrated into many 3rd party control systems. We also offer an in-house controls system if one is not specified for your project.

D7 - EMERGENCY LIGHTING#

D7.1 - Distributed Emergency Backup (AC or DC Systems)#

When using distributed emergency backup systems, whether AC inverters or DC battery backups, they should be wired to the X-PoE switch as follows:

AC Systems (Lighting Inverters)

  • The inverter monitors incoming AC mains power and switches to an internal battery when power is lost.
  • The inverter provides AC power to the system, ensuring continued operation of AC-to-DC power supplies.
  • A relay output on the inverter signals the X-PoE switch when mains power has been lost.

DC Systems (Battery Backup or DC UPS)

  • A DC UPS or battery backup system provides uninterrupted DC power directly to the X-PoE switch.
  • These systems generally maintain constant power and do not require “switching” in the same way as AC inverters.
  • A relay or digital output should be used to notify the X-PoE switch when mains power has been lost.

Regardless of the backup method, a “loss of power signal” must be provided by a UL924-listed emergency lighting control device via a relay output to signal the loss of power. The relay output should be connected to the Programming Override Input on the rear panel of the X-PoE switch.

  • The X-PoE switch can be configured to recognize either an “Open” or “Closed” state as an emergency condition.
  • When the emergency condition is triggered, the X-PoE switch will:
    • Set all outputs to a predefined emergency brightness level.
    • Disable external control input until power is restored to maintain compliance with emergency lighting requirements.

Follow these instructions to configure the programming override input.

The emergency backup system must meet the following criteria:

  1. Must provide power to the X-PoE switch within 50ms of power being lost.
  2. Must be sized appropriately to sustain the predefined emergency lighting levels for all connected loads.
  3. Must include a UL924-listed relay to trigger the Programming Override Input.

Wiring Diagram:

sequenceDiagram
    box Blue "Power Source"
        participant Mains as Mains Power
    end

    box LightGreen "Backup System 1"
        participant Inv1 as Inverter/UPS 1
        participant PSU1 as AC-to-DC Power Supply 1
        participant XPoE1 as X-PoE Switch 1
    end

    box LightCoral "Backup System 2"
        participant Inv2 as Inverter/UPS 2
        participant PSU2 as AC-to-DC Power Supply 2
        participant XPoE2 as X-PoE Switch 2
    end

    %% Normal Power Flow (Top to Bottom)
    Mains ->> Inv1: Provides AC Power
    Inv1 ->> PSU1: Converts AC to DC
    PSU1 ->> XPoE1: Supplies DC Power
    Mains -->> Inv1: Power Failure Detected
    Inv1 -->> XPoE1: Loss of Power Signal Sent
    XPoE1 -->> XPoE1: Enters Emergency Mode

    Mains ->> Inv2: Provides AC Power
    Inv2 ->> PSU2: Converts AC to DC
    PSU2 ->> XPoE2: Supplies DC Power
    Mains -->> Inv2: Power Failure Detected
    Inv2 -->> XPoE2: Loss of Power Signal Sent
    XPoE2 -->> XPoE2: Enters Emergency Mode

D7.2 - Centralized Lighting Inverters or DC Backup#

A centralized backup system functions the same as a distributed backup but powers multiple X-PoE switches instead of just a few in the distributed groups. The key differences are:

  • Power Distribution: A centralized system must supply backup power to all connected X-PoE switches, while a distributed system provides backup to each switch or group of switches individually.
  • Sizing Considerations: A centralized system must be sized for the total predefined emergency lighting load across all switches.
  • Relay Signal: A centralized system should use a single UL924-listed device to control the Programming Override Input for all switches simultaneously.

Wiring Diagram:

sequenceDiagram
    box Blue "Power Source"
        participant Mains as Mains Power
    end

    box LightGreen "Central Backup System"
        participant Inv as Central Inverter/UPS
        participant PSU as Central AC-to-DC Power Supply
    end

    box LightCoral "Connected X-PoE Switches"
        participant XPoE1 as X-PoE Switch 1
        participant XPoE2 as X-PoE Switch 2
        participant XPoE3 as X-PoE Switch 3
    end

    %% Normal Power Flow (Top to Bottom)
    Mains ->> Inv: Provides AC Power
    Inv ->> PSU: Converts AC to DC
    PSU ->> XPoE1: Supplies DC Power
    PSU ->> XPoE2: Supplies DC Power
    PSU ->> XPoE3: Supplies DC Power

    %% Power Loss Detection (Ordered from Top to Bottom)
    Mains -->> Inv: Power Failure Detected
    Inv -->> XPoE1: Loss of Power Signal Sent
    XPoE1 -->> XPoE1: Enters Emergency Mode

    Inv -->> XPoE2: Loss of Power Signal Sent
    XPoE2 -->> XPoE2: Enters Emergency Mode

    Inv -->> XPoE3: Loss of Power Signal Sent
    XPoE3 -->> XPoE3: Enters Emergency Mode

Note

If the emergency backup system is centralized while the X-PoE switches are distributed, a connection must be established between the backup system’s loss-of-power relay and all X-PoE switches. This ensures that each switch receives the signal to enter programming override mode when mains power is lost.

  1. This excludes individually controlled channels for features like warm dim or tunable white. ↩