LUUM.IO
X-PoE BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING — LOADS NOT TURNING ON#
About This Guide#
This guide provides a quick verification method to identify the cause when a load connected to an X-PoE system is not operating. The goal is to determine whether the issue originates from a cable issue, a PD/fixture connection issue, or an X-PoE switch configuration issue.
Possible Issue Areas#
Cable Issue#
- Faulty or damaged CAT6 cable
- Improper cable installation
PD / Fixture Connection Issue#
- Poor connection between the PD and the LED fixture
- LED module failure
X-PoE Switch Issue#
- Switch configuration preventing load activation
- Port configuration or hardware issue
Assumptions#
Before beginning troubleshooting:
- Switch firmware/software is current
- X-PoE switch is configured for automatic load discovery and activation (default configuration)
- CAT6 cable has previously been tested and verified functional
- The technician knows the switch, port, and channel associated with the affected load
Terms#
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Affected Fixture | The light or DC outlet being investigated. It is expected to be ON but currently is not. |
| X-PoE Switch | A DC lighting control network switch with integrated LED drivers (e.g., XS-108H). |
| Port | A physical network port on the X-PoE switch that provides power and communication. |
| Channel | Individual power output on a port. Each port typically provides two independent channels (CH1 and CH2). |
| PD | Power Distribution Module — device used to connect a fixture to the CAT6 cable. |
| Aggregated Load | Two fixtures connected together and powered from both channels of a single port instead of two independent fixtures. |
Required Tools#
- Test Load — known-good load that auto-discovers and turns on
- Troubleshooting Module — pass-through PD with no signature resistors
- DMM — Digital Multimeter
- AMM — Analog Multimeter (useful for observing scanning signals)
Troubleshooting Overview#
Start troubleshooting in the telecommunications room to avoid ladder work whenever possible.
The Troubleshooting Module helps determine whether the issue lies toward the switch or toward the fixture.
Interpretation Guide#
| Observation | Likely Cause |
|---|---|
| No scanning signal | Issue toward the X-PoE switch |
| No signature resistance | Issue toward the affected fixture |
| Scanning signal + signature resistance | Continue testing with test load |
Test Load Results#
| Result | Likely Cause |
|---|---|
| Test load turns on | Issue likely between PD and LEDs, or inside the LED fixture |
| Test load does not turn on | X-PoE switch may not be configured to enable the load |
Move from the network closet toward the affected fixture using the troubleshooting module to isolate the failure point.
Procedure#
Begin troubleshooting at the X-PoE switch in the telecommunications room. Each step determines whether the fault lies toward the switch or toward the load.
Step 1 — Identify the Port#
Locate the X-PoE switch and port supplying the affected fixture. Verify:
- Correct cable is connected
- Port status indicator
Port Status Indicators#
| LED Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red | Switch detected an error (possible cable issue) |
| White (solid/flashing) | Port not providing power (possible cable issue) |
| Green (solid/flashing) | Port providing power (possible fixture issue) |
| Orange | Connected to IEEE load (e.g., DCO-65) |
| No LED | Verify X-PoE switch power |
Step 2 — Test Cable Toward Fixture#
Disconnect the CAT6 cable from the switch and connect it to the Troubleshooting Module. Use a Digital Multimeter to measure signature resistance.
Channel 1 Test#
Measure: CH1 + → CH1 -
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Short | Cable fault |
| Open | Load not connected or cable fault |
Expected resistance values:
| Device | Resistance |
|---|---|
| LED Fixture | 7 kΩ – 25 kΩ |
| DCO-65 / IEEE PoE | ~25 kΩ |
| DCO-100 | 45 kΩ – 50 kΩ |
Channel 2 Test#
Measure: CH2 + → CH2 -
Interpret results the same as Channel 1.
Step 3 — Test Cable Toward Switch#
Connect CAT6 cable from the X-PoE switch to the Troubleshooting Module. Use an Analog Multimeter to measure voltage.
Channel 1#
Measure: CH1 + → CH1 -
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| No voltage | Cable or switch issue |
| Voltage above 24V | Switch verified load and enabled power |
| Pulsing ~10V once/sec | Normal scanning behavior |
Channel 2#
Measure: CH2 + → CH2 -
Interpret results the same as Channel 1.
Step 4 — Verify Fixture Operation#
Plug the test load directly into the X-PoE switch and wait up to 30 seconds.
Expected Result
The test load turns on. This confirms the X-PoE switch is operational and port configuration is correct.
If cable tests also pass, the issue likely exists inside the LED fixture or PD connection.
Key Takeaway#
Start troubleshooting at the network closet and work outward. Using the troubleshooting module quickly determines whether the issue lies toward the switch or toward the fixture, minimizing ladder work and reducing troubleshooting time.