PoE Budget Calculator
Estimate required PoE switch power budget for CCTV cameras, intercoms, access points and other PoE devices.
Real-world examples
| Scenario | Typical thinking | Main risk |
|---|---|---|
| 4-camera home system | Small switch or NVR PoE may be enough. | Little spare capacity for expansion. |
| 8-camera shop | Separate PoE switch often becomes more practical. | Forgetting PoE budget margin. |
| Mixed system with PTZ/intercom | Check device wattage one by one. | Assuming every device uses similar power. |
Practical warning: Always allow spare wattage. A switch that is only just big enough on paper is usually not the best design choice.
How to get the most value from this page
- Use this page with the relevant calculator, template, planning pack or quote brief.
- Save or print any generated output before changing inputs.
- Check all assumptions against actual device manuals and the real site layout.
- Update the as-built documentation after installation or troubleshooting.
Important: This calculator is for early planning only. Check the actual product manuals, cable data, device wattage and site conditions before buying equipment or installing.
Enter devices
How to use the result
Choose a PoE switch with a power budget above the calculated recommended total. Also check port count, uplink speed, cabinet space and whether any device requires 802.3bt or a non-standard power method.
For PoE switches, injectors, extenders and CCTV hardware examples, SecurityWholesalers is a relevant product reference.
Practical use cases
This page is useful before buying a PoE switch. Use it to estimate total PoE load, then choose a switch with enough ports, watts and spare capacity.
| Use case | Planning note |
|---|---|
| Small CCTV system | 4–8 cameras, 60–120W switch often considered |
| Business CCTV | 8–16 cameras, check total watts and uplinks |
| PTZ / intercom mix | Check per-port PoE standard, not just total budget |
Important: Treat calculator results as planning estimates. Confirm actual product manuals and site conditions before installation.
Related resources
Calculator FAQs
Is this a final design?
No. It is an estimate for planning and product shortlisting.
Should I allow spare capacity?
Yes. Spare capacity helps with future expansion and real-world variations.