Solutions > Industrial Ethernet > PoDL Power Classes (Class 10–15) Explained
PoDL Power Classes (Class 10–15) Explained
The PoDL standard defines six power classes from Class 10 to Class 15, to meet the power needs of field devices with different requirements. Understanding the power delivery capability of each class is a key reference for system design selection.
| PoDL Class | System Voltage | Max PD Available Power | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 10 | 24 VDC | ~1.2 W | Simple sensors (temperature, humidity) |
| Class 11 | 24 VDC | ~3.4 W | Sensors, energy meters |
| Class 12 | 24 VDC | ~8.4 W | Advanced sensors |
| Class 13 | 50–58 VDC | ~7.7 W | Cameras, HMI panels |
| Class 14 | 50–58 VDC | ~20 W | Actuators |
| Class 15 | 50–58 VDC | Up to ~52 W | High-power equipment |
Classes 10–12 use a 24 VDC system voltage, suitable for low-power sensors; Classes 13–15 step up to 50–58 VDC to support cameras or industrial actuators requiring higher power. Special mention must be made of the Intrinsic Safety scenario. In the Ethernet-APL specification, for Zone 0 (highly explosive area) equipment, power is strictly limited to approximately 500–540 mW to ensure safety. The above Class classification does not apply in this context and must be designed according to APL safety specifications.
This complete Class system allows PoDL to flexibly cover power needs from the simplest temperature sensors to edge computing modules requiring substantial power — virtually all industrial field devices can find a corresponding solution.
FAQ
Q1
What are the differences in PoDL Classes 10 through 15, and which devices are they suited for?
Answer
PoDL defines six classes: Classes 10–12 use 24 VDC with maximum PD power of approximately 1.2 W, 3.4 W, and 8.4 W respectively, suitable for low-power sensors such as temperature and humidity sensors; Classes 13–15 use 50–58 VDC with approximately 7.7 W, 20 W, and up to 52 W, suited for cameras, HMI panels, actuators, and other higher-power devices.
Q2
What are the PoDL power restrictions in hazardous areas (Ethernet-APL)?
Answer
Under the Ethernet-APL specification for Zone 0 highly explosive areas, line power is strictly limited to approximately 500–540 mW to ensure Intrinsic Safety. The standard Class 10–15 classification does not apply in this context — a separate design based on Intrinsic Safety specifications is required.
Q3
How should engineers select the appropriate PoDL Class for a system design?
Answer
Key selection criteria are the end device’s power consumption requirements and system voltage compatibility. Low-power sensors call for Classes 10–12 (24 V system); cameras or actuators with higher power needs require Classes 13–15 (50–58 V system). Cable length’s effect on actual available power must also be considered — the longer the distance, the greater the line resistance losses.
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