Solutions > Industrial Ethernet > Beyond 1 km — Mixed-Cable Extension Test Results
Beyond 1 km — Mixed-Cable Extension Test Results
In certain special scenarios involving large factories or industrial complexes, a transmission distance of 1,000 meters may still be insufficient. We conducted further mixed-cable testing for ‘beyond 1 kilometer’ scenarios to evaluate system feasibility at extreme distances.
The test method connected dedicated SPE cable (Helukabel 82836) in series with telephone wire (0.5 mm), simulating real-world deployment scenarios where some sections use high-quality cable and the remaining sections use existing wiring. Testing was conducted using Classes 13–14 (PSE output 55 V), with results as follows:
| Total Series Distance | PD Voltage | PD Current | PD Power | Class Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000m + 200m = 1,200m | 24 V | 0.28A | 6.72W | Class 14（PPDmax=20W）✓ |
| 1,000m + 400m = 1,400m | 24 V | 0.19A | 4.56W | Class 14（PPDmax=20W）✓ |
| 1,000m + 600m = 1,600m | Disconnected | — | — | Unable to connect ✗ |
From the data, it is clear that under mixed-cable conditions, the system can still maintain data communication and power delivery at a distance of 1,400 meters (approximately 1.4 km) — a distance completely unachievable with standard Class 12 pure telephone wire configuration. However, at 1,600 meters, even high-voltage Class configuration results in connection loss, demonstrating that ultra-long distance extension has physical limits.
The engineering value of these test results lies in: for applications with special long-distance requirements, selecting high-quality SPE cable paired with high-voltage PoDL Class can indeed maintain normal system operation in scenarios exceeding 1 kilometer — but this must be incorporated into planning during the cabling design phase.
FAQ
Q1
Is PoDL power delivery still feasible in a 1.4 km mixed-cable test?
Answer
At 1.4 km, total cable resistance increases significantly, and PoDL available power decreases noticeably. At this distance, the system can still maintain data communication and power delivery — as the test data confirmed, Class 14 with 55 V PSE output achieved 4.56 W at the PD end at 1,400 meters, which remains within the Class 14 specification range (PPDmax = 20 W).
Q2
What engineering considerations are critical for extended-distance deployments?
Answer
Extended-distance deployment requires attention to: first, use high-quality SPE cable for the base segment and pair with high-voltage PoDL Class (13–14, 55 V); second, perform rigorous power budget calculations to confirm PD can still operate normally at the minimum voltage at the furthest endpoint; third, this must be incorporated into planning during the cabling design phase, and cannot be retrofitted after the fact. At 1,600 meters, even high-voltage Class configuration results in connection loss, so 1,400 meters is currently the verified practical upper limit.
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