The minimum power for Class 3 PD at PSE is equivalent to which value?

In Power over Ethernet (PoE) standards, Class 3 Power Devices (PD) typically require a minimum power level of 15.4 watts when connected to a Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) device. This is established by the IEEE 802.3af standard, which classifies different power classes for power delivery over Ethernet.

Class 3 is specifically defined to support devices that need more power than those in Class 0, 1, and 2, accommodating the needs of equipment such as pan-tilt-zoom cameras or access points that require more energy to function effectively. The 15.4 watts provided to Class 3 devices ensures their optimal operation and performance.

Other values, while relevant in different contexts, do not represent the minimum power requirement for Class 3 PD. For instance, the lower values of 4.0 W and 7.0 W are associated with Class 0 and Class 1 respectively, providing less power than what Class 3 devices need. The highest value, 30 W, pertains to Class 4 devices under the IEEE 802.3at standard, designed to support more power-intensive devices. Therefore, the definitive and standard minimum power for Class 3 PD at