Introduction: What the PoE Multiplexer Kit Is and Key Features
The PoE Multiplexer Kit (model HAY-POE-MULTI / HAY-POE-MULTI-IP-F) is a compact, practical solution for carrying two IP/PoE devices over a single Cat5/6 cable. Delivered as a transmitter and receiver pair, this kit supports IEEE 802.3af (PoE) and IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) standards and includes a switchable wiring mode for Type A (Mode A) and Type B (Mode B). The transmitter unit has an IP68 weatherproof rating, making it suitable for outdoor camera installations where the transmitter will be exposed to the elements.
Key features at a glance:
- Dual-device support:Runs two PoE devices over a single Cat5/6 run (transmitter + receiver kit).
- Standards compatible:Works with IEEE 802.3af and 802.3at (PoE and PoE+).
- Switchable wiring modes:Type A (Mode A) and Type B (Mode B) wiring selection for compatibility with different PoE sources and devices.
- Weatherproof transmitter:Transmitter rated IP68 for outdoor use on the camera side (receiver is not rated IP68).
- Plug-and-play:No configuration required; compatible with PoE-enabled switches or injectors.
Detailed Specifications and Benefits
The HAY-POE-MULTI kit is designed to be straightforward to deploy while providing predictable performance characteristics for typical CCTV and other small-scale PoE deployments. Below is a consolidated view of the most important specifications and the practical benefits they deliver.
- Standards:IEEE 802.3af (PoE) and IEEE 802.3at (PoE+).
- Power per port:Typical limits of 15.4 W for 802.3af and 25.5 W for 802.3at. Note: power is shared/split between the two devices, so actual available power per device will depend on the total provided and the power draw of each endpoint.
- Power source:Receives power via PoE-enabled network switch or PoE injector — no separate power supplies required at the remote device end.
Benefit: Compatibility with both af and at standards means the kit can be used with a wide range of cameras, access points and other powered devices while the plug-and-play nature keeps installation fast.
- Cabling distance:Supports up to 100 metres over Cat5/6 between the transmitter and the receiver (standard Ethernet distance).
- Wiring modes:Switchable Type A (Mode A) and Type B (Mode B) wiring to match the wiring scheme used by the PoE source and downstream devices.
Benefit: One cable run up to 100 m can replace two, cutting material, labour and conduit costs on installations with multiple devices in the same run.
- Connectors:Female RJ45 on both transmitter and receiver; the IP68 variant has a weatherproof female RJ45 on the transmitter side.
- IP rating:IP68 on the transmitter (camera/exposed side) only — check which unit is installed outdoors.
Benefit: The IP68 transmitter lets you mount the transmitter at a camera or outdoor device location without additional enclosures for the transmitter itself.
- Plug-and-play operation means no management interface or configuration is required.
- Power is split between ports — verify combined power draw of connected devices before installation to avoid overloading a PoE source.
- Some specification fields (operating temperature, dimensions, LEDs/indicators, certification and packaging details) are not provided here; installers should consult the product datasheet for those details.
- Warranty information is not specified — confirm with the supplier if a warranty or support package is required.
Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios Where the Kit Excels
The HAY-POE-MULTI kit is particularly useful where cabling constraints, conduit capacity or installation costs make running separate cables for each device impractical or expensive. Typical scenarios include:
- Outdoor camera runs: Many installations have two cameras near each other or a camera plus another PoE device (e.g., a mic or IR illuminator). The weatherproof transmitter can sit at the camera junction, allowing one cable from the switch room to feed two cameras at the pole or facade.
- Remote poles and lamp posts: Where space or conduit on a pole is limited, carrying two device feeds on a single Cat5/6 run saves time and reduces the need for larger conduit or additional trenching.
- Door controllers, card readers and intercoms: Multiple low-power devices at a single entrance can share a single cable back to a switch, simplifying installation in retrofit projects.
- Small Wi‑Fi access points or IoT gateways co-located with sensors — when two low-power devices are installed in the same location, the multiplexer reduces cabling and deployment complexity.
- Temporary camera setups or event rigs where cable runs are limited — the kit enables two devices to share a single run without the overhead of additional power cabling.
Overall benefit: The kit shines where cable consolidation improves logistics and cost without significant compromises on performance — particularly in small- to medium-sized deployments where managed PoE switches or complex infrastructure are not available or practical.
How It Compares to Similar Products on the Market
There are a few broad categories of alternatives to the HAY-POE-MULTI kit. Each has its own trade-offs:
- Pros: Maximum power and bandwidth per device, simpler power budgeting.
- Cons: Higher material and labour costs, more conduit capacity required, longer installation times.
The HAY-POE-MULTI kit reduces cabling while maintaining PoE compatibility, making it a cost-effective alternative when per-device power budgets allow.
- Pros: Can power non-PoE devices or adapt power levels per device; widely available.
- Cons: Typically one-to-one solutions (one injector or splitter per device) and may require additional power sources at the endpoint.
Compared to splitters, the multiplexer consolidates two device feeds onto one cable without requiring power at the endpoint, which is particularly useful when endpoints are in locations where power outlets are scarce or undesirable.
- Pros: Extend range beyond 100 m, add more ports and sometimes provide managed features.
- Cons: Larger devices, require power and are typically bulkier; more suitable when many devices or longer runs are needed.
The HAY-POE-MULTI is more compact and cost-effective for consolidating two devices on a standard Ethernet run, whereas extenders and switches are better for longer distances, more ports or advanced network management.
- Pros: Some vendors offer 4- or 8-port multiplexing, higher power allowances, or managed variations.
- Cons: Typically more expensive, larger and may require specialized cabling or power arrangements.
If a project needs more than two devices per run or higher per-device power than PoE+/25.5 W, a different multi-port or managed solution may be preferable. For typical two-device installations, the HAY-POE-MULTI offers a balanced, simple approach.
Customer Testimonials and Reviews
At the time of writing there are no customer testimonials or user reviews provided with the product information. Installers and system designers considering the kit should look for real-world feedback from peers or request trial units from suppliers where possible. When reviews are available, focus on comments about:
- Realised power per device in PoE and PoE+ setups.
- Reliability in outdoor conditions (especially around the IP68 transmitter).
- Ease of installation and compatibility with existing PoE switches or injectors.
Conclusion: Why the PoE Multiplexer Kit Is a Strong Choice
The HAY-POE-MULTI 2-Port PoE Multiplexer Kit is an economical, practical tool for installers who need to run two PoE devices over a single Cat5/6 cable. Its compatibility with IEEE 802.3af and 802.3at, plug-and-play operation, switchable wiring modes and IP68-rated transmitter make it well-suited to CCTV, access control and other small-scale PoE deployments where saving on cable runs and installation time matters.
Key takeaways:
- If you want to reduce cabling and conduit space while keeping installation simple, this kit is designed for that use.
- Be mindful of power sharing — confirm device power draws against the PoE source and the per-port limits (15.4 W for af, 25.5 W for at).
- Use the IP68 transmitter on exposed outdoor endpoints, but confirm the receiver placement is protected if outdoors (the receiver is not IP68-rated).
- For deployments requiring higher per-device power, longer runs beyond 100 m or more than two devices per cable, consider multi-port or managed alternatives.
With a suggested retail price of $19.99 (check current pricing with your supplier), the HAY-POE-MULTI kit delivers a low-cost way to simplify many PoE installations. For installers balancing cost, speed and reduced cabling complexity, it represents a practical and effective choice — provided power budgets and environmental placement are planned correctly.