PoE++ Type 3
Power over Ethernet · 10 specs
Direct Answer
Power over Ethernet Plus Plus Type 3 (PoE++ / 4PPoE, IEEE 802.3bt Type 3) is a 2018 standard that supplies up to 60.0 W of DC power per PSE port and guarantees 51.0 W of usable power at the PD by transmitting current across all four twisted pairs simultaneously.
Source: IEEE 802.3bt-2018 (Clause 145) · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| IEEE Standard | IEEE 802.3bt-2018 |
| PoE Type | Type 3 (4PPoE / PoE++) |
| PoE Power Classes | Class 5 (45W PSE) and Class 6 (60W PSE) |
| PSE Output Power (Max) | 60.0 W |
| PD Input Power (Guaranteed) | 51.0 W |
| PSE Output Voltage Range | 50.0–57.0 V DC |
| PD Input Voltage Range | 42.5–57.0 V DC |
| Max Current | 600 mA per pair set |
| Twisted Pairs Energized | 4 pairs (4PPoE) |
| Minimum Cable Category | Category 5e |
4-Pair Power Delivery (4PPoE)
Prior to 802.3bt, standard PoE and PoE+ only energized two of the four twisted pairs in an Ethernet cable. IEEE 802.3bt Type 3 introduced 4-Pair Power over Ethernet (4PPoE), which energizes all 8 conductors (all 4 pairs) concurrently.
Distributing current across four pairs halves the resistance per conductor, drastically cutting resistive heat buildup in cable bundles and improving electrical efficiency across 100-meter channels.
Single-Signature vs Dual-Signature PDs
802.3bt introduced two device architectures:
- Single-Signature PD: Shares a single PoE controller and classification across all 4 pairs (common in Wi-Fi APs and cameras).
- Dual-Signature PD: Employs two independent controllers for separate pair sets (pins 1-2 & 3-6 and pins 4-5 & 7-8), allowing complex devices like security systems to power an auxiliary heater or motor independently.