When selecting an industrial Ethernet switch, one key factor that often gets overlooked — but is absolutely crucial — is the power supply type and configuration. With various voltage levels, power input types, and reliability options available, it’s easy for buyers to feel uncertain about what’s best for their setup. This article will help you better understand everything around industrial switch power supplies, so you can make more informed decisions for your industrial network infrastructure.
Types of Power Supplies for Industrial Switches
Industrial switches are engineered to operate reliably in demanding environments, and their power supply options reflect that diversity. Here are the main types:
1. Alternating Current (AC) Power Supply
Some switches are designed to operate using a standard AC power source, typically 110V or 220V, and are ideal for indoor deployments with a stable and reliable electrical supply.
In addition to these, COME-STAR also offers AC24V industrial Ethernet switches — a category specifically designed to address needs in industrial automation and transportation sectors.
Why AC24V Matters:
Directly compatible with AC-powered devices:
In power systems, rail transportation, and other infrastructure, many devices are built around AC24V power supplies. AC24V switches can connect directly without needing extra converters, making integration faster and cleaner.
Simplified wiring and lower costs:
Unlike DC24V models that require an AC-DC converter, AC24V switches eliminate extra wiring modules, which helps reduce installation complexity and system cost.
By supporting this less common but highly relevant voltage level, AC24V switches expand your flexibility across a wider range of deployment environments, like power systems, rail transportation, industrial automation etc,.
2. Direct Current (DC) Power Supply
DC power input is more commonly seen in rugged industrial applications. These switches usually support a wide voltage range, including 12V, 24V, or 48V, making them ideal for scenarios like roadside cabinets, railways, energy stations, or factory floors.
DC-powered switches are often preferred for environments where flexibility, compact size, or direct battery operation is essential. They can also better handle voltage irregularities — a common issue in outdoor or mobile setups.
3. Redundant Power Supply (Dual Input or Dual Module)
In mission-critical industrial environments, ensuring continuous power to your network equipment is vital. That’s why redundant power supply configurations are a must-have for many system integrators and automation engineers.
There are two main types of redundancy solutions in industrial Ethernet switches:
🔌 Dual Power Input
Many industrial switches feature dual power input terminals (e.g., PWR1 and PWR2). These allow the switch to receive power from two independent sources. If one source fails or disconnects, the other seamlessly takes over — ensuring uninterrupted operation.
⚙️ Dual Power Module
For more advanced systems, some industrial switches come with dual power module designs. These are typically found in rack-mounted or modular systems and offer hot-swappable, independent power modules that can be replaced without shutting down the system. This setup delivers maximum reliability in applications where downtime is not acceptable, such as in power plants, metro systems, or server rooms.
Key Power Supply Features in Industrial Switches
Modern industrial Ethernet switches come with advanced features to ensure electrical safety and long-term reliability:
✅ Wide Voltage Input Support
Fluctuating voltages are common in industrial environments. That’s why many industrial-grade switches support wide-range voltage input, such as 9~60VDC, 110~370VDC, or 85~264VAC. This design allows them to accommodate diverse regional standards and unstable power sources without risk of failure.
✅ Built-in Power Protection Mechanisms
Reliable industrial switches include multiple protection circuits, such as:
- Over-voltage protection: Prevents damage from electrical surges.
- Under-voltage protection: Ensures operation doesn’t drop out during voltage dips.
- Over-current protection: Safeguards the device from being overloaded by excessive current.
These safeguards are essential for maintaining continuous network operation in harsh field conditions.
How to Choose the Right Power Supply for Your Industrial Switch
Selecting the right power supply isn’t just about matching voltages — it involves assessing your environment, workload, and system goals. Here are some tips:
✔ Environmental Adaptability
Always evaluate where the switch will be installed. If it’s in a hot, cold, humid, or dusty environment, make sure the power supply module is rated to handle those conditions. Look for industrial certifications and temperature/humidity tolerances in the datasheet.
✔ Match the Power Requirement
Check your switch’s power consumption — especially under full load — and choose a power adapter or module that can consistently meet or exceed that requirement. Undersized power supplies can lead to performance instability or even device failure.
✔ Reliability in Critical Applications
For industrial control, traffic management, and similar high-availability applications, opt for models with redundant power input support. This ensures that your switch won’t go offline if one power source experiences downtime.
Final Thoughts: Power Supply Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
Choosing the right industrial switch power input is more than a technical detail — it directly affects your system’s uptime, efficiency, and safety. Whether you’re working with AC or DC power, dealing with fluctuating voltages, or deploying in demanding field environments, there’s a switch configuration out there for you.
At COME-STAR, we offer a wide range of industrial Ethernet switches with flexible power supply options, including wide voltage support, redundant power input, and full power protection. Whether you’re a system integrator, OEM partner, or distributor, we can help you find or customize a power configuration that suits your application needs.
