DC Power Input and PoE Power Extension on XMG2230 Series Switches

XMG2230 Series switches support a dual power architecture consisting of an internal AC power supply and an optional external DC power input. While the internal AC power supply is sufficient for standard operation, the DC power input enables specific deployment scenarios such as higher PoE power budgets and DC-based infrastructure designs. 

This article explains how the DC power input works in practice, with a particular focus on PoE power extension behavior, power source priority, and important deployment considerations.

Precautions:

• Ensure the DC PSU is disconnected before installation.
• To reduce the risk of electric shock, properly ground the switch according to page 50 of the User Guide before operation. If you cannot verify grounding, contact a certified electrician for assistance.
• High-voltage DC PSUs and exposed power wires are dangerous. To ensure equipment safety and regulatory compliance, DC power connections must be performed by a certified electrician.
• When connecting a DC PSU to the switch, ensure the positive and negative wires are correctly connected to the DC terminal block according to the DC connector on the rear panel.

Applicable Models and Power Budget

Note

If AC and DC power are connected at the same time, the switch prioritizes the AC input. To use the extended PoE power budget, ensure the switch is operating from DC input only.

AWG Wire Recommendation and PoE Budget Calculation

Zyxel recommends using 16–28 AWG DC wires to ensure stable power delivery.

The table below provides a planning estimate based on 50 VDC and 10 A per 16 AWG positive/negative wire pair. It illustrates how adding additional wire pairs increases the available DC-side power for the PoE budget.

Note
Use this table as a design estimate only. Actual usable power is limited by the PSU rating, switch DC input limit, switch PoE budget, cable length, voltage drop, temperature, terminal rating, overcurrent protection, and local electrical code.

DC Power Installation Workflow

Step 1 - Verify PSU output

Check the PSU label or measure the DC output to confirm the power supply provides 50–57 VDC before connecting it to the switch.

Step 2 - Identify polarity and ground

Confirm or clearly label the +V, Earth Ground (GND), and −V conductors before inserting them into the terminal block.

Step 3 - Wire the terminal block

Before connecting the six wire pairs to the DC terminal block, verify the terminal orientation against the switch DC connector on the rear panel to avoid reverse polarity. Strip approximately 1 cm (0.4 in.) of insulation from each wire end to minimize exposed copper when inserting the wires into the DC terminal block.

Caution
1. Do not connect any wires to the center 2-pin of the DC terminal block.
2. For grounding purposes, connect the grounding cable to the grounding screw on the rear panel of the switch.

Step 4 - Attach the DC connector

Before inserting the DC terminal block into the Switch DC connector, lift the levers on both sides.

Step 5 - Power on and verify operation

Turn on the DC PSU and verify the switch boots successfully. Check the PSU and switch status LEDs to confirm normal operation.

Deployment Scenarios

The following examples show how one external DC PSU can supply either a single high-power switch or multiple switches.

Note: It is necessary to reserve 60 W for system operation on each switch. Allocating all DC power to Powered Devices(PDs) may overload the power supply, triggering protection mode and causing a shutdown.

Application Environment

Switches: one XMG2230-28HP and one XMG2230-52HP 54V DC PSU, with a maximum output of 2500W Six pairs of 16 AWG positive and negative wires 14-pin D-sub terminal block (from switch brown box)

Scenario 1: Single XMG2230-52HP high-power deployment

This example shows a dedicated DC power source allocated to a single XMG2230-52HP switch.

Scenario 2: One 2500 W DC PSU shared by two switches

A single DC PSU can be shared across multiple XMG2230 switches. The example below allocates the available power while keeping the combined PoE configuration within the PSU's rated capacity after reserving system power for both switches.

Web GUI Configuration

After the switch boots from the DC input, configure Total Power (W) via PORT > PoE Setup > PoE Setup. Click Apply and save the configuration. Then verify the value in PoE Status.

Recommended External DC PSU Models

Delta: PMS 2,500 W series / PMS-V2K5W1BTD

Meanwell: UHP-1500 series

Meanwell: UHP-2500 Series