Leviton Connectors Tested to Exceed Standards for Power over Ethernet

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May 12, 2016, 02:45 ET

Atlas-X1™ connector shows 53 percent improvement in heat dissipation over typical connectors

BOTHELL, Wash., May 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- After rigorous testing, Leviton today announced that its Atlas-X1 copper connectors exceed current and developing performance standards for higher wattage Power over Ethernet (PoE). The test results confirm that Atlas-X1 Cat 6A connectors will ensure system longevity and prepare networks for future upgrades and growth while supporting PoE at 60 or 100 watts.

Atlas-X1 connectors outperformed standards requirements for higher temperatures, including the IEC 60512-5-2 Connectors for Electronic Equipment standard. Atlas-X1 features the industry's only UTP connector built with a solid metal body for 5e, 6 and 6A category ratings, and the higher performance in the Atlas-X1 connector is largely due to this unique metal construction. Leviton testing found that using a solid metal body, instead of commonly used ABS plastic, creates a 53 percent improvement in heat dissipation. With greater heat dissipation, the connector can minimize the potential negative effect of heating on transmission performance in high-wattage PoE applications.

"As with cabling, temperature rise in connectors can affect performance of the link," said Frank Kim, vice president of engineering and information management at Leviton Network Solutions. "Leviton engineers designed Atlas-X1 connectors and patch cords to minimize temperature increases and exceed industry standards for performance."

In addition to minimizing temperature rise, Atlas-X1 connectors are designed to prevent arcing damage in the critical contact-mating zone between the plug and connector. When a patch cord is unplugged while the connection is charged under PoE loads, arcing damage can occur to the connector and plug interface. While there is no immediate damage and the arc is not dangerous to users, the integrity of the connection can become weakened over numerous disconnections. Leviton designed the geometry of the Atlas-X1 connector so that arcing occurs at a different area from the point of contact during data transmission, so any damage will not affect the electrical performance of the connectors within a channel.

For an additional layer of protection against PoE arcing damage, all Leviton Atlas-X1 connectors incorporate Leviton patented Retention Force Technology (RFT^TM), which maintains constant contact force at the connector and plug interface, preventing inadvertent intermittent disconnects caused by vibration or operational movement of the plug in the critical connector and plug mating region. The result prevents tine damage, saves on costly repairs and increases overall system longevity.

In 2015, Leviton announced that Atlas-X1 Cat 6A connectivity, including cable, connectors, patch cords and patch panels, was successfully tested to deliver 100-watt PoE, enabling the transmission of power and data to a wider range of remote devices. The ability to deliver 100 watts supports the draft IEEE 802.3bt (type 4) PoE standard scheduled for ratification in 2017. System components have undergone rigorous lab testing to meet the need for higher bandwidth and power, while limiting the temperature rise in large cable bundles and remaining within the cable's listed rating.

To learn more about Leviton solutions for PoE, go to Leviton.com/PoE.

About Leviton Network Solutions
Leviton Network Solutions delivers complete network infrastructure systems for enterprise, data center, government, education, health care and residential markets around the globe. Solutions include copper and fiber optic connectivity, power distribution units, and much more. All Leviton products are engineered to exacting standards, offer industry-leading performance and are backed by the industry's best service and support. Builders, contractors and other industry professionals consistently rank Leviton products as the most preferred brand in the industry. Make the smart choice for a better network. Learn more at leviton.com/ns or twitter.com/LevitonNS.

About Leviton
Leviton is the smart choice, providing the most comprehensive range of solutions to meet the needs of today's residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Leveraging more than a century of experience, Leviton helps customers create sustainable, intelligent environments through its electrical wiring devices, network and data center connectivity solutions, and lighting energy management systems. From switches and receptacles, to daylight harvesting controls, networking systems, and equipment for charging electric vehicles, Leviton solutions help customers achieve savings in energy, time and cost, all while enhancing safety. For more information, visit www.leviton.com, http://www.facebook.com/leviton, http://twitter.com/leviton or http://www.youtube.com/Levitonmfg.

SOURCE Leviton