PoE budget calculator.
Quick planning estimate for a Falco access-control project. Enter your switch budget and device counts; we return a total and the headroom left over. Use it to scope a job, not to size a final BOM.
Estimate the budget.
Default watts per device come from the Falco product datasheets. Final draw varies by SKU, cable run, and lock load — confirm with your account team before ordering.
Total wattage your PoE switch (or injector) can deliver across all ports.
Falco PoE controller draws up to 15.4 W per port (single Cat5e/6 powers controller and onboard battery charger). Default: 15.4 W per device.
Most Falco readers run on 12 V DC; planning at 4 W per reader covers typical card and biometric units. Default: 4 W per device.
Single 600 lb EM lock draws roughly 0.45 A at 12 V DC ≈ 5.4 W; round to 6 W for sizing. Default: 6 W per device.
Planning estimate
- Estimated total draw
- 35.4 W
- Switch budget
- 60 W
- Headroom
- 41%
Within budget.
Aim for at least 20% headroom for inrush, cable loss, and future ports.
This is a planning figure, not a guarantee. Final draw depends on the specific SKU, lock load, and cable run.
Compatibility matrix.
Power options for the most common Falco hardware. Watts are planning estimates from the published product specs.
| Device | Category | Power options | Planning W |
|---|---|---|---|
| PoE Controller (1- or 2-door)Input spec: PoE hub 15.4 W min per port (controllers.ts). | Controller | PoE (single Cat5e/6) | 15.4 |
| IP ControllerAuxiliary 12 V output for readers and locks (controllers.ts). | Controller | 12 V DC (external PSU) | 12 |
| Card / keypad readerReader spec: 12 V DC (readers.ts). | Reader | 12 V DC | 3 |
| Reader with PoE optionReader spec: 12 V DC or PoE (readers.ts). | Reader | 12 V DC, PoE | 6 |
| EM lock (600 lb)Lock spec: 450 mA at 12 V DC ≈ 5.4 W (locks.ts). | Lock | 12 V DC | 6 |
| PoE-powered EM lock (600 lb)Lock spec: 12 V DC via PoE, ~300 mA (locks.ts). | Lock | PoE | 4 |
Confirm exact power requirements against the latest product datasheet or with your Falco account team before ordering.
Need a sized BOM for tender?
Send us the door schedule and lock types. We'll come back with a switch, controller, reader, and lock list matched to your project.
Talk to us