[All cameras] What should I do if the camera red LED is not blinking when connecting the PoE cable (camera is not turning ON)

Question

What should I do if I cannot find the camera online or on the local network, and its red LED does not blink when the PoE cable is connected?

Answer

When the camera’s RED LED is off, it indicates that the camera is not receiving power. This usually points to the problem with the power input to the camera, so please check the following points to diagnose the problem:

1. Check if the switch port connected to the camera is working properly:

Use another PoE port to check if the port used to power ON the camera is damaged.

2. Check if there is enough power delivered to the camera:

Power issues can be related to switch specification compatibilities (802.3at/af or UPoE). If the wrong power source is used, the camera will not be able to turn on.

Please check the camera power requirements in the user’s manual or the camera technical specifications.

3. Check if the camera can be turned on using a different power source:

The cameras can also be powered using adaptors or injectors.

Try using any of the above power sources to check if the camera can be powered. Just be sure that there is enough power being sent, and it does not exceed the maximum power required.

4. Be sure to use Cat5 or Cat6 cables:

It is recommended to use Cat5 or Cat6 cables to provide power to the cameras, especially in environments where the cables could be affected (high temperatures, magnetism, etc.).

5. Check that the distance between the switch and the camera (power cable length) doesn't exceed the switch range limit:

Most of the switches can provide steady power in a range of 80m to 100m. If this length is exceeded, it may generate power loss (cable resistance) and therefore not enough power will reach the camera:

If there is a need to extend the connection distance between the camera and the switch, please use a power injector (https://www.vivotek.com/products/poe-network-products/poe-injector)

6. Check if the connecting port in the camera is damaged:

Connection ports may get damaged in very humid environments. Please be sure that the Ethernet port or cables are in good condition.

If after checking those points everything seems normal, but the camera is still unable to turn on, it will need to be sent back for repairs.