The Verkada AC12 one-door controller physically connects to door components to manage access. The AC12 can operate as a single unmanaged Power over Ethernet (PoE)+ switch port to power an additional device, such as a Verkada camera.
Before you begin
Ensure that the following guidelines are met:
PoE Passthrough requires that the AC12 be powered with a PoE++/802.bt input source.
Network passthrough is always supported.
Eco/dynamic power consumption allocation must be turned off for all switch ports with an AC12 connected.
Devices that require more than 30W are not supported for passthrough.
Applications of PoE passthrough
You can use PoE passthrough to power any standard PoE+ device. This includes most Verkada cameras and manufacturer devices that are compatible with IEEE 802.3at. Some examples include:
Verkada cameras (excluding models that require PoE++)
Wireless access points
Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones
PoE-to-DC converters
Additional AC12s
If your device does not require PoE, you can provide a data only port out. This mode is available even if the device is provided with PoE++ connection. Some examples of this include:
Data output for a computer
Data for other models of Verkada access controllers
A PoE injector to another device
Note: The cable’s total length used from the original switch to plugged-in device cannot exceed 328 ft (100m). For example, if the AC12 is above the door with a 262 ft (80m) wire run back to the switch, you cannot use a run longer than 65 ft (20m) to connect the camera.
Special use cases
By default, the AC12 PoE passthrough supports a full 30W PoE+ output but there are some cases where it can only up to 27W power to the dependent device, with the other power reserved for itself to operate. This is when either the USB or second reader is enabled. For most applications, this is sufficient for nearly every device; however, some examples where this can be an issue are:
The CF81-E model in low temperature (night mode)
Additional AC12s
Other third-party devices that expect full 30W power
If you want to use the USB, you can enable it in the device settings.
Disable PoE passthrough
You can disable PoE output functionality for the AC12 in Command:
In Verkada Command, go to All Products > Access.
At the top, click Controllers.
Select the AC12.
At the top right, click the Settings (gear) icon.
Toggle off the AC12, as shown below.
Error handling examples
There are a number of reasons that can lead to this issue. Some examples are:
The AC12 had a short circuit occur on the wired devices.
The AC12 has a device wired to it, exceeding its individual budget.
The device power is being provided to is having a short circuit.
The device power is being provided to is not supported or requires more power than what is provided.
The switch failed to provide continuous PoE++ output to the AC12 or did not allocate a constant 60W budget.
Recommendation. If this occurs, we highly recommend inspecting the AC12 and PoE device, ensuring that it’s not damaged and that it’s designed to operate at a rating no more than 802.af. At any time, you can resolve the issue in Command and re-enable the PoE output functionality if you are certain the issue will not persist. If the issue continues, contact Verkada Support.
For information about how to power the AC12 and what the expected current limits are for a given output, see the AC12 technical specifications.
Related resources
AC12 One-Door Controller (install guide)
Need more help? Contact Verkada Support