AXIS T8154 vs TU8003: Which Midspan Powers Your PTZ?

If you have worked on an Axis PTZ deployment, you may have encountered one of these midspans: a power injector that sends high-wattage PoE and Gigabit data down a single network cable. On a job powered from a compatible PoE switch, a separate midspan may not be needed. On other jobs, matching the midspan to the camera's documented power requirement is essential. Here's what each model does and how to choose.

What a midspan does (30 seconds)

A PTZ camera can draw considerably more power than a standard fixed camera because motors, heaters, wipers, and illuminators all contribute to the load. A midspan sits between the network and the camera: data enters from the network, the midspan adds power, and one Ethernet cable carries both to the device.

The SFP slot on both units adds a second capability. With a suitable SFP module, the midspan can accept a fiber network connection and provide powered copper Ethernet at the camera end. Both models also accept copper network input over RJ45.

The two models, side by side

Choose the T8154 (60 W) when…

Choose the T8154 when the camera or other network product's power specification calls for High PoE up to 60 W or IEEE 802.3bt Type 3 Class 6 compatibility. It is a compact, plug-and-play 60 W injector and SFP media converter, with no audio or I/O terminal blocks. P/N 5901-004 and current US P/N 02740-004 identify the same T8154 product in different Axis packaging generations.

Choose the TU8003 (90 W) when…

Choose the TU8003 when the device specifies IEEE 802.3bt Type 4 power up to 90 W, or when the deployment needs Portcast audio and I/O connectivity. Its 4-pin audio block supports external microphone or line input and line output. Its 6-pin I/O block provides three configurable inputs or digital outputs, one fixed input, and a 12 V DC output with a 50 mA maximum load.

The TU8003 automatically detects compatible PoE and High PoE devices and supplies inline power. It supports IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at, IEEE 802.3bt, and Axis High PoE.

The honest decision rule

Open the device datasheet and read its power section. Match the stated PoE standard and maximum power requirement to the midspan. A 60 W midspan is not the right choice for a device that requires up to 90 W. A TU8003 can negotiate with supported lower-power IEEE 802.3af, 802.3at, and Axis High PoE devices, so using the higher-capacity model with a compatible lower-draw device is the safe direction.

For non-Axis equipment, treat both products as standards-based PoE injectors but verify the device's required IEEE PoE type, power budget, cabling, and connector expectations before ordering. Axis documents these products for Axis network devices, so third-party compatibility should not be assumed from wattage alone.

Why ours cost less than the dealer channel

Both models on our shelves are open box and unused surplus from installations where the midspan was not deployed. Every unit is inspected, serial-logged to the order, and covered by the RSH 1-Year Guarantee. Rapid Security Hardware is an independent reseller and is not affiliated with or sponsored by Axis Communications.

Both midspans are in stock and ship the same business day on orders placed before 4 PM CT. Each is covered by the RSH 1-Year Guarantee. AXIS T8154 — Open Box · AXIS TU8003 — Open Box