Powering a Victron Cerbo GX Over Ethernet: What Victron Says and What We Did
The Cerbo GX has no PoE input. What Victron's manual says about powering it, and what we did with a PoE splitter.
Last reviewed 2026-10-12.
What the manufacturer documents
- The manual says the Cerbo GX is powered through its Power in V+ connector, which accepts 8 to 70 V DC, and that it cannot be powered through any other connection, such as Ethernet or USB. (victronenergy.com)
- The manual says the supplied DC power cable includes an inline 3.15 A slow-blow fuse. (victronenergy.com)
- The manual says the Ethernet port is isolated except for the shield, and asks for unshielded UTP cables on the Ethernet network. (victronenergy.com)
- The manual recommends powering the GX device directly from the battery and advises against powering it from an AC adapter on the AC output of an inverter or charger, because a shutdown can leave both unable to restart and the GX device loses monitoring and remote access. (victronenergy.com)
- The manual says that above 60 V DC the Cerbo GX counts as a built-in product and installation must prevent user access to the terminals. (victronenergy.com)
- TP-Link's datasheet for the TL-POE10R splitter, revision 6.0, lists IEEE 802.3af compliance and selectable DC outputs of 12 V at 1 A, 9 V at 1 A and 5 V at 2 A. Our splitter's hardware revision was not recorded, and other revisions of the datasheet list different figures such as the operating temperature range. (static.tp-link.com)
What happened to us
- We powered a Cerbo GX and its GX Touch 50 screen from a UniFi PoE switch through a TP-Link TL-POE10R PoE splitter (the model is the owner's confirmation). The splitter's data output went to the Cerbo's Ethernet port and its DC output went to the Cerbo's power connector. The Cerbo booted, the screen worked and the Ethernet connection showed an IP address. (video)
- The TL-POE10R's output was set to 12 V. The UniFi PoE switch feeding it was powered from grid power, not from the inverter. (video)
- We cut the barrel plug off the splitter's own DC lead, stripped the ends and fitted a ferrule before connecting it to the Cerbo's supplied power connector. (video)
- There was no fuse or other protection device between the splitter's output and the Cerbo's power connector in our setup (the owner's confirmation). The supplied Victron lead, which has a 3.15 A fuse, was not used. We describe this because it is what we did, not because it is advisable. (video)
- Our own setup was close enough to use both Wi-Fi and Ethernet. Our stated reason for trying this was not wanting another connection on the battery bus bar. (video)
Points from the manuals and from our setup
| Item | Why it matters | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Splitter output voltage | TP-Link's datasheet for the TL-POE10R lists selectable outputs of 12 V 1 A, 9 V 1 A and 5 V 2 A. The Cerbo accepts 8 to 70 V DC, so the 5 V setting would be below that range | Victron manual and TP-Link datasheet; ours was set to 12 V (owner's confirmation) |
| Splitter current rating | The TP-Link datasheet lists the splitter's output ratings (1 A at 12 V and at 9 V). We did not measure the Cerbo's draw, so we do not know the margin | TP-Link datasheet for the rating; the Cerbo's draw was not measured |
| Fuse | The manual says the supplied Victron lead includes a 3.15 A slow-blow fuse. Our setup used the splitter's own lead with no fuse or other protection device, which is not what Victron supplies | Victron manual; owner's confirmation for our setup |
| Shielded Ethernet cable | The Ethernet shield is not isolated; Victron asks for unshielded cable | Victron manual |
| What powers the PoE switch | Victron advises against powering the GX device from the inverter's AC output because a shutdown can leave both unable to restart. Our UniFi switch ran from grid power, so that situation did not arise in our test; we did not test a switch powered from the inverter | Victron manual; owner's confirmation for our setup |
What we did not verify
- Victron does not document powering the Cerbo GX over PoE, and we do not know whether it affects the warranty.
- We did not measure the Cerbo's or the GX Touch's power draw.
- Victron's manual does not discuss PoE splitters; the points about voltage and the AC-output risk are our reading of it.
- In the video we mention that a PoE injector can stand in for a PoE switch and that the setup can be used only to power the Cerbo while staying on Wi-Fi; we did not demonstrate either.
- Our setup had no fuse or other protection between the splitter and the Cerbo. We describe it because it is what we did, not because it is advisable: Victron supplies a fused lead for the Cerbo's power connector.
- We did not test the setup with the PoE switch powered from the inverter, or through a shutdown and restart.
- The owner's answers about the output setting, the grid-powered switch and the missing protection come from the owner's memory, not from the video.
- We did not record the Cerbo GX model or firmware version for this test, and the manual we cite describes the MK2 and MK3 models.
Questions and answers
Is the Cerbo GX PoE compatible?
No. Victron's manual says it cannot be powered through Ethernet or USB.
What voltage does the Cerbo GX accept?
8 to 70 V DC on the Power in V+ connector, according to Victron's manual.
Does Victron recommend powering it from the inverter output?
No. The manual recommends powering the GX device directly from the battery.
Did our setup have a fuse?
No. Victron's supplied power lead includes a 3.15 A fuse, but ours used the splitter's own lead with no fuse or other protection device.
Sources
- Victron Cerbo GX manual (Victron Energy), section on powering the Cerbo GX and isolation
- TP-Link TL-POE10R PoE Splitter datasheet, revision 6.0 (TP-Link)
Videos this comes from
- How to power the Victron Cerbo GX over POE | Power Over Ethernet – Our PoE splitter setup
- Power CERBO GX with PoE: YES, it's possible! – Short version
Related topics
Follow along
New troubleshooting notes and comparisons come from our videos. Subscribe on YouTube or join the Discord. We do not collect email addresses on this site.
Important notice
This page records what the manufacturer publishes and what happened on equipment that TGBATG owns and used, as of the date shown. It describes what we did and saw, not what you should do. It is our experience only. It is not instructions, directions, a design, engineering, electrical or professional advice, and not a recommendation to buy, install, change or repair anything. We are not your engineer, electrician or installer.
Equipment, firmware, apps and manufacturers' instructions change without notice, and results differ with the exact parts, versions, settings and surroundings. What worked or failed for us may not work, or may be unsafe, for you. Updating firmware or changing settings can stop equipment working.
Batteries and mains-voltage electricity can cause serious injury, electric shock, fire and death. Read and follow the manufacturers' current instructions and warnings for every part, follow your local electrical code, and use a licensed professional where the work or permits require one. Contact the manufacturer's support before you change firmware or settings you are not sure about. Do not rely on this page.
We list above some things we did not verify. Even for what we did, we may have made mistakes or left things out. We cannot guarantee that this page is accurate, complete or current, or suitable for your use. It is provided as is, and you use it at your own risk. To the fullest extent the law allows, TGBATG is not responsible for loss, damage or injury that results from anyone relying on it.
If you find an error, please tell us at contactus@tgbatg.com.