Power over Ethernet (PoE)

Local 230
Sat Aug 8, 2026
8:30 AM ; 1:00 PM
Signup Deadline: Thu Jul 30, 2026 12:00 am
Class Size – Min: 10, Max: 20
IBEW 230 Training Centre (Victoria)

This course blends online learning with a hands-on workshop. You must finish the online lessons at home before coming to the practical classroom session.
In the online portion you will be introduced to the basics of Power over Ethernet. You will be able to recognize the difference between standard line voltage wiring and PoE systems, then deep dive into what makes up a PoE system. You will then learn about how systems are designed and become knowledgeable enough to know when to, and when not to recommend PoE systems for building owners.

During the practical, in-person portion, you will be taught step-by-step to wire and program your own LINC (Local Area Network Controller) to a RGBW Light fixture, then be able to control it locally with a push-button wall switch and through the network with your own custom-built online portal.

The listed course date is for the 3.5h (approx) in-person practical session only. The registration cutoff is one week in advance to allow for completion of the online course which requires between 4-8 hours of study, depending on each individual participant’s knowledge and experience level. 

For the purpose of pilot course evaluation, participants may be spread between two offerings based on level of experience. The time of your in-person session will be confirmed once the registration deadline has passed. Please contact emilie@wjets.ca with any questions.

IBEW Local 230 members: be among the first to train in one of the emerging technologies shaping the future of commercial and institutional buildings. 

Technology is changing the way we power, connect, and manage buildings. Power over Ethernet (PoE) is no longer limited to security cameras, phones, or basic low-voltage equipment. With the latest innovations, PoE is expanding into smart lighting, controls, sensors, workstations, building automation, and other high-performance building systems, including entire hospitals!  

As demand grows for more sustainable, efficient, and intelligent buildings, IBEW electricians have an important opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and protect our market share. PoE reduces building operational costs by delivering data and low-voltage DC power over a single Cat 5 or Cat 6 cable, which bypasses the need for repeated AC-to-DC conversion helping reduce energy loss by intelligently managing a building’s electrical load, and minimizes electrical fire and shock hazard risks. In some applications, PoE can reduce energy costs by up to 20%.  

Course Format 

This blended delivery course includes a brief online introductory component to be completed before the practical session, followed by an approximately 3 to 3.5 hour in-person practical workshop at the IBEW 230 Training Centre in Victoria. 

In the online portion, participants will be introduced to the basics of Power over Ethernet, including the difference between standard line-voltage wiring and PoE systems, the components of a PoE system, and how to recognize when PoE may be a strong option for building owners. 

During the practical portion, participants will wire and program a LINC (Local Area Network Controller) to an RGBW light fixture, then control it locally with a push-button wall switch and through the network using a custom-built online portal. 

Who Should Register 

This pilot course is open to Local 230 members who are Red Seal Electricians and are currently working for a Local 230 contractor. 

Space is limited for this pilot offering. Online coursework must be completed prior to attending the in-person practical. Register early and take the opportunity to build practical knowledge in a technology that is helping create buildings that are more energy efficient, safer to build, easier to maintain, and smarter to operate.