Do all keystone jacks support PoE? Let me reveal the answer.

The vast majority of standard network cable connectors (Keystone Jacks) physically support Power over Ethernet (PoE), but not all products are equally reliable under actual high-load operation.
You can think of a Keystone Jack as an "extension cord"; as long as it's connected using the standard 8-wire configuration, current can flow through it. However, when dealing with higher-power devices, there are some details to consider:

1️⃣ Why are they "basically all supported"?

Physical connection: PoE technology uses the metal wires in the network cable to transmit power. As long as your Keystone Jack is connected correctly, with all 8 copper wires functioning properly, power can flow through these "copper paths."
Standardized design: Most common connectors on the market (such as Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6a) are designed for general Ethernet standards, and PoE is part of these standards. Therefore, ordinary cameras or wireless routers (APs) usually work directly when plugged in.

2️⃣ If they all support it, what's the difference?

Although current can pass through, with the increasing power consumption of modern devices (such as some high-performance dome cameras or smart lighting), the demands on Keystone Jacks have also increased:
Heat generation: When current passes through, tiny contact points generate heat. If inexpensive or low-quality connectors have poor heat dissipation, prolonged operation at high power may accelerate the aging of the plastic components.
Arc damage (sparking during insertion/removal): When you unplug a powered network cable, tiny sparks may be generated between the metal contact points. Over time, this can cause small pits to form on the metal contacts of ordinary Keystone Jacks, leading to poor contact.
Certification: Some high-end Keystone Jacks are specifically marked as supporting PoE+ or PoE++. This indicates that they use better metal plating (usually gold) and more heat-resistant materials, allowing them to handle larger currents without failure.

3️⃣ Installation tips to avoid problems

To ensure stable PoE operation, consider these points when choosing and using Keystone Jacks:
Wire core quality: Ensure that you are using pure copper network cables, not aluminum core or impure wires. Pure copper conducts electricity well and is less prone to overheating.
Secure connection: Make sure the wires are pressed firmly into the connector during installation. If the wire connections are loose, the resistance will increase, and the PoE power supply will become intermittent.
Shielding and heat dissipation: If you are using high-power equipment, shielded jacks with metal casings usually offer better heat dissipation.