SIEMENS SCALANCE
Guides & Resources
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about SIEMENS SCALANCE from 3G Electric.
What are the power requirements for Siemens SCALANCE unmanaged DIN rail switches?
The Siemens SCALANCE unmanaged DIN rail switches listed by 3G Electric operate on a maximum input voltage of 24 V DC. They are designed to be powered from standard industrial DC power supplies commonly used in control cabinets. The power connection is typically made via a terminal block on the front or side of the switch. It is important to observe correct polarity when wiring, as reverse polarity can damage the device. These switches do not include an internal power supply or AC adapter; they require an external 24 V DC source. The current draw depends on the specific model and the number of active ports, but it is generally low, consistent with unmanaged switch designs. For detailed power consumption figures, refer to the technical datasheet for the specific SKU. 3G Electric can provide the relevant documentation upon request.
What is the difference between the SCALANCE switches with SC Multimode and SC Singlemode ports?
The difference lies in the type of fiber optic cable they support. SC Multimode ports are designed for use with multimode fiber, which typically has a core diameter of 50 or 62.5 micrometers. Multimode fiber is generally used for shorter distances, such as within a building or between adjacent cabinets, because it offers higher bandwidth over short runs but higher attenuation over long distances. SC Singlemode ports are for singlemode fiber, which has a much smaller core diameter (typically 9 micrometers) and supports much longer distances. Singlemode fiber is often used for campus or plant-wide connections where runs exceed a few hundred meters. Both types use the SC connector interface, which is a square, push-pull connector. The choice between them depends on the existing fiber infrastructure and the required distance. The 3G Electric inventory includes both variants, allowing buyers to match their specific cabling.
Can Siemens SCALANCE unmanaged switches be used in outdoor environments?
No, the Siemens SCALANCE unmanaged switches with an IP20 rating are not suitable for outdoor environments. IP20 indicates protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm, such as fingers, but no protection against water or dust ingress. These switches are intended for installation inside control cabinets, enclosures, or other protected areas where they are not exposed to moisture, dust, or direct weather. For outdoor or harsh environments, Siemens offers other SCALANCE models with higher IP ratings, such as IP65 or IP67, which are designed to withstand water and dust. However, those models are not part of the current 3G Electric listing. If you require an outdoor-rated switch, please contact 3G Electric to discuss available options or alternatives.
What network speeds do the Siemens SCALANCE DIN rail switches support?
The Siemens SCALANCE unmanaged DIN rail switches available from 3G Electric support 10/100 Mbit/s network speeds. This means they can operate at either 10 Mbit/s or 100 Mbit/s, depending on the connected device and cable. The RJ45 ports typically support auto-negotiation, so they will automatically select the highest common speed with the connected device. The fiber optic ports also operate at 100 Mbit/s. These switches do not support Gigabit speeds. For applications requiring higher bandwidth, other SCALANCE models with Gigabit capabilities are available, but they are not included in the current 3G Electric product list. The 10/100 Mbit/s speed is sufficient for many industrial control and monitoring applications where data rates are relatively low.
How many ports are available on the Siemens SCALANCE unmanaged switches from 3G Electric?
3G Electric currently lists Siemens SCALANCE unmanaged DIN rail switches with either 4 or 5 ports. The 4-port models include combinations of RJ45 and fiber optic ports: one model has 4 ports with RJ45 and SC Multimode, another has 4 ports with RJ45 and SC Singlemode. The 5-port model has 5 RJ45 ports. The exact configuration varies by SKU. For example, SKU 12N876 has 4 ports (RJ45 and SC Multimode), SKU 12N877 has 4 ports (RJ45 and SC Singlemode), and SKU 12N878 has 5 RJ45 ports. All operate at 10/100 Mbit/s. If you need a different port count or mix, other SCALANCE models exist, but the 3G Electric inventory focuses on these specific unmanaged switches.
Does 3G Electric supply SIEMENS SCALANCE products?
Yes — 3G Electric (S) Pte. Ltd. supplies SIEMENS SCALANCE products. We stock the SIEMENS SCALANCE catalog and supply genuine factory-original products with full manufacturer warranty and technical support.
