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Single-Pair Ethernet buying guide
This buying guide will help you:
Understand how Single-Pair Ethernet works
Identify the various cable and connector standards
Learn about 3-pin terminal blocks
Select the right Eaton accessories for your custom application
How Single-Pair Ethernet works
Single-Pair Ethernet (referred to as SPE in the rest of this article) enables long-distance Ethernet communications in environments where traditional four-pair Ethernet is impractical or too costly. Just one twisted pair of copper wires delivers both data and Power over Ethernet (PoE) up to 1,000 meters (3,281 feet or .62 miles), which makes SPE an ideal choice for industrial applications, such as factories, warehouses, building automation systems, surveillance networks and other harsh environments.
SPE cabling: simpler and less expensive
Because SPE cabling requires only one twisted-wire pair, it is lighter in weight, easier to install, more flexible around bends and through walls and ceilings, and less costly than four-pair copper cabling. Because it uses less copper, your carbon footprint is lower, and your application is more environmentally friendly.
SPE cable standards
SPE cables are primarily based around the IEC 61156 series:
| Protocol | Bandwidth | Max. distance |
|
| IEC 61156-11 (Fixed) | 1000BASE-T1 |
1 Gbps |
40 m |
IEC 61156-12 (Flexible) |
1000BASE-T1 | 1 Gbps | 40 m |
| IEC 61156-13 (Fixed) | 10BASE-T1L |
10 Mbps |
1,000 m |
| IEC 61156-14 (Flexible) | 10BASE-T1L |
10 Mbps |
1,000 m |
One of SPE’s advantages is that it works over previously existing twisted-pair cabling originally intended for serial protocols such as RS-485. By retrofitting your already existing network, you can reduce or eliminate the cost of installing new cables.
SPE connector standards
SPE connectors are primarily based around the IEC 63171 series:
Connector type |
Application | |
IEC 63171-1 (MICE 1) |
LC | Building automation, IT |
IEC 63171-2 (MICE 1) |
IP20 |
High-density office/building |
IEC 63171-3 (MICE 1) |
Tera |
Office/building |
IEC 63171-4 (MICE 1) |
BKS |
Office/building |
IEC 63171-5 (MICE 2 or MICE 3) |
IP67 |
Harsh factory/industrial automation |
IEC 63171-6 (MICE 1, MICE 2 or MICE 3) |
T1 industrial IP20, M8 (IP67) |
Harsh factory/industrial automation, robotics |
IEC 63171-7 (MICE 1, MICE 2 or MICE 3) |
IP20, M8, M12, M12 hybrid |
Factory/industrial automation, power-intensive IIoT field devices |
3-pin terminal blocks are your non-standardized connector choice
Flexible and relatively simple to install, 3-pin terminal blocks are ideal for retrofitting pre-existing networks. They work with a wide range of wire gauges, as well as thick conductors (18 or 20 AWG), which allow you to create an SPE application up to 1,000 meters with no signal loss.
How Eaton can make your SPE network better
Eaton has an industrial media converter and an industrial switch specifically intended for your SPE application. Both models are compliant with the Federal Trade Agreements Act (TAA), which makes them eligible for GSA (General Services Administration) Schedule and other federal procurement contracts.
Industrial Media Converter
The Tripp Lite series N785-001-SPE Industrial Media Converter enables long‑distance Ethernet communications in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) environments where traditional four‑pair Ethernet is impractical or too costly. Fully compliant with IEEE 802.3cg 10BASE‑T1L, this media converter delivers reliable 10 Mbps Ethernet connectivity up to 1,000 meters over a single pair of copper wires.
The N785‑001‑SPE allows legacy sensors, actuators, PLCs and IIoT edge devices to connect seamlessly into modern IP‑based infrastructures, which eliminates material and labor costs associated with pulling new Cat5e/6 or fiber cabling. The unmanaged media converter’s rugged, compact form factor and wide temperature tolerance make it ideal for factories, warehouses, building automation systems, surveillance networks and other harsh industrial environments.
4-Port Industrial Switch
The Tripp Lite series NFI-U04-SPE 4-Port Industrial Switch delivers long‑reach Ethernet capability using the 10BASE‑T1L standard, enabling seamless migration from legacy fieldbus wiring to modern IP‑based communication. With four 10BASE‑T1L ports supporting an SPE cable distance up to 1,000 meters and two additional 10/100BASE‑TX RJ45 ports, this switch bridges SPE field devices with broader industrial networks.
Designed for cabinet, control panel and field installations, the IP30-rated metal housing resists vibration, shock and electromagnetic interference (EMI). A wide range of operating temperatures helps make the NFI-U04-SPE a reliable operator in outdoor, surveillance, security, building maintenance and other extreme environments.
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