Engineering outcome: select, power, install, and quote a 16-port or 24-port unmanaged Gigabit Ethernet switch with enough port headroom, low cabinet heat, clear compliance evidence, and a purchase-ready RFQ package. For project review, compare ONV-H3016 and ONV-H3024, then contact TPS for product selection, equivalent solutions, integration support, and global B2B supply coordination.
Why This Power Design Guide Matters
For a system integrator or panel builder, an Ethernet switch often looks simple until the project reaches factory acceptance, site commissioning, or procurement approval. The hardware must match the number of PLCs, HMIs, IPCs, NVRs, IP cameras, test stations, gateways, and service laptops in the cabinet. It also has to fit the power plan, leave room for cable routing, avoid unnecessary heat, and support the compliance evidence expected by the end customer. A low-cost switch that is not sized or documented correctly can still create schedule risk.
The TPS ONV-H3016 and ONV-H3024 are positioned for fixed, cost-sensitive Gigabit Ethernet networks where plug-and-play operation is preferred over managed Layer 2 configuration. Both models use 10/100/1000Base-T RJ45 ports, full line-speed forwarding, store-and-forward switching, LED status indication, a metal housing, fanless operation, and a built-in AC power supply. This makes them practical candidates for small and medium control panels, surveillance aggregation points, building infrastructure cabinets, lab benches, factory support networks, and machine cells that require stable non-PoE Ethernet distribution.
This article is written for BoFu buyers who are already comparing suppliers and preparing an RFQ. The goal is not only to explain the products, but also to help engineers and procurement teams decide what information TPS needs in order to recommend the right model, confirm application fit, and support a project-level quotation. TPS can provide this class of Ethernet switching products, equivalent alternatives, and integrated project support for global B2B customers that require both product delivery and engineering coordination.
Choose 16 or 24 Ports Without Overdesign
The first selection question is simple: do you need 16 ports or 24 ports? The better question is more practical: how many active ports are required after commissioning, how many are reserved for maintenance, and how much expansion headroom should be included before the panel becomes difficult to upgrade?
ONV-H3016 is the better fit when the panel has a known device list and the topology is unlikely to grow beyond 16 copper Ethernet nodes. It provides 16 RJ45 Gigabit ports, a 32 Gbps non-blocking switching capacity, a 23.81 Mpps forwarding rate at 64 bytes, 8K MAC address capacity, and 4.1M buffer memory. For many compact control cabinets, local video aggregation panels, workcells, and service racks, this gives enough bandwidth without adding unused ports, extra panel width, or procurement cost.
ONV-H3024 is the safer choice when the network list is still evolving or the site owner expects future devices. It provides 24 RJ45 Gigabit ports, a 48 Gbps non-blocking switching capacity, and a 35.71 Mpps forwarding rate at 64 bytes. The 24-port model is commonly preferred when the panel builder wants to reserve ports for additional IPCs, barcode readers, cameras, diagnostic tools, remote-access gateways, or future production line changes.
A practical selection rule
Choose a switch only after adding active devices, commissioning devices, maintenance ports, and future expansion ports. As a practical RFQ rule, if the installed network count is above 12 to 13 devices, the 24-port model often reduces future retrofit risk. If the count is below that level and the topology is fixed, the 16-port model may be more economical and easier to justify in procurement.
| Decision point | ONV-H3016 | ONV-H3024 | RFQ implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| RJ45 ports | 16 x 10/100/1000Base-T | 24 x 10/100/1000Base-T | Share the final device list and spare-port requirement. |
| Switching capacity | 32 Gbps non-blocking | 48 Gbps non-blocking | Confirm whether all ports may carry high-throughput traffic at the same time. |
| Forwarding rate | 23.81 Mpps | 35.71 Mpps | Useful for dense packet traffic and camera or data acquisition networks. |
| Best-fit scenario | Known 16-port topology | Expansion-ready 24-port topology | Procurement can approve the model based on growth risk. |
Power and Thermal Design Checks
Power design for an unmanaged Ethernet switch is not just the switch input label. In a control cabinet, the switch must be included in the AC distribution plan, the breaker or branch-circuit concept, heat calculation, service access plan, and customer approval package. Both ONV-H3016 and ONV-H3024 use a built-in AC 100-240 V power supply for 50-60 Hz input. This removes the need for a separate external adapter and can simplify cabinet wiring, documentation, and FAT inspection.
The ONV-H3016 technical table lists a total power/input voltage class of 15 W with standby consumption below 9 W and full-load consumption below 15 W. The ONV-H3024 is listed at 18 W with standby consumption below 10 W and full-load consumption below 16 W. The ordering table also shows a 20 W configured power-supply class, which is useful for conservative BOM planning. For electrical engineers, this means the switch load is small, but it should still be counted in the panel heat budget and AC branch load calculation.
Thermal design matters because these switches are fanless and use a metal housing for heat dissipation. That is an advantage for maintenance because there is no fan to clog or replace, but it also means the cabinet should allow natural convection around the housing. The operating range is -20°C to +55°C with 5% to 90% RH non-condensing. For high-density cabinets, pair the switch selection with a realistic airflow review. TPS also provides engineering-oriented resources such as control cabinet thermal design guidance and industrial control cabinet power architecture planning to help teams reduce derating and field reliability issues.
Breaker, inrush, and startup coordination
Although these switches have low steady-state consumption, a complete cabinet may include AC power supplies, relays, PLCs, drives, IPCs, displays, and lighting. The switch should be included in the startup sequence and branch distribution plan so that the panel does not trip during power-on. If your cabinet already has nuisance trips, review the broader power-on behavior using TPS guidance on inrush current, breaker curves, and practical fixes. TPS can help align Ethernet switch selection with the overall cabinet power concept instead of treating it as a last-minute accessory.
Integration, Installation, and Cabinet Layout
Both models support desktop, wall-mount, and 1U/19-inch cabinet installation. That flexibility is important for panel builders who serve multiple end-user standards. A lab bench may prefer desktop placement. A wall cabinet may require compact side mounting. A rack or equipment cabinet may require the 1U/19-inch format. Confirm the mounting method during RFQ so TPS can review mechanical fit, packing list needs, and any project documentation required by the buyer.
The dimensional difference should not be ignored. ONV-H3016 is listed at 270 x 181 x 44.5 mm, while ONV-H3024 is listed at 330 x 204 x 44 mm. Net/gross weight is 1.05 kg/1.55 kg for ONV-H3016 and 1.4 kg/2.0 kg for ONV-H3024. When a cabinet layout is tight, the extra width and depth of the 24-port model may affect cable bend radius, access to adjacent terminals, and the service path for RJ45 patch cords. Provide the enclosure drawing, mounting preference, and cable entry direction when requesting a quotation.
The ports support auto-sensing and MDI/MDI-X self-adaptation, which simplifies connection to common Ethernet devices. Twisted-pair transmission guidance is typical for copper Ethernet: Cat3/4/5 for 10BASE-T up to 100 meters, Cat5 or later for 100BASE-TX up to 100 meters, and Cat5e or later for 1000BASE-T up to 100 meters. For procurement, specify whether the project requires only the switch or also patch cables, installation accessories, labeling, panel integration, or a broader power and networking package.
When unmanaged is the right choice
An unmanaged switch is usually appropriate when the network is stable, the topology is simple, and the project does not require VLANs, ring redundancy, SNMP monitoring, or advanced traffic control. It is attractive for machine sub-panels, camera aggregation, small enterprise infrastructure, service benches, and basic industrial support networks where the key requirement is reliable RJ45 Gigabit connectivity. If the project requires redundant ring architecture, managed diagnostics, or special protocols, TPS can review the requirement and discuss an equivalent or higher-level solution rather than forcing a product mismatch.
Compliance, Reliability, and Approval Evidence
Supplier approval is easier when engineering and procurement can see the compliance basis early. The ONV-H3016 and ONV-H3024 technical table lists CCC, CE mark, commercial classification, CE/LVD EN62368-1, FCC Part 15 Class B, and RoHS. It also lists 4 kV 8/20 us lightning protection, IP30 protection level, LED indicators for power and network link/activity, and a warranty statement of one year with lifelong maintenance.
For electrical engineers, these details support design review. For procurement, they reduce ambiguity in the supplier comparison. For system integrators, they help document the network hardware in the project file. For panel builders, they provide a clearer basis for FAT, packing checks, and acceptance documentation. When the end customer has a compliance checklist, attach the required certificate request to the RFQ so TPS can confirm available documentation and any project-specific evidence needed before purchase order release.
Reliability also depends on correct application fit. The switches are not PoE power injectors, not managed Layer 2 switches, and not a substitute for an industrial fiber ring where redundancy is mandatory. They are best used where stable, fanless, Gigabit RJ45 distribution is required with simple installation and low power consumption. TPS can help customers determine whether ONV-H3016, ONV-H3024, or an equivalent TPS-supported solution is the most appropriate path for the application.
RFQ Checklist for Faster Supplier Approval
A strong RFQ does more than ask for price. It gives the supplier enough information to confirm model fit, avoid wrong assumptions, and shorten technical clarification loops. For ONV-H3016 and ONV-H3024 projects, include the network device list, current and future port count, cabinet drawing, mounting method, AC input plan, environmental conditions, cable type, expected documentation, target delivery schedule, and whether the switch is part of a larger power system package.
Procurement teams should also state whether the project is buying for one prototype cabinet, a pilot line, a multi-site rollout, or recurring panel production. This helps TPS align product availability, packing expectations, documentation, and commercial terms with the actual buying scenario. TPS is not limited to component supply; the company can support product selection, project coordination, custom or equivalent solution discussions, and engineering consultation for global B2B customers.
Send these items with your RFQ
- Target model: ONV-H3016 16-port Gigabit Ethernet switch, ONV-H3024 24-port Gigabit Ethernet switch, or request TPS to recommend the model.
- Device list: PLCs, HMIs, IPCs, cameras, NVRs, gateways, service ports, and expected spare ports.
- Cabinet format: desktop, wall mount, 1U/19-inch installation, cable entry direction, and available space.
- Power plan: AC input source, branch circuit concept, breaker constraints, and startup sequence if relevant.
- Environment: ambient temperature, humidity, enclosure ventilation, dust exposure, and installation location.
- Approval needs: CE, FCC, RoHS, EN62368-1 documentation, warranty expectations, packing list, and project schedule.
Commercial Fit for System Integrators, Panel Builders, Procurement, and Engineers
For system integrators, the value is a stable Ethernet layer that does not require extra configuration effort during commissioning. For panel builders, the value is predictable mounting, built-in AC power, fanless construction, and a simple packing list that can be repeated across cabinets. For procurement teams, the value is clear model differentiation, low power consumption, compliance references, and a supplier that can support project conversations rather than only unit pricing. For electrical engineers, the value is a selection path that connects network topology, power design, thermal review, and documentation.
When a project requires a 16-port switch with compact fit and a fixed topology, start with ONV-H3016. When the project needs more RJ45 ports, expansion margin, and higher aggregate switching capacity, start with ONV-H3024. If your application is not a perfect match, TPS can discuss equivalent products, integration considerations, and solution-level support. For broader cabinet planning, you may also review TPS resources on 24 V control panel load calculation, DC OK relay wiring for predictive maintenance, and when to work with a power system integration specialist.
Request Model Selection and RFQ Support from TPS
Send TPS your device list, cabinet drawing, compliance requirements, and purchasing schedule. TPS can help confirm whether ONV-H3016, ONV-H3024, or an equivalent solution is the right fit, then support quotation, documentation, and project delivery for global B2B customers.
FAQ
Should I choose ONV-H3016 or ONV-H3024 for a control cabinet?
Choose ONV-H3016 when the device count is stable and a 16-port topology leaves enough spare ports. Choose ONV-H3024 when the project needs additional expansion margin or the customer may add devices later. TPS can review the network list and recommend the most cost-effective model.
Do these switches require configuration?
No. They are unmanaged plug-and-play Gigabit Ethernet switches. They are suitable for fixed networks where VLANs, managed diagnostics, ring redundancy, and SNMP monitoring are not required.
How should I include the switch in the cabinet power calculation?
Count the switch as a low-power AC load. ONV-H3016 is listed with full-load consumption below 15 W, while ONV-H3024 is listed below 16 W. For conservative RFQ and BOM planning, note the 20 W configured power-supply class and confirm branch-circuit assumptions with TPS.
What compliance information should procurement request?
Ask for the available certificate and conformity documentation related to CCC, CE, CE/LVD EN62368-1, FCC Part 15 Class B, and RoHS, as applicable to your project. Share the end-customer checklist during RFQ so TPS can confirm what documentation can be provided.
Can TPS support equivalent or custom project requirements?
Yes. TPS can support product selection, equivalent solution discussions, integration review, and project-level coordination for global B2B customers. If ONV-H3016 or ONV-H3024 is not the exact fit, TPS can help evaluate a suitable alternative or broader solution package.
