Ubiquiti PowerBeam 5AC Installation Guide and Specifications for U.S. Installers

This article provides a detailed overview of the installation process and technical specifications for the Ubiquiti PowerBeam 5AC-Gen2, a high-performance outdoor wireless communication device designed for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint applications. The guide is structured around the essential hardware components, step-by-step installation procedures, and compliance and safety considerations important for U.S.-based installers. All information is derived exclusively from official installation documentation and product specifications, ensuring technical accuracy and reliability.

Hardware Overview and Included Components

The Ubiquiti PowerBeam 5AC-Gen2 is supplied with a comprehensive set of hardware components to support a wide range of installation scenarios. The core components include the Dish Reflector, Antenna Feed, Rear Housing, Mounting Bracket, and Pole Clamp, designed to support durable and weather-resistant outdoor installation.

Key hardware includes:

• Dish Reflector: A reflective surface that enhances signal gain. It is constructed from powder-coated SPCC (Stainless Cold Rolled Steel) for durability.
• Antenna Feed: The feed is made from outdoor UV stabilized plastic and operates at 25 dBi gain in the 5 GHz frequency band.
• Rear Housing: A protective casing for the radio electronics, also fabricated from UV stabilized plastic.
• Mounting Bracket: A metal bracket used to secure the PowerBeam to a pole of 40–80 mm diameter.
• Adjustment Bracket: Supports alignment and provides an option for additional reinforcement in high-wind conditions.
• Hex Bolts with Washers (Qty. 4): Assists in securing all major components.
• Carriage Bolts (Qty. 2): An essential part of the bracket assembly.
• Flange Nuts (Qty. 2 or 4, depending on the source): Used for mounting and tightening the reflector and brackets.
• Pole Clamp (Qty. 2): Designed to grip and secure the mounting pole.
• Gigabit PoE Adapter (24V, 0.5A): Integrated power-over-ethernet adapter that supplies both power and data connectivity to the device.
• Power Cord: Provided with the PoE Adapter, this cord connects the device to a grounded power source.
• 13 mm Wrench: Required for tightening bolts to the specified 25 N·m torque.

The device supports a 10/100/1000 Ethernet port for wired LAN and DHCP connectivity. It must be grounded via a PoE port to ensure proper function and ESD protection. Installers are strongly advised to use industrial-grade, shielded Ethernet cabling to maintain signal integrity and mitigate interference.

For installations exposing the device to potential voltage surges (e.g., thunderstorms), Ubiquiti recommends two Ethernet Surge Protectors (Model ETH-SP) placed near the device and at the point where the cable enters a building.

Installation Process Overview

To ensure optimal performance and safety, the PowerBeam 5AC must be installed by a qualified professional who is familiar with local regulatory and construction requirements. Below is a step-by-step installation process based on the official installation instructions:

Step 1: Mounting the PowerBeam Reflective Dish

1. Begin by cleaning the installation area to ensure a stable surface.
2. Attach the Mounting Bracket to the Pole Clamp, aligning both with the pole.
3. Secure the Pole Clamp to the pole, tightening the bolts to 25 N·m torque using the 13 mm wrench.
4. Attach the Adjustment Bracket to the rear of the Dish Reflector for alignment purposes.
5. Align the Dish Reflector with the target access point and adjust the bracket as needed.

In high-wind environments, additional reinforcement can be applied using M4 screws through pre-drilled holes in the Adjustment Bracket and into the Dish Reflector. This is optional and not included in the standard package.

Step 2: Assembling the Antenna Feed and Rear Housing

1. Attach the Antenna Feed to the center of the Dish Reflector.
2. Connect the Rear Housing to the Antenna Feed.
3. After assembly, ensure the Release Button is fully engaged in the rear housing to lock the feed in place.
4. If the feed needs to be removed for any reason, the Release Button must be depressed first.

Step 3: Connecting the PoE Adapter and Ethernet

1. Connect the desired computer or network switch to the Gigabit PoE Adapter using a shielded Category 5 or higher Ethernet cable.
2. Connect the PoE Adapter to the PowerBeam using the included Ethernet cable.
3. Insert the power cord into the adapter and plug into a grounded AC power source.

It is important to confirm that the selected Ethernet cable and connectors support the required power and bandwidth specifications, including grounding through the PoE port.

Step 4: Mounting the PoE Adapter (Optional)

1. If extra protection is desired, remove the PoE Mounting Bracket from the adapter.
2. Mark the installation points and, if necessary, pre-drill for the mounting screws.
3. Secure the bracket using two fasteners.

This optional step is recommended in exposed or outdoor environments where unsecured power adapters may be susceptible to tampering or weather damage.

Configuration and Management

After physical installation, the PowerBeam 5AC-Gen2 can be accessed for airOS® configuration as follows:

• The device boots automatically when connected to power and a network cable.
• Once connected to a LAN with a DHCP server, the airOS® configuration interface will load on the default IP address assigned to the device.
• For remote access or advanced configurations, installers may also use the management radio (operating in the 2.4 GHz band within the U-NII band range, 2412–2462 MHz for the U.S.).

The user guide for airOS® is available at ui.com/download/airmax-ac. Through this interface, users can:

• Adjust signal LED thresholds for wireless signal strength indicators.
• Manage Ethernet connection status.
• Monitor device health and diagnostics.

For devices shipped from Ubiquiti with no modifications, the factory signal LED thresholds are set to: -65 dBm, -73 dBm, -80 dBm, and -94 dBm. These values correspond to each LED lighting up at those signal strengths or higher.

The Power LED will illuminate blue when AC power is connected, while the Ethernet LED will remain steady blue to indicate an active connection and flash during Ethernet activity.

Operating Frequency and Regulatory Compliance

The PowerBeam 5AC-Gen2 operates in various 5 GHz frequency bands depending on geographic region and applicable regulations.

For the 2.4 GHz management radio: - U.S. and Canada: 2412–2462 MHz - Worldwide: 2412–2472 MHz

The device is certified for operation in the U.S. under the CE, FCC, and IC (ISED Canada) regulatory frameworks. All installations must be professionally supervised to ensure adherence to national electromagnetic and radio frequency requirements.

The airOS software includes a Calculate EIRP (Effective Isotropic Radiated Power) feature that automatically adjusts the transmit power based on the selected antenna to comply with local regulations. For custom antennas not listed in the certified types, installers must manually input the gain value and verify EIRP complies with the maximum allowable values.

These settings are critical to avoid overstepping permitted power levels, which could result in damage to equipment or regulatory violations.

Environmental and Mechanical Specifications

The PowerBeam 5AC-Gen2 is designed for long-term deployment in harsh outdoor environments. Below are the key mechanical and operational specifications:

These specifications ensure the unit remains functional and durable under extreme weather conditions, including high wind speeds, temperature extremes, and humidity variations.

Application and Performance Considerations

The PowerBeam 5AC-Gen2 is a directional wireless gateway that supports both outdoor and indoor use depending on antenna configuration:

• Outdoor-to-Indoor Coverage: If the Dish Reflector is not installed, the device provides only 3 dBi antenna coverage. In this configuration, it may be suitable for small-range connections from an outdoor location to an interior point.
• Directional Outdoor Coverage: With the Dish Reflector installed, the PowerBeam provides focused 25 dBi coverage for fixed, long-range applications.

It is important to align the dish accurately to the target location using the Adjustment Bracket. As with most directional antennas, optimal performance is achieved with proper aiming and signal gain management through the airOS interface.

In addition, the use of the ETH-SP Ethernet Surge Protector is strongly recommended, especially in areas with frequent lightning activity or unstable power grids. One unit should be placed near the PowerBeam and the other at the point where the cable enters the building to ground and dissipate surges safely.

Installer Compliance and Safety Warnings

Professional installers bear full regulatory and legal responsibility for ensuring all installations are conducted in accordance with FCC, IC, and local state or municipal requirements. They must:

• Verify equipment mounting to prevent structural failure in winds exceeding 125 mph.
• Ground all cabling and ensure proper surge protection.
• Avoid using unauthorized antennas or accessories that may exceed permitted gain limits or alter the device's RF characteristics.
• Operate within frequency license limits and avoid interference with other signals in the designated bands.

The Install Safety Notices provided with the device include instructions for handling, installation, and power supply to prevent electrical shock, equipment damage, or operational failure. These are mandatory to read and follow.

Conclusion

The Ubiquiti PowerBeam 5AC-Gen2 is a robust, high-gain wireless communication device ideal for U.S. outdoor network installations, whether for commercial or residential users. Its modular design allows for flexibility in antenna configurations, and the support for Gigabit Ethernet makes it suitable for high-bandwidth applications. By following the hardware, installation, and regulatory guidelines provided in official documentation, installers can ensure optimal performance, durability, and regulatory compliance in the U.S. and other FCC-compliant regions.

The product's specifications and mounting options make it suitable for applications ranging from campus-wide networking to long-range connectivity between buildings. As with any outdoor wireless system, proper planning, alignment, and maintenance are essential for reliable communication.

Sources

1. Official Product Manual
2. Quick Start Guide for PBE-5AC-500