Multiswitches: Power or no power

[techno935]

I needed room for a 5th receiver so I had to buy a 3x8 multiswitch for mom and dad's place instead of the 3x4. Now, every 3x8 I've come across has a power port. Do these things absolutely need power? Let me know if these things can work without power (18VDC).

I only ask because the nearest outlet for electricity is too far away.

How much amperage is usually needed if that is the case? (I don't have a power supply for this switch cause it came from Ebay minus the supply.)

 

[grydlok]

They don't need power. IF you did wish to apply power. You could use coax cable from the switch to the power outlet.

 

[Mr Tony]

I've used a 3x8 multiswitch without power with no issues. The receiver drives the power to the unit

 

[techno935]

I thought that was the case. I can't understand why it's there in the 1st place. Just wanted to be sure before I go hooking this thing up.

 

[dishrich]

I can't understand why it's there in the 1st place. Just wanted to be sure before I go hooking this thing up.

It's for your optional use, if you had an instance of long cable runs, for example...