Importance, Identification, and Maintenance of Waterproof LED Displays

We all know that LED displays come in many different types, such as transparent LED displays, flexible LED displays, rental LED displays, etc. However, regardless of the type, if it is suitable for outdoor use, we can call it a waterproof LED display or an outdoor LED display. Conversely, if the LED display is not waterproof, we can call it a non-waterproof LED display or an indoor LED display.

Why is Waterproofing Important for Electronic Devices?

When you need to purchase an LED display, besides providing basic information such as pixel pitch and size, the supplier usually requires you to specify whether it will be used indoors or outdoors. The importance of waterproofing is self-evident. But why is waterproofing so crucial?

In fact, not just LED displays, all electronic products must pay great attention to waterproofing. Water in the natural environment always contains some impurities, making it somewhat conductive. This conductive process is known as the Grotthuss mechanism.

When water enters electronic devices, it can cause short circuits in the PCB circuit board, rendering the device inoperative, and in severe cases, it can even cause fires. This is the main reason why waterproofing is so important for electronic products.

How to Measure If an LED Display Is Waterproof?

Since waterproofing is very important for electronic products or LED displays, how do we measure whether an LED display is waterproof? Like all electronic products, we typically use IP65 and IP44 to indicate the protection level of an LED display. Hence, you often see descriptions like “high IP protection” or “IP65 waterproof” on LED display product pages.

The IP protection rating consists of two numbers representing protection against solids and liquids, providing a quantified measure of an electronic product’s protective capabilities.

What Is a Waterproof LED Display?

Having understood the importance of waterproofing and how to measure it, the next step is to identify what constitutes a waterproof LED display.

A waterproof LED display is composed of waterproof LED modules and waterproof LED cabinets. Therefore, we can distinguish between waterproof and non-waterproof LED displays based on these components.

Based on our production experience, we have summarized the most important points. Customers can easily identify the type by referring to the following guidelines:

Watch LED module

Background Color of LED Module

Waterproof LED displays use waterproof LED modules typically coated with a three-proof paint (anti-corrosion, anti-moisture, anti-dust), so the back of the LED module is usually green. Conversely, non-waterproof LED modules (indoor LED modules) typically have a black back.

Thickness of Module

Waterproof LED modules are 0.8-1.2 times thicker than non-waterproof LED modules.

Weight of Module

Waterproof LED modules are 1.5-2 times heavier than non-waterproof LED modules.

Watch LED Cabinet

Cabinet Weight

Regardless of the type of LED display, waterproof cabinets are always heavier than non-waterproof cabinets. Some non-waterproof cabinets are designed to be lightweight and even lack a back cover, making them 2-5 times lighter than waterproof cabinets.

Back Cover Design

Waterproof cabinets generally have designs like drainage holes and protective eaves on the back cover, whereas non-waterproof cabinets typically have flat backs and may lack a back cover.

Watch LED Screen

Pixel Pitch

Waterproof LED displays are usually used outdoors with a viewing distance of more than 3mm, while non-waterproof LED displays are typically used indoors with a viewing distance of less than 2mm. Some screens have a very fine pixel pitch and a coating on the surface for close-up viewing, known as COB (Chip on Board) LED displays.

Using these methods, you can easily distinguish between waterproof and non-waterproof LED displays. Some readers may be curious about how LED display manufacturers ensure effective waterproofing. Next, we’ll discuss the processes LED display manufacturers use to achieve good waterproofing.

Waterproof LED Display Production Process

In the previous section, we mentioned that waterproof LED displays use modules coated with three-proof paint to protect the internal PCB board circuits. The wires connecting the modules are also high-quality and durable to ensure stable data transmission and use. To enhance waterproofing, a waterproof ring is placed over the back of the LED module to further block dust and rainwater infiltration.

The cabinets housing the LED modules are galvanized to effectively isolate rainwater and dust. This ensures that from the small PCB board to the entire LED display screen, effective waterproofing is achieved to withstand various extreme weather conditions outdoors.

Additionally, when used outdoors, another critical issue is heat dissipation. To address this, LED cabinet designers have included multiple heat dissipation holes in the design. When the fans inside the LED cabinet operate, they can circulate the heat generated within the screen, ensuring it maintains an appropriate temperature.

Daily Usage Tips for Waterproof LED Displays

Although waterproof LED displays have excellent waterproof performance, paying attention to daily use can further extend their lifespan. Here are some daily usage tips for waterproof LED displays:

1. Outdoor waterproof LED displays should not be left idle for long periods. They need to be turned on periodically, as the heat generated during use helps evaporate some moisture, reducing the humidity inside the screen.
2. In humid environments or during the rainy season, ensure that the LED display is used at least once a week, lighting it up for more than two hours each time.
3. If it is an outdoor rental waterproof LED display, try to disassemble and store it in a flight case when not in use. This protects the screen and prevents moisture accumulation, which could affect performance.
4. LED displays usually do not require maintenance, but if there are stubborn stains or dust on the edges, lightly wipe them with a small amount of alcohol. Avoid touching the LED beads during cleaning, as this can damage them and affect screen quality.
5. Due to the heavy weight of outdoor waterproof LED displays, consider the load-bearing capacity of the structure when installing them.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your waterproof LED display performs well and has a long service life.