Outdoor LED screens are often exposed to harsh environmental conditions, so choosing the appropriate level of protection (IP Rating) is crucial. The minimum ideal IP rating for outdoor LED screens is IP54; however, IP65 is considered the optimal solution.
Meaning of the IP Rating
“IP” stands for “Ingress Protection,” which refers to the level of protection against intrusion. The IP rating evaluates the degree of protection against the intrusion of foreign objects into the electrical device’s enclosure. It is defined by the international standard EN 60529 (British Standard BS EN 60529:1992).
- First digit: Represents the level of protection against dust and solid particles.
- Second digit: Represents the level of protection against water.
The IP rating consists of two digits: the first digit indicates the level of dust protection, and the second digit indicates the level of water protection. The higher the number, the better the protection. The specific levels of protection and their effectiveness are shown in the table below:
| First Digit | Protection Against Solid Objects (Dust/Solids) | Second Digit | Protection Against Water/Moisture |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection | 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Protected against objects larger than 50mm | 1 | Protected against vertically falling water drops |
| 2 | Protected against objects larger than 12mm | 2 | Protected against water spray up to 15° from vertical |
| 3 | Protected against objects larger than 2.5mm | 3 | Protected against water spray up to 60° from vertical |
| 4 | Protected against objects larger than 1mm | 4 | Protected against water splashes from any direction |
| 5 | Protected against harmful dust accumulation | 5 | Protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction |
| 6 | Completely dust-tight | 6 | Protected against strong water jets from any direction |
| / | 7 | Protected against immersion in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes | |
| / | 8 | Protected against continuous immersion in water deeper than 1 meter |
LED screens with a low IP rating are typically used indoors. They are suitable for environments without rain or water splashes from vehicles and are designed to withstand minor damages.
LED screens with a high IP rating are suitable for outdoor use in busy areas. The increased risk of human contact raises the potential for damage from touch or dropped objects. Additionally, these screens are ideal for areas frequently exposed to water splashes, as high IP-rated devices are water-resistant.
Thus, both low and high IP ratings have specific applications depending on the environment and conditions of use. High IP ratings are particularly crucial for outdoor devices to ensure they can withstand harsh environmental factors.
What IP Rating is Ideal for Outdoor LED Screens?
The IP (Ingress Protection) rating is crucial for outdoor LED screens as it indicates the screen’s protection level against various environmental factors. An outdoor LED screen with a high IP rating ensures reliable operation and requires less maintenance even in challenging outdoor conditions.
- Outdoor LED screens with an IP rating of IP54 or higher are considered standard, but an IP64 rating is ideal.
- An IP65-rated LED screen offers optimal protection against physical and solid impacts, including dust and light human contact.
- First Digit (6): The device does not allow any dust to enter, ensuring optimal operation in dusty environments.
- Second Digit (5): The number 5 in IP65 indicates that the outdoor LED screen is protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction and is fully rainproof.
Conclusion
Outdoor LED screens with an IP65 rating have been tested for resistance to rain, dirt, wind, and other solid objects. Therefore, in most situations, IP65 is a sufficient choice. However, users can consider higher protection levels such as IP68 depending on the budget and weather conditions at the installation site.
Currently, some LED screens have an IP69K rating, meaning they can withstand rigorous cleaning with high-pressure, high-temperature water jets, suitable for all harsh conditions. The IP69K rating indicates that the LED screen can endure more intensive cleaning than the typical IP65 rating, ensuring overall better protection for stringent temperature and high-pressure conditions.
Specifically, an LED screen with an IP69K rating can withstand cleaning with pressures from 80 to 100 bar (1160 to 1450 PSI), water flow rates from 14 to 16 liters per minute, and temperatures up to 80°C (176°F). During testing, the screen is placed on a rotating table turning five times per minute, with water sprayed from four different angles (0°, 30°, 60°, and 90°) for 30 seconds each. This demonstrates that IP69K-rated LED screens can endure daily rigorous cleaning, helping facilities meet strict hygiene standards, especially in industries like food processing and pharmaceuticals.