Let's understand the definition of the IP protection rating. In LED industry applications, it's important to consider specifications regarding moisture and ingress protection. The IP (International Protection) rating system was drafted by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission). It classifies luminaires based on their dust and moisture protection characteristics. The term "foreign objects" here includes tools and human fingers, which should not come into contact with live parts inside the luminaire to prevent electric shock.
The IP protection rating consists of two digits:The first digit indicates the degree of protection against dust and ingress of foreign objects.The second digit indicates the degree of protection against moisture and water ingress. A higher number indicates a higher level of protection.
Definition of the first digit:
0 No protection: No special protection against external objects or people.1 Protection against solid objects larger than 50mm: Prevents accidental contact with internal parts of the luminaire by the human body (e.g., hands). Prevents ingress of large foreign objects (diameter greater than 50mm).
2 Protection against solid objects larger than 12mm: Prevents human fingers from touching internal parts of the luminaire. Prevents ingress of medium-sized foreign objects (diameter greater than 12mm).
3 Protection against solid objects larger than 2.5mm: Prevents tools, wires, or similar small foreign objects with a diameter or thickness greater than 2.5mm from entering and contacting internal parts of the luminaire.
4 Protection against solid objects larger than 1.0mm: Prevents tools, wires, or similar small foreign objects with a diameter or thickness greater than 1.0mm from entering and contacting internal parts of the luminaire.
5 Dust protected: Completely prevents ingress of foreign objects. While it cannot completely prevent dust from entering, the amount of dust that enters will not affect the normal operation of the luminaire.
6 Dustproof: Completely prevents ingress of foreign objects and completely prevents dust from entering.
Definition of the second digit:
0 No protection: No protection.1 Protection against dripping water: Vertically dripping water (such as condensation) will not cause harmful effects to the luminaire. 2. Protection against dripping water at a 15-degree tilt: When the luminaire is tilted from vertical to 15 degrees, dripping water will not cause harmful effects to the luminaire.
3. Protection against sprayed water: Rainproof, or protection against water sprayed from directions with an angle less than 60 degrees to the vertical.
4. Protection against splashing water: Protection against water splashing from all directions.
5. Protection against water jets: Protection against water jets from nozzles in all directions.
6. Protection against large waves: For luminaires installed on decks, protection against damage caused by large waves.
7. Protection against water ingress during immersion: The luminaire can be immersed in water for a certain period or under a certain water pressure without damage due to water ingress.
8. Protection against water ingress during submersion: The luminaire can be submerged indefinitely under a specified water pressure without damage due to water ingress.
Currently, in the LED industry, outdoor luminaires and display screen waterproof enclosures that pass IP65 testing on both sides are called outdoor waterproof screens. Let's look at the structure used in outdoor waterproof screens:
A conventional outdoor full-color LED screen consists of outdoor modules and a sealed enclosure structure, which are processed to form an outdoor waterproof display enclosure. These waterproof display enclosures are then assembled to form an outdoor full-color screen. Therefore, the display enclosure is the basic unit of the display screen. The enclosure structure is used for several reasons: firstly, it facilitates commissioning, aging testing, and on-site maintenance; secondly, it facilitates packaging and transportation; and thirdly, it allows for convenient on-site installation and disassembly. The display modules are installed on the front of the enclosure, and the display driver circuit board is fixed inside the enclosure. The power supply is installed on the back cover of the enclosure. Ventilation fans and louvers are also installed on the back cover. The enclosure is treated with powder coating on both the inner and outer surfaces, providing corrosion resistance, moisture resistance, oxidation resistance, and flame retardancy, ensuring the safety of the display screen's operation. Regarding the structure of the display screen, firstly, the modules should be outdoor waterproof modules; secondly, the back of the modules should be coated with a three-proof paint; and thirdly, the enclosure should be a waterproof enclosure with good sealing, and a water spray test should be performed on the surface of the display screen. After multiple tests, outdoor waterproof enclosures must achieve an IP65 protection rating to be truly waterproof. The easily corroded components of the enclosure structure mainly include the metal posts of the screen, circuit boards, terminals, and connectors; components sensitive to water vapor include circuit boards and electronic component pins. Other components and kits are made of engineering plastics (polycarbonate), epoxy, rubber, etc., and are not sensitive to water vapor.
From current market demands, more users are beginning to have higher requirements for the enclosure structure of display screens. Indoor display screens are also developing towards thinner, lighter, and easily removable enclosures. However, from a professional perspective, a fully enclosed, thin, and light indoor screen enclosure does not necessarily guarantee waterproofing. Just like your computer case, the enclosure structure only serves to prevent dust and foreign objects. If a large amount of water enters, it will inevitably cause internal damage, and the small space is not conducive to heat dissipation. Therefore, the specific protection function of the display screen depends on its IP rating at the time of manufacture. For indoor display screens, the appropriate enclosure can be selected based on actual circumstances. For example, for display screens installed on fixed walls, a simple, ordinary enclosure is sufficient and more suitable in terms of heat dissipation performance than a thin, enclosed enclosure.
