| An LCD enclosure is a protective cabinet used to | | | | Temperature extremes are another hazard that |
| encase LCD or plasma TV systems to allow their | | | | have to be designed into the LCD enclosure. |
| use in outdoor or hazardous locations. LCD | | | | Whilst the airflow system mentioned above will |
| enclosures are designed to ensure the | | | | keep the device cool in normal operating |
| environment inside the enclosure is the perfect | | | | temperatures, but outdoor digital signage or |
| operating conditions for an LCD or plasma screen | | | | exterior TV systems may also have to face |
| to operate in. | | | | extreme hot weather in the summer and glare |
| But LCD enclosures are more than just protective | | | | from direct sunlight. |
| metal boxes that keep the rain out, there is far | | | | For this reason, some LCD enclosures utilise air |
| more to ensuring an LCD TV can operate in | | | | conditioning systems if they are to operate in hot |
| outdoor conditions or hostile environments than | | | | climates and the screen is protected against direct |
| just waterproofing the LCD to protect from the | | | | sunlight by allowing additional airflow over it to |
| rain. | | | | prevent hotspots. Anti-glare screens are also used |
| Outdoor locations contain far more hazards than | | | | to prevent any glare from preventing the screen |
| just rain water, and while ensuring the LCD or | | | | from being visible. |
| plasma is protected from rainfall is extremely | | | | Heating systems are also used in areas where the |
| important there are other weather conditions that | | | | temperature drops below freezing. Whilst most |
| can disable a TV system just as easily. | | | | electrical devices can operate perfectly well in |
| Furthermore, LCDs need a flow of fresh air to | | | | colder temperatures there is a risk of humidity or |
| ensure the device doesn’t overheat and this | | | | condensation freezing inside the enclosure and |
| can be problematic if the device also has to be | | | | causing damage. |
| waterproof. | | | | LCD enclosures need also to be durable. Many are |
| The solution is to protect against rainfall (water | | | | manufactured from sold steel which makes the |
| falling down) whilst allowing air into the enclosure | | | | devices quite heavy but offers protection against |
| from underneath. Specially designed chambers, | | | | heavy impact and attempts and vandalism and |
| know as plenum chambers, allow this which | | | | theft. |
| ensure the LCD is kept dry whilst allowing airflow. | | | | |