NEMA 4 Protection for LCD and Plasma Screens

Knowing if a digital signage system can be used in outdoor locations, or anywhere there is a risk of water contact such as in wash down environments, is made simple by the National Electrical Manufactures Association rating system (NEMA).

The NEMA 4 and NEMA 4x ratings, signify that the enclosure is water resistant enough that it can not only withstand splashes of water but also can be hosed down or left in the rain without ill effects. The NEMA 4 standard applies not only to LCD enclosure or digital signage systems but also any electrical enclosure.

The NEMA 4 rating is an international standard, governed by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission). However, the NEMA 4 standard is used primarily in the USA as another standard system, the IP rating is used throughout Europe.

The two systems are based on different rudiments there are similarities and any NEMA 4 enclosure should be able to be used in the same environments as the European IP65 rated enclosures.

The NEMA 4 and IP65 ratings systems are, however, a guideline that enclosures are built to and are in no way a guarantee of quality or effectiveness in wet conditions.

Manufacturers of outdoor digital signage systems such as LCD enclosures, while adhering to these guidelines, are generally self–certified so recommendation is by far the best method of selecting a supplier of LCD or plasma enclosures for use outdoors or in wet conditions.