Electronics don’t play well with water. LED displays can be prone to short circuits, corrosion and internal damage when exposed to water. Therefore, it is important to know how water affects LED screens and how to protect them from water damage.

What Is LED Display Water Damage?

When moisture or liquid seeps into the internal components of an LED display screen, it is called LED display water damage. This is caused by several factors in the environment, for example rain or humidity or even spills by accident. These are fragile electrical circuits that will be easily disrupted by the presence of water.

Water entering the screen can cause many problems. For instance, water can cause short circuiting and interrupt the electrical flow inside the display. It can cause the LED video wall to stop working completely or to malfunction intermittently. Worst case scenario happens when water comes in contact with sensitive components such as the backlight or circuit boards. This usually leads to discoloration, dead pixels or complete screen failure.

Common Causes of LED Display Water Damage.

2.1 If your LED outdoor display is not protected from rain, it is at high risk of water damage. Rainfall is continuously exposed without proper sealing and water seeps in through the screen and wreaks internal havoc.

2.2 Humidity: Humidity is a silent, but persistent, cause of water damage. After a long time, the excessive moisture in the air can permeate the screen, especially if the display is in a place with high humidity or poor ventilation. They are particularly susceptible to display in humid environments, such as coastal areas or bathrooms.

2.3 Many problems are due to improper installation of LED displays. Moisture can get into the screen if the display isn’t sealed properly or if the installation doesn’t factor in water resistant measures. Water intrusion is due to gaps in sealing, poorly fitted covers or cables exposed.

2.4 Condensation happens when a warm, moist air meets a cold surface. Condensation can form inside the screen when an LED advertising display moves from a warm to a cold environment, or vice versa. While this moisture is not a liquid spill, it can still do a great deal of damage to the internal components. 

2.5 Indoor displays can also be affected if they are subject to accidental spills. Immediate damage can be caused by spilled drinks, cleaning supplies or any other liquids. A liquid spill can compromise the display’s integrity whether it’s a digital billboard in a shopping mall or a transparent screen in an office.

Signs Your LED Display Has Water Damage

3.1 Flickering Screen is another common sign of water damage. Moisture seeping into the internal parts of the screen interferes with the electrical circuits causing the screen to perform inconsistently. Water exposure is the most common cause of flickering on LED video walls.

3.2 Water can also cause certain areas of the screen to stop working, which is known as dead pixels. Even if the screen is turned on, these black spots will remain on the display. The more pixels that die off over time, the bigger the patches of black or distorted colors.

3.3 Discoloration: If you notice areas of discoloration. Especially if they are unexpected color patches or faded areas, then your display has likely been damaged by water. The red, green, and blue LEDs of the LED stage screen can be disrupted by water, and this can affect the color output by throwing off the balance of the red, green, and blue LEDs. Therefore, the color reproduction is not consistent.

3.4 Reduced Brightness: The backlight that illuminates the screen can be affected when water enters the screen. If your LED signage display seems dimmer than normal even when you have the brightness settings maxed out, water damage may be to blame.

3.5 Worst Case: The display can completely fail if there is water damage. If your LED rental screen will not power on or display a blank screen. It may indicate that water has created a short circuit or completely destroyed the internal components of the screen.

Can You Repair A Water Damaged LED Display

The ability to repair the LED display will depend on how much damage the water caused and which components were damaged. If the damage is caught early on it can be repaired. First, you dry out the screen and determine how much moisture has penetrated inside. At times, you can just clean and dry the affected parts and the screen will go back to normal.

If the damage is too severe however, and water has caused heavy corrosion or burnt out circuits, repair of the display itself may not be possible. For instance, if the main circuit board of the LED digital display is damaged, it may be cheaper to replace the board or even the whole display.

Steps you can take to restore your water damaged display include:

If drying, turn off the display and let it dry out. If moisture is found inside, open the panel (if possible) and use a soft cloth or blower to remove trapped moisture.

After drying, the internal components should be inspected by a professional technician. They will look for signs of corrosion, rust or damaged circuits, which will need replacing.

If the damage is minor, cleaning the affected parts (such as connectors and cables) may restore functionality.

While some LED stage screens that have been damaged by water can be fixed, others will need part replacement. It will depend on whether it is worth repairing the display or replacing it altogether.

Preventing Water Damage In LED Displays

5.1 Invest in Waterproof Casings: Waterproof LED displays can be a great investment, especially if you are concerned about the exposure to water. They can withstand rain, humidity and extreme temperatures and are designed to last in harsh conditions. 

5.2 Proper Sealing: This prevents water from entering through the edges or gaps of the screen. Make sure that there are no openings around the installation site that might allow moisture to penetrate inside. 

5.3 If your LED display is placed in an area with high humidity, for example, next to a water feature or in a basement, Climate Control Solutions like dehumidifiers will help minimize the risk of moisture damage. 

5.4 Inspect your LED advertising display regularly and check for any signs of wear or moisture buildup. Clean the display and for cracks or gaps in the casing that allow water to seep in.

5.5 Correct Installation: A display that is not properly sealed and protected from the water will not last as long. Installation should be done by a professional.

When to Replace A Water-Damaged LED Display

6.1 Severe Water Intrusion: If the display has been exposed to very extreme water exposure, for example, flooding or long periods of rain, the damage may be too severe to repair. Damage of this kind is capable of destroying vital components beyond repair.

6.2 Water exposure can cause the internal components to corrode and malfunction parts that can’t be fixed. In the case of rust or corrosion on the LED video wall, replacement is often the most suitable choice.

6.3 In some cases, the damage is irreparable. For example, if it is too damaged to repair the internal modules or circuit board of the LED transparent screen. If it is not feasible to repair or replace these parts at an affordable cost, your best option may be to purchase a new display.

Conclusion

LED digital displays, LED signage displays, and other LED displays can be seriously affected by water damage. Water on your screen can cause flickering, dead pixels or total failure. The best defense against water damage is prevention, so protect your display with waterproof casings.