Indoor and outdoor LED modules can look alike on the bench, but they are built for very different conditions. Using an indoor module outdoors is one of the most common and expensive mistakes in LED screen projects; Qiangli's own datasheets state that indoor modules must not be used outdoors or semi-outdoors.
Brightness
An indoor module only has to compete with room lighting. Outdoor modules have to stay readable in direct sun.
| Indoor modules | Outdoor modules | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical brightness (datasheets) | About 400 – 600 cd/m² | About 4,200 – 5,500 cd/m² |
| Operating humidity | 10 – 65% RH | 10 – 90% RH |
| Typical pitches | P0.8 – P4 | P2.5 – P10 |
| Cabinet | Open frame or indoor die-cast | Sealed GI or die-cast outdoor cabinet |
Too much brightness indoors is tiring to look at, so indoor screens are usually run well below their maximum; too little brightness outdoors cannot be fixed later.
Moisture and sealing
Outdoor modules are designed for rain, heat and humidity, but the screen as a whole still has to be sealed. The outdoor Qiangli datasheets advise applying waterproof sealant around the screen and between cabinets after installation, and they recommend against magnetic mounting outdoors, because water can get behind the modules and magnetic fixing does not keep the surface flat in cold weather.
Indoor modules have little or no ingress protection (Dahua's indoor modules are rated IP30), so keep them away from water, damp basements and dusty building work.
Power and heat
Higher brightness means more power. For example, the outdoor Qiangli Q4-10S modules are rated up to about 47 W each, while indoor P2.5 modules are rated around 24 W. Outdoor cabinets therefore carry more power supplies and need good airflow.
Which should you choose?
- Fully indoors, out of direct sun: an indoor module.
- Shop windows facing the street, covered terraces or anywhere sunlight reaches the screen: talk to us; you may need an outdoor module even under a roof.
- Open air: an outdoor module in a sealed outdoor cabinet.
Browse indoor and outdoor modules or see the matching cabinets.