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Easy Ways to Protect Digital Signs from Corrosion!

August 23, 2023

When was the last time you saw a digital billboard that was almost completely dark except for some bright lights around the edges or right in the middle of the ad? Unfortunately, as versatile and flexible as they are for creating changing displays, electronic signs and billboards can easily experience failures-especially when exposed to outdoor elements that cause premature corrosion on electrical contacts. Here are some easy-to-use technologies and tips to slow the corrosion process down!

Protect Digital Signs From Corrosion

Electrical Contact Cleaner/Corrosion Inhibitor

ElectriCorrVpCI®-238 and VpCI®-239 are electronic cleaners/ corrosion inhibitors for use on electrical contacts, junction boxes, and printed circuit boards. They can be applied to circuits or relays without interfering with conductivity. Of the two, ElectriCorrVpCI®-238 leaves behind a larger dose of Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors for protection within an enclosed space, while ElectriCorrVpCI®-239 leaves behind a slightly thicker, fast-drying, non-sticky corrosion inhibiting film that is good for use in ventilated areas. Routine application of one of these products to electrical contacts and connections is a preventative maintenance best practice for any digital signs that will experience outdoor exposure and moisture ingress.

Corrosion Protection for Enclosed Junction Boxes

VpCI® Emitters are another great rust preventative tool for digital sign junction boxes or other non-ventilated electrical enclosures connected to the sign. VpCI®-105 and VpCI®-111 Emitter cups contain Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors that diffuse through a breathable membrane and form a protective molecular layer on wiring and electrical connections. Handy installation date labels serve as reminders for when a new VpCI® Emitter cup needs to be installed to replenish the supply of Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors within the compartment. VpCI®-105 Emitters protect 5 ft³ (0.14 m³) of space and VpCI®-111 Emitters protect 11 ft³ (0.31 m³) of space. For the most effective protection, VpCI® Emitters and ElectriCorrVpCI®- 238/239 should be used in conjunction with each other where possible.

A Little Preventative Maintenance Goes a Long Way

If you are part of a billboard company that is tired of replacing corroded components on blacked out signs, or if you maintain outdoor traffic control and construction equipment signs, these simple treatments can go a long way to help keep your digital message boards in good working order longer. Contact Cortec® for help developing your specific digital sign protection plan!

Keywords: digital billboard problems, protect digital signs from corrosion, corrosion inhibitors, digital billboard maintenance, Cortec, traffic control signs, digital construction signs, digital sign maintenance, electrical contact cleaner, corrosion protection for junction boxes

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