Weatherproofing Outdoor AV Equipment
Accomplishing this goal, however, is not as easy as just installing the equipment and hoping for the best. As Floridians we know that any outdoor event needs a weather contingency but, if done right, your AV can withstand the elements.
Protect Your Outdoor AV and Install Weatherproof Equipment
Regardless of your equipment preference – LG, Samsung, Sony, Sharp, or Toshiba – these vendors typically don’t make equipment designed to be used and stored outside a normal home environment. SunBriteTV is a TV manufacturer that specializes in televisions made specifically for the outdoors. They do cost more than other TV’s but they are easier to see in the sunlight because of their superior brightness among other benefits. If you don’t have the budget for SunBright, at least be aware a TV that is going outdoors should be housed in a weatherproof cabinet. In particular, the best weatherproof equipment typically uses fiberglass cabinets with water and UV resistant paint on the exterior. Peerless makes an excellent solution. The exposed joints on the cabinets should be sealed with a water-resistant caulk.
Be aware that because of possible issues with the NEC code you really should check with your local building department before mounting any TV’s outdoors or near pools. We typically advise people mounting TV’s in our Tampa Bay area environment to assume the TV will not last and understand that it is a very short term investment.
Outdoor Speakers
Most companies make speakers that can hold up to the outdoors. We have had excellent results over the years with SpeakerCraft’s line of products. I mention SpeakerCraft specifically because we have had other manufacturers’ products hold up poorly outside, especially if you live on or close to the water. Sometimes those issues were something simple like a rusting grill, other times it meant replacing a bad speaker. SpeakerCraft makes outdoor surface mount speakers, speakers that look like rocks, and other system with small drivers that look like outdoor low voltage lighting.
TV Protectors
These can be worthwhile items and range from simple canvas covers that will protect against rainstorms and sunlight, to solid plastic enclosures will also protect from humidity as well as insects or rodents that look to make a home inside your appliance. Protectors come in a variety of styles so your décor doesn't need to suffer when the TV is covered. A final thought - don't forget to pick up a waterproof remote control like those from Crestron for convenience and safety in case you leave it out in a rainstorm.
Cable Conduit, Direct Burial or Wireless
On a more technical level, the way the actual connecting wires are protected is also important as it relates to safety as well as performance. Wiring connections with exposed copped should be treated so they don’t corrode. It is advised to check with an expert or the people at your local building inspection office to ensure that you meet the local building code. In general, you or your contractor will be required to use Type UF wire with GFC outlets for the power lines and TW wire for the communications lines.
Installing conduit for your electric and communications lines help to protect them from the elements but also creates a uniform look to wire management.
Another option is direct burial wire. This wiring is coated with a sunlight, moisture and fungus resistant PVC jacket and is designed to be buried without the use of conduit. This wire works excellent with the only real drawback being it can still be damaged by a shovel.
If you already have the power lines intact, a variety of wireless systems like those from Sonos are available and make installation a whole lot easier. We’ve used the Sonos system on boat docks with decent results. The advantage of this is that any stray electrical voltage from a storm does not have a pathway back into the home which keeps your equipment safer. The downside is the reduced life of the system that remains outdoors.
Keep Things “Structured” if Possible
The concept of structured wiring is actually quite simple. All of the wires to the various AV appliances in your backyard entertainment space – as well as the ones inside the home, if possible – are brought in a straight run back to a central command or “home base” module. This process allows for the ultimate in versatility should you ever decide to change any of your equipment or its location.
As you can see, there are a multitude of factors to consider when contemplating the installation of an outdoor home entertainment system. Still, with the right guidance, the process of weatherproofing outdoor AV should not prove too daunting.
