Meyer Sound Weather Protection
The Weather Protection option from Meyer Sound is intended to increase the useful life of Meyer Sound loudspeakers when they are installed outdoors and exposed to different and often harsh weather conditions. Meyer Sound Weather Protection includes a penetrating treatment to raw wood, use of special primers, and plating on all steel parts used (or alternatively, the use of stainless steel hardware). Weather Protection is designed to prevent malfunctions caused by harsh operating environments and slows the accelerated wear and tear that occurs in outdoor environments.
When Is Weather Protection Advisable?
Weather Protection is strongly recommended for all permanent outdoor installations where loudspeakers are directly exposed to the elements. This recommendation includes desert and semi-arid climates, where protection against dust and sand is important, and where infrequent rainstorms can contribute to deterioration of loudspeaker components.
Weather Protection is also recommended when the loudspeakers are sheltered from direct exposure to precipitation, but are nevertheless exposed to prolonged high humidity, fog or mist. Examples would be installations on covered outdoor terraces or pavilions.
Weather Protection is further advisable for portable or touring systems when any significant outdoor use is anticipated. Even though standard procedures may call for using external protective measures, these are often not implemented in time to prevent moisture intrusions that could lead to premature performance degradation of the loudspeaker.
Climate Variation and Owner Maintenance
The wear and tear on a loudspeaker will vary significantly with different climatic conditions. For example, a weather-protected loudspeaker installed in a sunlight-exposed location on an ocean pier will experience much harsher conditions than a loudspeaker in a similar installation that is shaded by trees and exposed only to rainfall. The constant exposure to direct UV radiation and a salt air environment will cause a loudspeaker to wear more quickly than one with partial UV shielding and exposed only to freshwater moisture.
Wear can eventually affect the performance of the loudspeaker. It also affects aesthetics. For example, in salt air environments, the exterior grille can quickly show signs of oxidation, causing unsightly discoloration.
Apart from selecting suitable weather protection, the progress of wear and tear on the loudspeaker can be slowed by a regular schedule of inspection and cleaning. This maintenance is particularly necessary in harsh environments. Inspection and cleaning should include routine removal of any visible oxidation or environmental particulates, as these can accelerate metal corrosion or decay of the cabinet. If installed loudspeakers are not in use for an extended period, exterior protection or temporary removal and storage of the loudspeakers should be considered.
Benefits of Weather Protection
There are several benefits to selecting the Meyer Sound Weather Protection option:
Functionality — Weather Protection prolongs the service life of the loudspeaker by preventing premature degradation of internal components.
Safety — Weather Protection lessens the chance of electrical malfunctions or structural failures.
Warning
IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PURCHASERS/USERS/OPERATORS TO SELECT WEATHER PROTECTION WHEN APPROPRIATE FOR THEIR USE AND TO PERIODICALLY INSPECT THEIR LOUDSPEAKER INSTALLATIONS FOR ANY DETERIORATION THAT MAY LEAD TO SAFETY CONCERNS.
Aesthetics — Weather Protection slows wear and tear on the exterior of the loudspeaker in harsh conditions. Early signs of wear and tear on the exterior of the loudspeaker indicate over-exposure to the elements.
Standards Compliance — Weather Protection helps in meeting IP ratings for loudspeakers. IP ratings are an internationally recognized standard often used in installations involving our products. A further explanation of IP ratings is given in IP Ratings.
Weather Protection Components
Standard Weather Protection
Meyer Sound designs toward an IP rating of IPX4 see IP Ratings for Standard Weather Protection, which includes the following components:
Wood treatment—Prior to cabinet manufacturing, the raw wood receives a special treatment that penetrates and stabilizes the wood fibers to withstand a wide range of temperatures and exposure to extreme humidity.
Cabinet finishing—The assembled cabinets receive a highly impervious finish that includes a sealing primer and a finishing topcoat. The coatings are applied on both surfaces, with one coat on the interior and two on the exterior. The final step is a two-part modified acrylic urethane similar to that used in military applications.
Driver treatment—All cone drivers are coated with a water-resistant sealant.
Exterior protection—Grille frames are coated to resist corrosion, and all components that mount to the cabinet use custom gaskets and stainless steel fasteners.
Removable rain hood—The rain hood is designed to shield connectors even in wind-driven rain.