Industrial Grade Monitors vs. Consumer Grade Monitors

What is an industrial monitor?  And why do you need one?  Many people mistakenly assume that they can use a retail/consumer-grade monitor from a local retail store for their industrial application.  Unfortunately, they find out too late that it will not suit the purpose.

Industrial monitors differ from standard monitors in many ways. They use industrial-grade components for long life, and the ability to operate 24/7/365. Retail/consumer-grade monitors use low-cost components for low-cost mass production; they are not designed for long-term continuous use. Industrial monitors are built for harsh industrial commercial environments where they may be subjected to a variety of contaminants such as dust, dirt, water, chemicals, vibration, etc.  Retail/consumer-grade monitors are intended for desktop operation in an office or at home – commercial use will void a warranty.  Speaking of warranting, industrial monitors typically carry a 1-3 year warranty; for consumer-grade monitors, 90 days to one year is the standard.

Retail/consumer-grade monitors are designed for a single user, seated directly in front.  In industrial and commercial settings, one or more people may need to view the monitor, and they may be above, below or next to it.  Industrial monitors offer much wider horizontal and vertical viewing angles (up to 178°).Image via Wikipedia

Typical consumer monitors range in size from 15” to 27”, in standard housings.  Nearly all are now in the widescreen 16:9 format.  Industrial monitors have a nearly endless variety of sizes and configurations.  This ranges from 3.5” flip-down mobile monitors, to dual and triple rack mount; panel mount; waterproof; medical-grade; sunlight readable; open frame, custom and touchscreen LCD monitors.

Industrial monitors provide a wide range of mounting options.  They can be embedded in a machine (panel mount), mounted in a 19” rack (rack mount), placed inside a kiosk (open frame), wall or ceiling mounted; mobile monitors can be mounted on a vehicle’s dashboard or from its roof.

Industrial monitors are available for a much longer time period (2-3 years +).  Consumer-grade monitors typically change models every 6 months.

Industrial-grade monitors provide the ruggedness, performance, flexibility and reliability that industrial and commercial customers demand. They can be specially built as custom monitors to meet specific needs. Consumer-grade/retail monitors are best suited for your home and office.