Power Options for Your Backlit Displays

Investing in a backlit display can provide a huge lift to your trade show booth. These lightboxes, pop-up signs, tabletop signs and other displays add immediate visual appeal – especially in areas with low ambient lighting.

But for your light-up signage to dazzle attendees and potential clients, you’ll need a source of power. The primary backlit display power options are to use the traditional electrical outlet or to hook it to a battery. Knowing the benefits and drawbacks of each will help you make the right choice so you can create a great impression with your display.

Electrical Backlighting Displays

Plugging a backlit sign or display into an electrical outlet is still the most common power method. There are some advantages to this. Since you don’t need to worry about a power pack draining, your display will be drawing attention from start to finish. You often can power more complex or higher-intensity lighting with electrical power.

However, at many trade shows, you must order electricity for your booth. The cost of this can get expensive – especially if you’re also renting outlet strips and other supplies that aren’t included in the base cost. Even if the venue doesn’t charge for electricity, your setup may be limited based on what’s available for outlets.

Battery-Powered Trade Show Displays

Because of these costs, some exhibitors choose to use batteries or battery packs for their backlight displays. In addition to not paying for power rental, batteries let you set up displays outside or in other places where electrical power isn’t available. Even if you are getting power from the venue, batteries are an excellent backup option.

The main downside is that you need to factor in how long your batteries will last. In some cases, this means buying extras for mid-event swaps. You may also need to account for transport regulations. For example, large lithium-ion batteries can’t be shipped by plane because of potential flammability issues.

Power Supply

Regardless of which power method you use, you’ll need the right amount. Too much power will run up costs unnecessarily and may even cause the lights to burn out early from being overdriven. Not enough power means you won’t be able to run all the lights and other devices, hindering your exhibit.

The general rule is to add up the total wattage your display requires and then add 10-20%. So, if a backlit display requires 200 watts of power, you should have a supply of at least 220-240 watts – plus more if you’re running other equipment such as monitors and laptops. If the venue or power pack measures its output in amps, know that one amp equals roughly 100 watts.

Monster Displays can assist you in determining the right backlit display power solution to maximize trade show ROI. Contact us by phone, email or live chat to speak with an exhibit expert. We guarantee the best price and your full satisfaction on every display.