This article describes potential issues of operating an Elo touchscreen outside of the rated temperature specifications. 

Each Elo product has a operating temperature specification listed on its individual specification page.
Below describes the affect on touchscreens when they are used outside of their rated temperature specs. Both above and below temperature scenarios are described.

Above Rated Temperatures:
Using a touchscreen in temperatures above its rated range can result in several issues, including:

1. Overheating: Touchscreens generate heat during normal operation, and high temperatures can cause the touch panel to overheat, leading to damage and reduced performance.

2. Reduced sensitivity: High temperatures can affect the sensitivity of the touch panel, making it less responsive to touch inputs.

3. Display discoloration: High temperatures can cause the display of the touchscreen to discolor, reducing the overall quality and readability of the display.

4. Shrinking: Touchscreens can expand in high temperatures, causing gaps to form between the touch panel and the display, leading to water and dust ingress.

5. Reduced lifespan: Operating a touchscreen in high temperatures for an extended period of time can shorten its lifespan, leading to early failure.

It is important to use touchscreens within their rated temperature range to ensure their proper functioning and to prevent damage. If you need to use a touchscreen in high temperatures, it is recommended to use a touch panel that is specifically designed for that temperature range. Additionally, it is important to consider proper thermal management solutions, such as cooling fans or air conditioning, to maintain the temperature of the touch panel within its rated range.
 

Below Rated Temperatures:
Using a touchscreen in temperatures below its rated range can result in several issues, including:

1. Slow response time: Touchscreens rely on the change in capacitance between the finger and the screen to detect touch. In low temperatures, the response time of the touchscreen can be slowed down, making it less responsive to touch inputs.

2. Reduced accuracy: Low temperatures can also affect the accuracy of the touch detection, leading to incorrect touch inputs and a less smooth user experience.

3. Cracking: Some touchscreens can become brittle in low temperatures, leading to cracking and breakage when touched.

4. Shrinking: Touchscreens can shrink in low temperatures, causing gaps to form between the touch panel and the display, leading to water and dust ingress.

5. Display damage: If the display of the touchscreen is not designed to operate in low temperatures, it can become damaged or stop working entirely.

In general, it is important to use touchscreens within their rated temperature range to ensure their proper functioning and to prevent damage. If you need to use a touchscreen in low temperatures, it is recommended to use a touch panel that is specifically designed for that temperature range. Additionally, it is important to consider proper thermal management solutions, such as heating elements, to maintain the temperature of the touch panel within its rated range.