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Click Here to Learn More!Although load cells may look extremely rugged, they contain delicate sensing devices and can be easily damaged by misuse. Some things to keep in mind when choosing load cells for your application are:
1. Select the right load cell for the application in terms of type and environmental compatibility.
2. Choose the right capacity. Divide the total load (live load plus dead load) by the number of supports and select a load cell with a capacity just higher than that number. For close applications where accuracy is important call Hardy Technical support for help, as on some applications there is a 5% to 10% safe overload capacity usage possibility.
3. Consider the required accuracy. A typical Hardy system with no binding or other installation problems will have up to 1 in 5000 accuracy.
4. Consider the environmental effects on accuracy (wind, frictions, thermal expansions, attaching wiring or piping).
5. Design adequate over/under load protection as well as protection from other mechanical damage (e.g. physical or mechanical abuse, rodent problems…).
6. Use dummy load cells prior to installation. Wait to install the load cells after all welding is completed.
7. Beware of shock loadings. These can be very high impact, short duration events can easily cause permanent damage.
8. Store and handle load cells carefully prior to and during installation.
9. Use high quality bolts with the recommended torque and use an anti seize compound on each bolt threads. Do not use washers on the two load cell bolts when installing the load cell. On the mount is not a problem.
10. Check the surface to which a load cell is to be attached. It should be flat, clean, level, and able to withstand the load.
11. Check cable color code for load cell prior to connection, especially if you are using Hardy C2® second generation calibration load cells. There is normally a color code tag attached to the end of the load cell cable.
12. Use good quality connecting terminals and Junction Boxes.
13. Protect the load cell cable and route the cable run away from any other cables carrying over 50 volts. A dedicated conduit just for the load cell cables is best.
14. Regularly inspect your load cells and weigh system, especially after extreme weather conditions (electrical storms, flooding, seismic activity, etc.) and also before and after the changes in seasons.
15. Check for corrosion damage to the load cell and mounting hardware.
Things you should avoid include:
1. Do not allow load cells to operate above their rated capacity.
2. Do not allow a load cell to drop onto the floor.
3. Do not hammer a load cell into place. Shock loading cause permanent damage.
4. Do not use the load cell as a mechanical fuse. Added support or safety links may be required to protect the load cells and operators.
5. Do not perform electric welding near load cells. Remove the load cell before welding as the high current arc welder WILL damage your sensitive load cell. At minimum, power off the weight controller and disconnect the load cells at the summing junction box. Then apply the welding ground clamp close to the spot being welded and between the welding spot and the load cell.
6. Do not carry load cells by their cables. A load cell may look like a robust hunk of metal, but in reality it is a very sensitive piece of electronic equipment and should be treated with extreme care.
8. Do not force mounting bolts or other threaded assemblies.
9. Do not cut load cell cables, performance and accuracy will be affected if you do.
10. Do not allow load cell to be the electrical link between ground and metal weigh structure. Use adequate bonding straps to allow any charges bypass the load cells to earth ground.
11. Do not exceed the specified input vol
