How do you install load cells so they are level?

There are several methods of leveling the load cell base plate. Attached to this Web Tech answer is a drawing showing one such method.

With a typical full scale deflection of 0.02" it is important to level the load cells to minimize shimming during the installation.

To install Load Cells/Sensors so they are level you should have a flat plate that is adjustable to make a level mounting platform for the load point assembly.
Install four bolts (studs) into the floor under the base plate and be sure they line up with the bolt pattern on the load point base plate. Next, install 4 nuts under the plate to level the load point (per attached drawing). Install the load plate onto the four studs to rest on the four nuts.  Use the 4 nuts to individually adjust the height of each corner until the load point base plate is level. Check to make sure all load points in your system are level with each other, then lock that plate in place with 4 more nuts.  Grout in the space between the base plate(s) and the floor for sanitary concerns and to stabilize the load cell mounting surface. Allow adequate time for the grout to cure.

If you are installing a Hardy Load Sensor please review the installation manual for additional orientation information. You may have a bumper, slider and fixed type mount.

Some general precautions are:

Site Preparation:

1. All mounting surfaces for the base and loading plate MUST be level. The distance between the mounting surface of the loading plate and base must within 1/32” of the nominal height. All Load Point Assemblies in a system must be level to within +/- 0.5 degrees, which means the floor, base or steel structure where the load cells are located should be level to within +/- 0.5 degrees.

2. When mounting the base plate on concrete, use grout to fill in the under plate voids.

3. Any welding should be done prior to installation of the load points. Load sensors should be removed if welding is going to be done anywhere near the load sensor. See the Web Tech answer about welding for more information.

4. Proper drainage should be provided to prevent the load point assembly from standing in water. The Advantage load sensor is hermetically sealed and will not be affected by standing water, but in-plant housekeeping normally requires a dry environment for safety. If water enters the summing junction box, the summing card will be damaged and it can "wick" up the load cell cables and damage the wheatstone bridge inside your NON-Advantage load cell.