Basic Load Cell Troubleshooting Tips

Load cells are the heart of every electrical scale. Ensuring they are in proper working order is essential. Here are some tips for basic load cell troubleshooting.

First, always perform a physical inspection. Check for signs of rust or corrosion, especially around the seals. Also check cables for cuts, crimps or abrasions. Damage to the cables can expose the strain gauge to water and chemicals, resulting in irregular readings or complete load cell failure.
A zero balance test should be performed to help determine if a load cell has been damaged from overload, shock load or general metal fatigue.
The load cell shift found during this test can help you judge whether there is physical damage or if additional tests are needed.

Next, perform a bridge resistance test to help determine if the resistors are damaged.It’s important to individually test each leg of the bridge because it is common for pairs of resistors to be equally damaged, giving you false readings.

Finally, test resistance to the load cell ground. A resistance-to-ground test can help you determine if electrical current is “leaking” to the body of the load cell.

If you have performed these tests and aren’t able to diagnose the issue, contact Rice Lake’s technical support team for additional troubleshooting assistance.