Learn More about Load Cells

Choosing the right load cell for your application can be overwhelming. There are as many types of load cells as there are applications to use them. When you call to place an order for a load cell, the first question you may be asked is:

"What is the application or, what is being weighed?" 

This first question will help decide which follow-up questions to ask, such as: "Is the load cell a replacement or is it for a new system?" "What type of weighing system is the load cell for, a scale system or an integrated system?" "Is it static or in-motion?" "What is the application environment?" "Does it need to be Legal for Trade approved?" Having a general understanding of load cells will help you answer some of these questions before contacting your scale dealer or manufacturer to make the load cell buying process easier.

What is a load cell?

All digital scales use load cells to measure an object’s weight. An electrical current runs through load cells and when a load, or force, is applied to the scale, the load cells will bend or compress slightly. This changes the electrical current in the load cell. A weight indicator measures the electrical current change and displays it as a digital weight value.

Types of Load Cells

While all load cells work the same way, different applications require specific finishes, styles, ratings, approvals, sizes and capacities.

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What type of seal does the load cell need?

There are a variety of techniques to seal a load cell, protecting the electrical parts inside. Your application will determine which of the following seal type is needed:

  • Environmentally Sealed
  • Welded Seal
  • Hermetically Sealed

Load cells also have an IP rating indicating what type of protection the load cell enclosure gives the electrical parts. The IP rating is determined by how well the enclosure protects against outside elements such as dust and water.

Load Cell Construction/Material

Load cells can be constructed from many materials. Aluminum is usually used for single-point load cells with low capacity requirements. The most popular option for load cells is tool steel. Finally, there is a stainless steel option. Stainless steel load cells can also be hermetically sealed to protect electrical parts, making them suitable for high moisture or corrosive environments.

What approvals are needed?

The type of load cell approval you need depends on what you will be weighing and why. If a product is being sold by its weight, the load cell must be Legal for Trade approved. If you are unsure of the approval type needed, discuss the application with your scale dealer to determine what approvals you need. Rice Lake Weighing Systems’ load cells have one or more of the following approvals:

  • NTEP: Approval for equipment used in Legal for Trade applications (specific to the USA)
  • FM Approved: Approval for property loss prevention and safety equipment in commercial/industrial facilities
  • FM Approved cUS: Approval for equipment meeting requirements of FM Approvals and the Standards Council of Canada
  • OIML: Approval for equipment used in Legal for Trade applications (International)
  • ATEX: Approval for equipment in explosive environments