Load cell testing

April 2008 Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration

Specialist in mass measuring systems, SA Automation, now has available an affordable standalone, handheld tester for analysing the condition of strain gauge load cells in scale and industrial applications.

The battery-operated LCT-01 portable tester is compatible with all common types of load cells available on the market such as four-wire and six-wire (with sense), and rated gain outputs from 1 mV/V–5 mV/V (determined in 0,1 mV/V steps).

The unit is fully computerised. A 16 x 2 alphanumeric display guides the user through all test stages and clearly displays the results. It is also equipped with an LED and buzzer to alert the operator of suspect results.

The three operating keys and concise messages guide the user step-by-step through the testing process so it only takes a few minutes to learn how to operate the LCT-01. There is no need to disconnect the load cell to test.

The tester provides the user with the essential data needed on the condition of the load cell such as physical condition (distortion possibly caused by overloading or shock loads and metal fatigue) and the electrical conditions such as bridge resistance and possible ground faults. The main features include:

* Input impedance (1 Ω resolution).

* Output impedance (1 Ω resolution).

* Sense to output impedance (with six wire load cell).

* Shielding to input/output impedance (up to 10 MΩ).

* Ground to input/output impedance (up to 10 MΩ).

* Load cell output in percentage from full scale.

The LCT-01 is powered by four standard AA batteries, is sized at a comfortable 100 mm x 180 mm x 44 mm and weighs around 250 grams. Connection is via an eight-pin spring clamp with a total of eight connecting points (two input, two output, two sense, one shedding and one grounding).

For more information contact Bill Krause, SA Automation Systems, +27 (0)11 699 7900.

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