It’s easy to think of load cells as tough blocks of metal. But beneath the surface lies delicate strain gauge technology, sensitive wiring, and calibration accuracy to instrumentation. Any misstep during handling can compromise their accuracy, or worse, render them useless.
They’re built to withstand tough environments but they’re still instruments at heart. A careless drop, a pinched cable, or improper load cell storage can affect the most important trait of a load cell: its electrical performance, which directly impacts calibration. And once that’s gone, accuracy is compromised, sometimes without immediate visual signs.
Let’s go over how to transport and properly store your load cells so they perform as expected when it matters most.
Why Transport and Storage Matter in Load Cell Operation
In all reality, most load cells aren’t fragile. They’re built for the field, often IP-rated, temperature-compensated, and made from stainless or alloy steel. But the bridge circuit components inside, the finely tuned relationship between mechanical force to electrical signal, is in fact fragile.
What’s at risk during transport or storage isn’t physical damage but the drift, zero shift, signal inconsistency, which can ultimately cause faulty readings.
Improper handling doesn’t always destroy the physical load cell but can alter the strain gauge performance, damage internal solder wiring, which creates load cell output signal instability.
This often results in a sensor that looks fine but performs poorly. And unless you catch it during calibration or operation, that error may go unnoticed.
That’s why responsible load cell transportation and proper storage practices are essential not just for functionality, but for preserving long-term quality and reliable performance.
How to Transport Load Cells Safely
Transport isn’t just about getting the load cell from A to B. It’s about making sure it arrives exactly as it left, undisturbed, dry, grounded, and ready for calibration.
General Transport Guidelines
- Use original packaging whenever possible. These packages are designed with anti-static, shock-absorbent materials that protect internal components.
- Shield from vibrations. Especially during long-haul transport, constant vibration can fatigue wires or shift internal parts.
- Avoid temperature extremes. Load cells are calibrated at specific temperatures. Drastic shifts in heat or cold during transport can cause condensation or drift.
- Never lift by the cable. This is a fast way to pull seals, tear insulation or disconnect internal leads.
- Prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI). Keep load cells away from static sources or heavy magnets during shipping.
Special Considerations for Larger Load Cells
Heavy-duty load cells, like those used in truck scales or mining applications, require extra care:
- Use wooden or composite pallets to stabilize large or multi-cell shipments.
- Strap securely using soft-edge cargo straps that don’t apply pressure on sensitive areas or connectors.
- Cushion vertically and horizontally to avoid side shocks from forklift handling or road travel.
- Clearly label orientation. Some load cells are sensitive to load direction and should not be transported on their sides or inverted.
Even a rugged load cell can lose its factory electrical performance due to handling stress. That’s why secure mounting, shock-absorption and temperature control aren’t just nice – they’re essential.
How to Store Without Compromising Load Cells Operations
Storing load cells properly is often overlooked, especially in OEM operations or job sites where equipment may sit for months before installation. But storage conditions can have a lasting effect on sensor reliability.
What Ideal Load Cell Storage Looks Like:
- Temperature range: Between 10°C and 30°C (50°F to 86°F) is ideal for most models. Avoid freezing or excessive heat.
- Humidity: Keep it dry. Relative humidity should stay below 65%. Use silica gel packets or vacuum-sealed anti-moisture packaging for longer durations.
- Packaging: Avoid stacking heavy equipment on or near load cells.
- Environment: Keep away from corrosive fumes, direct sunlight and vibrating machinery.
What to Do Before Installation
Before installing a load cell that’s been shipped or stored, take the time to verify its condition. This doesn’t require a full lab but just a few basic steps:
Pre-Use Checklist:
Visual inspection: Look for cracks and deformation on the load cell body, surface corrosion, and cable abrasion.
- Connector check: Inspect for bent or dirty or corroded pins or improper connector body sealing.
- Zero balance check: Connect the load cell to a DC power supply and multimeter and confirm the output signal is near-zero with no load applied.
- Bridge resistance test: Use a multimeter to ensure input and output resistances are within spec.
- Load test or recalibration: Especially after long storage or rough shipping, a calibration check is your best insurance policy.
Even slight deviations, such as a shifted zero point, can indicate hidden damage or stress that will affect long-term accuracy.
Load Cell Maintenance Tips for Smooth, Long-Term Operation
Once installed, load cells require minimal but regular attention. These tips aren’t just about longevity, they’re about data accuracy and system integrity every day:
- Clean with care: Use non-abrasive, non-corrosive cleaners. Never power wash unless it is IP-rated for it.
- Check cables regularly: Look for cracks or cuts that lead to moisture ingress. Check strain relief connector for sealing issue.
- Monitor instrumentation zero and span drift: A slow drift over time may indicate water ingress, EMI or mounting issues.
- Inspect mounting conditions: Loose or warped mounts cause uneven loading and inaccurate readings.
- Schedule periodic calibration: Depending on the application, this may be monthly, quarterly or annually.
- Avoid electrical shortcuts: Ensure all grounding and shielding is properly maintained.
Remember that maintenance isn’t just about fixing problems, but also about preventing silent failures.
Calibration Loss Is the Real Threat
The truth is, physical damage is easy to spot; for example, a bent pin, a broken cable, or a cracked housing stands out. But electrical performance change, which alters the calibration, is invisible.
There are no warning lights or alarms, just inaccurate data that quietly leads users to poor decisions in the operation.
Transporting a load cell upside down, exposing it to temperature cycles or letting it sit for 18 months without calibration – all of these can introduce error with no visible signs.
In applications like batching, crane lifting or vehicle weighing, for example, that’s not just inconvenient but rather expensive.
That’s why calibration, not cracks, is the biggest concern when it comes to transport and storage.
Handle with Care, Operate with Confidence
Load cells are tough but they rely on a sensitive system to work properly. The way you store and transport them, especially large capacity models, affects how they perform when it counts.
Treat load cells like the precision instruments they are. Ship them safely, store them thoughtfully and inspect them before use.
At Massload Technologies, we manufacture load cells for harsh environments and help our customers keep them accurate, operational and worry-free.
Need advice on calibration, setup or maintenance plans? Our engineering team is here to help.
Contact Massload to get your system accurate as it should be.
