Selecting the right industrial scale requires careful consideration of your work environment. For pallet jack scales used in warehouses with dust, debris, or moisture, ensuring the equipment’s durability against these conditions is a top priority. This is where Ingress Protection (IP) ratings become relevant.
Fully understanding IP ratings for pallet jack scales explained helps you select a machine that provides accurate readings and withstands your operational conditions. A proper choice protects your investment and maintains operational efficiency.
What an IP Rating Shows
An IP rating, or Ingress Protection rating, consists of two digits that classify the degree of protection an electrical enclosure provides against foreign bodies and moisture. These two digits give a clear indication of the protection level:
- First Digit (Solids): This number, ranging from 0 to 6, indicates the level of protection against solid objects, from large body parts to microscopic dust particles. A higher number means greater protection. A rating of 6 signifies the enclosure is completely dust-tight.
- Second Digit (Liquids): This number, from 0 to 9, defines how well the enclosure protects against water. A rating of 1 protects against dripping water, while a rating of 8 indicates the equipment can withstand continuous submersion.
Standard IP Ratings for Industrial Scales
Pallet jack scales often have specific IP ratings indicating their level of environmental resistance. Understanding these ratings is crucial to ensuring the scale meets your durability and performance needs in challenging conditions. Here are the key ratings to consider:
IP65
A scale with an IP65 rating offers complete protection from dust. It also withstands low-pressure water jets from any direction. This makes it suitable for environments where equipment gets dusty and requires light washing.
IP67
An IP67 rating also indicates the scale is fully protected from dust. The liquid protection is much higher, allowing the scale to be submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes without damage. This works well for facilities that perform thorough equipment washdowns.
IP68
Scales with an IP68 rating provide the same dust protection as IP65 and IP67. However, they offer protection against long-term immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer. This rating gives superior durability in wet or frequently sanitized environments. This is a common rating to look for when IP ratings for pallet jack scales.
Choosing the Correct IP Rating for Your Needs
To select the right pallet jack scale, assess your work environment. A dry, clean warehouse may only require a basic scale with a lower IP rating. However, a food processing plant or a chemical facility with frequent cleaning protocols requires a scale with a high IP rating, such as IP67 or IP68. Matching the IP rating to your environment prevents premature equipment failure and ensures you get reliable weight measurements every time.
Protect Your Warehouse Operations
Making the right equipment choice helps streamline your operations and avoid unnecessary downtime. If you need assistance selecting the proper pallet jack with a weight scale for your facility, our team can help. Call us at 866-645-0938 to discuss your needs and find a scale that works for you.