Scales function with different elements that, as a whole, deliver the most accurate results. Some components require a certain level of maintenance to keep them working correctly. Small sensors are one of the main components of scales, and keeping these functional with best practices will ensure you get a better experience with your scale.
The common question is, “What happens to a scale loaded over its maximum weight?” To avoid problems, it’s important to stay within the use guidelines and restrictions, but if, for some reason, you had to weigh something extra heavy, here’s what would happen.
Sensor Damage
Scales work with small sensors that provide and deliver accurate information on an object’s weight. Depending on the type and size of scale that you have, you will find one or multiple sensors to distribute weight and measure it evenly. Going over the weight limit could break one sensor or damage it badly, preventing it from generating accurate numbers, and replacing it could be expensive.
Large industrial scales work with heavy-duty machines and heavy weights, which is one of the reasons that multiple sensors do the job. For smaller scales, one sensor is enough, but this also restricts the amount of weight you can put on it.
Signs Of a Damaged Sensor
Sometimes, it’s hard to know if an object will damage a scale without knowing the initial weight. Knowledge comes with experience, and eyeballing the weight of a piece of equipment or an irregularly shaped object could complicate the process. If you think the sensor is not working properly, these are some signs you should look for:
- The digital display showing an error message
- Flickering screen
- Inconsistency in results from the same object
- The scale not turning on
- The screen not going down to zero
To fix a problem like this on warehouse scales, you need the help of professionals to check and replace the damaged sensors. Scales have sensors in different sizes, and ensuring that you install the right ones is essential for accurate results.
Overload Capacity
The sensors on industrial scales have a weight limit on the manual that you should never go over to avoid problems, but these sensors have added capacities. You can load a scale over 50 percent of its maximum weight in case an object is too heavy without your knowing. This room for error gives your scale extra strength you can use only when necessary; you should always stay under the suggested limit capacity.