In this guide we go over some of what you need to know when when mounting and installing load cells.

1. Phone Number: 1-800-550-0280
Contact Email: contact@tacunasystems.com
Website: https://tacunasystems.com/
Load Cell Mounting and Installation
Best Practices
While selecting the appropriate load cell model for an application is important, its
measurement output could be meaningless if the load cell is not properly mounted
and installed. Proper installation is critical to obtaining high-quality, accurate read-
ings. It also guarantees ease of use and safe operations.
This article will give helpful load cell installation tips but does not replace an installa-
tion guide. For best results, always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions,
ensure that installers are properly trained, and contact Tacuna Systems to discuss
any design or implementation issues specific to your project.
1) Choose The Right Frame and Fixture
Every load cell has a design for a specific environment, set of conditions, and me-
chanical orientation. Setting up the proper fixture (or load cell mount) and frame is
critical to maximize load cell performance and maintain safe operating conditions.
The article A Comparison of Tacuna Systems Load Cell Mounts summarizes the fea-
tures of each such mount sold by Tacuna Systems, to help simplify the selection pro-
cess.

2. An optimal frame design should maximize stiffness but minimize weight and costs.
The frame must be sturdy enough to support the maximum weight borne by the
measuring device (including overload), and rigid enough to withstand deformation
and flexing. The supporting features to the structure should be rigid.
The fixture design should minimize unintended inputs from the surrounding environ-
ment. Vibrations, thermal expansion, mechanical deformation, and stray electrical
current can cause false readings and damage to or failure of the load cell.
Mitigating Vibration
A variety of sources can introduce vibrations that affect the fixture, including com-
pressors, pumps, actuators, and engines. Additionally, ground vibrations from seis-
mic activity can skew measurement results. Securing the frame to a hard, flat sur-
face will reduce vibrations from passing vehicles and local equipment.
Accounting for Thermal Expansion/Mechanical Defor-
mation
Design the mounting frame to allow for unhindered thermal expansion or contraction.
Load cell mounts that do not allow for mechanical expansion can cause permanent
damage to the load cell or frame.
To maintain a safe operating environment, always design for the appropriate amount
of expansion clearance. Also build a frame that avoids the intrusion of ice, moisture
and other weather-related factors that can cause corrosion or mechanical defor-
mation.
Avoiding Rotation
For suspended loads, the mounting frame should limit the amount of rotation to pre-
vent hardware from loosening over time.
Accounting for Other Forces
Particularly in outdoor environments, the support frame should account for other
forces that can add loads to the system, such as wind.

4. Avoiding Electrical Interference
The fixture and frame should not cause unintentional ground paths. Avoid welding of
the frame, fixture or mounts in the presence of installed load cells, as stray currents
from welding can damage these sensitive components.
2) Align Loads in the Proper Direction
Ideally, in a measuring system all of the load or force will be transmitted through the
load cell. If the force to be measured is not fully applied through the intended axial di-
rection of the load cell, the measurement system cannot capture the correct reading.
This axis is often clearly marked or labeled on the device and is ideally perpendicular
to the loading surface.
This can happen in two ways: when the frame and mounts improperly guide the load,
and when any attached structures (such as supports, safety cables, pipes and
hoses) create “force shunts.”
Correctly Distributing and Guiding the Load
The most common reason for inaccurate load cell measurements is improper axial
loading. Since loads can be compressive, tensile, or torsional, properly guiding the
load direction depends on the application. Section 4 describes mounting best prac-
tices to mitigate improper loading.
Compressive Load Applications
Place load cells at all corners of the supporting structure to maintain the full weight or
load. While some manufacturers recommend placing “dummy” cells on supports and
deriving the total load, dummy cells can prevent proper calibration. When using load
cells under structural supports, always arrange them symmetrically around the plane
perpendicular to the force flow, and level to this plane.
When installing shear beams, single-point, platform, canister, and disk load cells,
keep the lower mount plate level and flat. The top plate that will translate the load
should always maintain a parallel position to the bottom plate, and the load path
should be perpendicular to the plates. This will keep a predominately axial loading.
A failure to maintain axial loading could result in bending moments. As described
in Section 4, install rod-end bearings and clevis mounts to prevent this.
Likewise, when using double-end shear beams, align the load vertically through the
center, avoiding twisting or torsion. The load should not shift relative to the cell body.
Double-ended shear beams have higher load capacity ratings than single-end, so
when supporting greater loads with size constraints, implement double-end beams.
Canister or disk load cells also handle higher capacities, but are larger and bulkier.
Tension and Suspension Applications
For tension applications such as pulleys, hoists or cranes, and fork lifts, fewer sus-
pended supports will deliver more accurate results. Install suspension systems with
adjustable linkages to maintain the ability to evenly distribute loads among load cells.
S-beam load cells can be used in both tension and compression.

5. They are susceptible to large bending moments; to prevent this, install with rod-end
bearings. Also, since the internal strain gauge usually sits on a specific end of S-
beam load cells; take particular notice of its correct orientation relative to the mounts
and load.
Avoiding Force Shunts
A force shunt is any device or path through which a portion of the force flow or load
is diverted. While the term “shunt” typically describes electrical current, the concept
remains true for the “flow” of force.
The force being considered is mechanical, and can be created by a physical load,
weight, or pressure. Avoiding force shunts is critical for weighed objects such as
tanks, platforms, or scales. Failure to set up the fixture in this way will interfere with
accurate measurements. For a more in-depth explanation of force shunts, see Meas-
uring Forces in the Force Shunt.
If attachments to the measured fixture are present due to process connections,
(i.e., piping, hosing, ducts per Figure 1) they should remain flexible to reduce force
shunting. Small diameter piping, or long segments without significant supporting
structures, can also cause significant force shunting. If possible, use larger diameter
connections at all times. Connect piping with hoses or accordion tubing for best re-
sults.
Figure 1. Weighed Vessel with Force Shunt
Ladders, pipes, rods, and catwalks can all improperly load, or shunt, a portion of the
measured structure. Remove these when measuring or compensate for the errors
they introduce to the output measurement.

6. Despite these advisories safety is a high priority; therefore use safety features even
if they create force shunts. Choose flexible over rigid structures, such as cables or
chains, to help reduce force shunts while assuring high levels of safety for operators.
If load cell component failure would cause injury (such as load pins in suspension
applications), have the proper structural backup in place. Secure the fixture with ca-
bles or stops to prevent harm to operators and equipment.
3) Consider Environmental Factors Affecting
Load Cells
Every load cell will perform differently depending on the environment. Before in-
stalling the measuring system, planners should do a thorough analysis of the envi-
ronmental factors influencing the load cell and fixture (the latter being discussed
in Section 1).
Keep the load cell application in a controlled environment and when possible use de-
vices indoors to reduce environmental effects. When the load cell application must
be outdoors, the operation of the measuring system (including calibration) will need
to mitigate the effects of debris buildup, temperature, wind, precipitation, ice, sun-
light, humidity, electrical systems and ground conditions to derive accurate readings.
Temperature
If ambient temperatures fluctuate, use load cells that are temperature compensated.
This information appears on the load cell model datasheet.
Uncompensated devices will behave poorly at extreme temperatures, so it is im-
portant to cover them from radiant heat and cooling systems. Installing a shield or in-
sulation around the device can provide protection from extreme temperatures.
Moisture
If the operating environment will be exposed to moisture or precipitation, discuss with
the manufacturer how well the load cell performs and compensates for moisture.
Moisture can lead to shorting in the electrical current causing errors in measure-
ments, and can often damage the load cell.
Take precautions to avoid corrosion of both the load cell device and the mount, and
inspect them frequently. Use non-corrosive metals such as aluminum and stainless
steel when the device will be exposed to moisture, and keep the load cell and sur-
rounding surfaces dry. Also check for cracks caused by corrosion pitting that could
lead to damage of the load cell and equipment failure.
Electrical and Magnetic
Stray electrical currents could interfere with load cell readings and are another possi-
ble source of damage to the device. Properly cover and secure all wiring and light-
ing, and ground the load cell fixture to the specifications outlined by the manufac-
turer. Avoid welding near load cells as stray currents from welding can significantly
damage components.

7. Magnetic and electrical fields can create interference with weighing system signaling.
To avoid this, place the load cell, connection cabling, and electronics in a shielded
housing.
4) Properly Prepare the Mounting Frame
The load cell mount’s surface and structure is critical for accurate measuring. When
installing mounts, surfaces should always be clean, even, and level. Mount the load
cell to heavy plates attached to the fixture. These plates should be rigid and non-de-
formable. This transfers the total load through the bottom mount to the supporting
structure.
The load cell should always be the intermediate point between a fixed surface and
the introduced load path. The load direction relative to the load cell body’s orientation
should always comply with the manufacturer’s installation manual. Mounting acces-
sories mitigate misalignment, side loads or bending moments. Rod ends or clevises
(Figure 2) can also help reduce bending moments.
Figure 2. S-Beam Load Cell Mounted to Rod End and Clevis Assembly
Limit lateral deflection, if needed, with end stops. If the load cell design requires self-
centering, a pendulum load cell automatically guides the support structure into posi-
tion. The installation of elastomeric bearings regulates heat between the tank and
load cells in a tank weighing system.
If side loading or torsion is unavoidable, use load cells designed to capture these in-
puts.

8. Drill and tap holes in the mounting plates based on the dimensions in the load cell’s
installation drawing or data sheet. Maintain tight tolerances when drilling. Loose tol-
erances could cause improper installation of, or unwanted stress in, the device and
hardware.
Select a size and capacity of the load cell appropriate for the application without sig-
nificant oversizing. The dimensions of the load cell will affect clearances of the fixture
when it is loaded to capacity.
Single point load cells are rated for a specific loading area; therefore design top
plates and scales with these limits in mind. Likewise install load stops where the pos-
sibility exists for a load to exceed a load cell’s rated capacity (for example, due to ac-
cidental shock loading or extreme winds).
5) Choose the Right Hardware
Properly securing the load cell to the support plates will limit unintended movement
in the device. This keeps the load cell aligned with the load path, maximizing accu-
racy and preventing damage to the component.
Always use the provided device hardware or other standard hardware approved by
the manufacturer. Install all hardware to the specifications outlined in the installation
manual. Engage the full threaded section of bolts connecting the support plates, and
apply the proper preload before allowing the system to support the full weight of the
measured entity. If bolts are not preloaded or preload is not maintained, the hard-
ware could experience joint-separation or a fatigue failure.
This can also lead to the bolts self-loosening, ultimately causing a failure in the
bolted joints.
The attachment plate used to mount the load cell should be thick enough to have a
significant thread engagement with attaching hardware. If the plate is thin it will pre-
vent the component from being properly secured.
Apply torque to the hardware per specifications. Use jam nuts and other locking
hardware to prevent connections from loosening or separating. Lastly, do not allow
suspended systems to rotate, as this might also loosen hardware.
Standard hardware should not be the weak point in the load path. Yielding, shearing,
or fatigue failures could cause damage to the load cell device. If standard hardware
is potentially inadequate for the load cell application, upgrade hardware before be-
ginning installation.
Conclusion
As this article demonstrates, the accuracy of a measuring system depends greatly
on its proper installation. Each system is unique and often has specific considera-
tions to ensure best results. Tacuna Systems engineers are always available to an-
swer your installation or application questions regarding our load cell products.

9. References
 Measurement and Instrumentation Principles, 3rd Edition, Alan S. Morris
 Introduction to Instrumentation and Measurements, 3rd Edition, Robert B. Northrop
 Elements of Electronic Instrumentation and Measurements, Joseph J. Carr
Phone Number: 1-800-550-0280
Contact Email: contact@tacunasystems.com
Website: https://tacunasystems.com/