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Load Cell Not Working | Troubleshooting Guide for Accurate Weighing
Fix Common Load Cell Issues and Restore Performance Quickly
If your load cell is not working, it can cause inaccurate weight readings, unstable signals, or a complete loss of output. Since load cells are the heart of weighing systems — from weighbridges and silos to scales and automation equipment — downtime can be costly.
At Sensors and Gauges, we don’t just supply load cells — we also provide expert support to help you diagnose, fix, and prevent load cell failures.
There are several reasons why a load cell may fail or stop giving proper readings:
✅ Electrical Faults – Broken wires, loose connections, or faulty amplifiers ✅ Moisture Ingress – Water inside cables or junction boxes causing signal drift ✅ Overloading – Exceeding rated capacity damages the strain gauges permanently ✅ Mechanical Damage – Bending, vibration, or impact on the load cell body ✅ Improper Grounding – Signal noise or interference from poor shielding ✅ Calibration Errors – Incorrect setup after installation or power fluctuations
⚠️ No Output Signal – Wiring open-circuit or amplifier failure ⚠️ Unstable/Fluctuating Readings – Loose shielding, moisture, or vibration issues ⚠️ One Corner of Scale Not Weighing – Faulty load cell or incorrect trimming in junction box ⚠️ Drifting Signal – Moisture ingress or temperature effects ⚠️ Incorrect Calibration – Wrong configuration in indicator/controller
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Checklist
Visual Inspection
Check for cracked housings, damaged cables, or corrosion.
Check Wiring & Continuity
Verify Excitation (+/-) and Signal (+/-) wires with a multimeter.
Test Excitation Voltage
Ensure 5V, 10V, or 12V excitation is reaching the load cell.
Check Signal Output
Apply a known load and verify millivolt signal change.
Swap with Known Good Load Cell
If possible, replace with a working load cell to confirm diagnosis.
Inspect Junction Box Circuit
Loose connections or faulty trimming pots may be the issue.
✔️ Always use IP-rated waterproof junction boxes in outdoor applications ✔️ Avoid mechanical shock or side-loading on the load cell ✔️ Use surge protection to safeguard against lightning strikes ✔️ Calibrate regularly for stable performance ✔️ Route cables carefully to prevent crushing or cuts
If the strain gauge inside is damaged due to overload, corrosion, or fatigue, the load cell may not be repairable. In such cases, replacement is the only reliable solution.
At Sensors and Gauges, we stock a wide range of replacement load cells compatible with weighing indicators, batching systems, and industrial applications.
🛒 Complete Load Cell Solutions – From single-point to multi-ton capacity 🔧 Expert Troubleshooting Support – Wiring diagrams, calibration, and repairs 📊 Full System Supply – Junction boxes, indicators, transmitters, and cables 🚚 Australia-Wide Delivery – Fast shipping from our Sydney warehouse
💡 Smart Tip: If your load cell is not working after lightning or a power surge, check the junction box and indicator first — the load cell may still be intact.
Final Thoughts – Load Cell Not Working
When your load cell is not working, quick troubleshooting can save time and money. By checking wiring, signal output, grounding, and calibration, you can often identify whether the issue lies in the load cell itself or supporting components.
At Sensors and Gauges, we provide both the hardware and the expertise to keep your weighing systems running with maximum uptime.
