How to Wire an Instron Load Cell

Hydraulic machinery is the most common to measure stress and strain through load cells.

Industrial grade machinery is subject to various stresses and strains over the course of regular use. This is especially true with hydraulic machinery. The need to reliably measure these mechanical loads and convert them to electrical signals for measurement purposes is the reason that load cells are produced. Instron is one such manufacturer of these large scale transducers. This company produces a variety of load cells to measure a variety of stresses and strains on industrial machinery. Connecting an appropriate load cell for the specific need will bring you closer to retrieving valuable information.

Things You'll Need

• System with installed Instron load cell
• Product documentation for specific model of Instron load cell
• Adapter cable with appropriate connectors
• System with installed sensor conditioner card
• Product documentation for sensor conditioner card

Instructions

1. Verify the appropriate connectors on the each end of the adapter cable. Review both the product documentation and the physical components themselves. Depending upon your configuration, you will either need 15-pin or 25-pin connections for either the load cell or the sensor conditioner card. Consult your product documentation for the sensor conditioner card as well.

2. Connect the cable to the load cell. Verify that the orientation of the adapter cable is correct for plugging it into the load cell's connector. Make sure it's secure by trying to wiggle the connector out of the load cell's connector. When satisfied with the connection, keep it secure by tightening all associated connector screws.

3. Make the connection to the sensor conditioner card. Just as in the previous step, verify that the pin orientation is correct. Plug the connector from the remaining free end of the cable into the sensor conditioner card. Wiggle the connector a little bit to ensure the connection is secure. Once you are satisfied with the connection, keep it snug by tightening all associated screws on the connector.

Tips & Warnings

• Protect expensive measurement equipment like this by switching off the power to the sensor conditioner card before making any connections or disconnections.

• If you are unsure about your connections, have another person verify your work.

• Verify that the load cell is properly secured prior to connecting and using.

• Always use caution when working around machinery with moving parts.

• Avoid any pinch points that could result in serious personal injury.

• Never try to defeat the safety interlocks on any machinery.

• Avoid potential damage to the load cell or the machinery by verifying the load cell is appropriate for the application.

References

• Instron: Load Cells
• Instron: Adaptor Cables for Load Cells
• Instron: Sensor Conditioner Card for 5800 Series