You could argue that precision is paramount in any scenario involving weighing. Whether it’s for ingredients in a recipe or materials in a laboratory, accurate measurement is indispensable. However, in environments prone to moisture, such as kitchens or industrial settings, precision weighing becomes even more critical. Moisture can compromise the accuracy of traditional scales, necessitating the use of specially designed waterproof scales to maintain precision. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of waterproof scales and guide you on selecting the ideal one to suit your requirements.
Understanding IP ratings
IP stands for ‘ingress protection’. This means the extent to which a product can prevent water from entering it. Typically, commercial waterproof scales have one of the following four IP ratings:
- IP65
- IP67
- IP68
- IP69K
The two digits in these ratings represent how waterproof each scale is. The first digit reflects the protection against foreign bodies. All of the above are rated ‘6’, which means complete protection against dust and other particulates. A vacuum seal should be present to achieve this rating.
The second digit is the one we’re most concerned with because it is the level of moisture ingress protection. Details are below:
- 5: Protection against low-pressure jets (6.3 mm) of directed water from any angle.
- 7: Protection against full immersion for 30 minutes in water between 15 cm and 1 metre deep.
- 8. Protection against full immersion at greater depths and higher pressure.
- 9K: Protection against high-pressure and high-temperature jet sprays, wash downs and steam cleaning.
The benefits of waterproof scales
Selecting the appropriate waterproof scales hinges on their intended use and the environmental conditions they’ll be subjected to. Nonetheless, by opting for the right products, businesses can unlock numerous advantages.
Improved accuracy: Moisture can interfere with non-waterproof scales, making readings potentially inaccurate. Waterproof scales remove this risk.
Easier cleaning: When you don’t need to worry about water ingress, you can clean your scales more easily and thoroughly.
Reduced maintenance costs: Waterproof scales are designed to withstand wet environments, reducing the need for unexpected repairs and downtime.
Always check the IP rating when choosing your waterproof scales and ensure it suits your conditions. Remember, even if you don’t weigh a lot of wet items, your scales still need cleaning. If you use pressure washing for this task, you’ll want the best level of ingress protection possible.
Types of waterproof scales
There are countless types of scales in the marketplace, and many of them are available in waterproof designs. As we discussed, the IP rating is crucial in determining just how waterproof a product is. However, you can usually find waterproof scales to suit any needs. For example, bench scales are common in laboratories, while floor scales are generally used in manufacturing. Portable scales can also be waterproof, and outdoor weighing systems such as weighbridges must be able to perform in the wet.
So, regardless of your industry and requirements, there is usually a waterproof scale available to suit your needs.
Need help with waterproof scales?
NWI Group is your leading provider of specialist weighing technologies. We work with a range of industries, implementing tailored solutions to improve your operations. From weighbridges to precision laboratory scales, we’ve got the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver value for money. So, whether you work in food processing, manufacturing, agriculture, waste management or any other industry, NWI Group is here to help. Contact us today to find out more.
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