RICE LAKE CB6 Load Cell and Weigh Module
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer: Artech, Cardinal, Coti Global, Dillon, Flintec, Hbk Interface, Rice Lake Weighing Systems, VPG Blh, VPG Celtron, VPG Revere, VPG Sensortronics, VPG Tede-Huntleigh
- Models: Excitation, Signal, Sense, Shield
Product Usage Instructions
Wiring Guide:
Easily verify which wire colors represent excitation, signal, sense and shield lines for a range of load cell brands and models.
Wire Colors:
- Excitation: Check the manufacturer’s guide for the specific wire color representing excitation (+/-).
- Signal: Identify the wire color designated for the signal line (+/-).
- Sense: Locate the wire color assigned for the sense line (+/-).
- Shield: Find the correct wire color for the shield line.
FAQ
- Q: How do I determine the wire colors for excitation, signal, sense, and shield lines?
- A: Refer to the wiring guide provided by the load cell manufacturer. The manual should specify the wire colors corresponding to each line.
- Q: What if the wire colors are not standard?
- A: In case the wire colors are not standard or clearly labeled, reach out to the manufacturer’s customer support for assistance in identifying the correct wires.
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Load Cell Types
Load cells are built in various sizes and types for various applications. We will look at the different type of load cells.
Canister
The canister cell is the earliest load cell design. It is either hermetically sealed or welded to protect the gauges. See Figure 1-1 Canister Load Cell. Canister cell popularity is waning as their cost is 2 or 3 times that of a bending beam cell. There are two types of canister construction, single column and multiple column.
Single-column canisters cannot normally withstand a side load of over 15%. Multiple column canister cells withstand more side load than the single-column variety. The canister cell ranges in size from 100lbs up to 500,000lbs. The normal safe overload is 150% of full scale (F.S.) but some models are able to withstand a 300% F.S. overload. There is no means through visual inspection or labeling to identify which cells are singular or multiple column. Refer to original manufacturer’sspecifications or Rice Lake Weighing Systems’ Load Cell Guide to determine your cell’s specifications. Canister cells are made of high alloy tool steel with an epoxy finish, or stainless steel. Their rated excitation ranges from 10VDC to 20VAC/DC. Common bridge resistances are 350Ω and 480Ω.
Single-Ended Beam
The single-ended shear beam cell is designed for low-profile scale and process applications. The shear-beam cell strain gauge cavity contains a thin metal diaphragm onto which the strain gauges are mounted. Typical shear beam capacities range from 1,000lbs through 20,000lbs, although some manufacturers offer shear beams up to 40,000lbs. One end of the shear-beam contains the mounting holes while the opposite end is where the cell is loaded. The cell should be mounted on a flat, smooth surface with high strength hardened bolts. The larger shear beam cells have more than two mounting holes to accommodate extra bolts and keep the hardware from stretching under stress load. See Figure 1-2 Single-Ended Shear Beam.
Shear beams operate best in a temperature range of +15°F to 115°F. Their maximum safe operating range with minimum performance change is from 0°F to 150°F. Shear-beam zero outputs should be frequently checked when operating at high temperatures. These cells may be overloaded statically up to 150% of rated load without damage. Overloads in excess of the safe overload rating may permanently affect the accuracy and performance of the cell. Shock loads having peak values in excess of 120% of rated cell capacity may also affect the calibration and should be avoided. Shear beams may be constructed of tool steel, or stainless steel for use in harsh environments. Just because a cell is made of stainless steel does not mean it can be used in washdown environments. Appropriate sealing is also important.
Double-Ended Beam
The double ended shear beam characteristics are similar to those of the single-ended shear beam. The most common bridge resistance for this load cell is 700Ω. It is most commonly used in truck scales and tank and hopper applications. Instead of being secured at one end with the load applied to the other end as in the single-ended shear beam, the double-ended shear beam is secured at both ends with the load applied to the center of the load cell. As in all shear beam designs the strain gauges are mounted on a thin web in the center of the cell’s machined cavity. See Figure 1-3 Double Ended Shear Beam.
Cantilever Beam
Cantilever beams are similar to shear beams. However, the cantilever beam does not have a thin web located in the strain gauge cavity. The cantilever beam is machined all the way through. The strain gauges are mounted along the inner edges of the cavity. Most cantilever beams have a bridge resistance of 350Ω and either 3mV/V or 2mV/V full scale outputs. They range from capacities of 25lb up to 10,000lbs. However, there may be a few larger cantilever beams being used. They can be used in tension or compression applications.
S-Beam
S-Beam load cells derive their name from their shape which, of course, is the shape of the letter S. The S-beam is normally used in tension applications. However, there are S-beams available which are bidirectional. They are primarily used for mechanical-to-electronic scale conversions, platform scale and general purpose weighing applications. They vary in size from as low as 25lbs to as high as 20,000lbs. When mounting an S-beam, remember to include the side from which the cable extends is the dead portion of the system. Movement of the cable in the live part of the system can be a source of weighing errors.
Platform
The platform load cell is sometimes called a dual-guided cantilever beam cell but is more commonly referred to as a single point cell. They are used in light capacity bench scales.
They are most commonly made out of aluminum. Some platform scales have built-in overload stops. Safe overloading of 150% full scale is permissible at the center loading point on some platform load cells. They are commonly made in 2kg through 1000kg and 2lbs through 1000lb sizes. The bridge resistance is commonly 350Ω. See Figure 1-4 Platform Load Cell.
Load Cell Construction
Materials
Aluminum Load Cells
Aluminum load cell elements are used primarily in single point, low capacity applications. The alloy of choice is 2023 because of its low creep and hysteresis characteristics. Aluminum load cells have relatively thick web sections compared to tool steel cells of comparable capacities. This is necessary to provide the proper amount of deflection in the element at capacity. Machining costs are usually lower on aluminum elements due to the softness of the material. Single point designs can be gauged for costs similar to those of bending beams.
Tool Steel Load Cells
Load cells manufactured from tool steel elements are by far the most popular cells in use today. The cost to performance ratio is better for tool steel elements compared to either aluminum or stainless steel designs. The most popular alloy are 4330 or 4340 because they have low creep and low hysteresis characteristics. This type of steel can be manufactured to spec consistently, which means that minute load cell design changes don’t have to be made every time a new lot or new steel vendor is selected.
Stainless Steel Load Cells
Stainless steel load cells are made from 17-4ph, which is the alloy having the best overall performance qualities of any of the stainless derivatives. Stainless steel cells are more expensive than tool steel load cells. They are sometimes fitted with hermetically sealed web cavities which makes them an ideal choice for corrosive, high moisture applications. Stainless steel load cells that are not hermetically sealed have little advantage over comparable cells constructed of tool steel, other than a higher resistance to corrosion.
Choosing the Correct Load Cell
Misuse of any product can cause major cost and safety problems; load cells are no exception. Unfortunately, the load cell protection rating systems used in the industry today are inadequate in some ways. That’s why Rice Lake Weighing Systems, with years of load cell experience, has developed its own rating system for load cells. Our system categorizes load cells in two major groups: hermetically sealed (HS), and environmentally protected (EP). Hermetically sealed cells are then further characterized by IP (Ingress Protection) numbers. We feel this system effectively matches load cell to application for optimal results.
To choose the proper load cell protection qualities, a fundamental understanding of the differences between “environmentally protected” and “hermetically sealed” load cells is necessary. The inappropriate use of environmentally protected load cells in harsh conditions is a prescription for load cell failure. Because of the extra manufacturing steps, hermetically sealed load cells cost more than environmentally protected versions. Despite the higher initial cost, hermetically sealed load cells may be the best long-term choice for harsh chemical, washdown, and unprotected outdoor applications.
Environmentally Protected
Environmentally protected load cells are designed for “normal” environmental factors encountered in indoor or protected outdoor weighing applications. By far the most popular type, these load cells may employ strategies like potting, rubber booting, or redundant sealing to afford some protection from moisture infiltration.
Potted load cells utilize one of several types of industrial potting materials. The liquid potting material fills the strain gauge cavity then gels, completely covering the strain gauge and wiring surfaces. While this may significantly diminish the chance of moisture contamination, it does not guarantee extended waterproof performance, nor does it withstand corrosive attack.
A second method of protection uses an adhesive foam-backed plate. This protection affords some moisture and foreign object protection. In many cases, manufacturers will use a caulking material to seal the plate to decrease the potential for cavity contamination. A common approach among manufacturers to further decrease the entry of moisture to the strain gauge combines both a potted cavity and a foam-backed plate, in a process called redundant sealing.
Yet another strain gauge cavity protection strategy is the rubber boot. Commonly employed with cantilever and bending beam models, the boot covers the cavity and is secured by clamps. While this provides easy access for repairs, the boot may crack if not lubricated regularly, allowing contaminants into the load cell cavity. Lubricating the rubber boot during routine inspections will contribute to the long-term durability of the load cell.
Protecting the strain gauge cavity is just one consideration in protecting a load cell from contamination. Another susceptible area is the cable entry into the body of the load cell. Most environmentally protected load cells incorporate an “O” ring and cable compression fitting to seal the entry area. This design provides protection only in applications with minimal moisture. In high-moisture areas, it is safest to install all cabling in conduit, providing both a moisture barrier and mechanical protection.
Although environmentally protected load cells keep out unwanted contaminants, they are not suited for high moisture, steam, or direct washdown applications. The only long-term strategy for these applications is to use true hermetically sealed load cells.
Hermetically Sealed
Hermetically sealed load cells offer the best protection available for the weighing market. Using advanced welding techniques and ultra-thin metal seals, these load cells handle the extremes of harsh chemical and washdown applications. What makes the seal unique is the process of laser-welding metal covers to protect the strain gauge and compensation chambers. The cavities are then injected with potting or, in the case of glass-to-metal seals, filled with a pressurized inert gas, providing a redundant seal. As a final assurance of the integrity of the seal, a leak test is conducted to reveal any microscopic flaws in the sealing weld.
True hermetic protection addresses both the strain gauge cavity and cable entry area. The most advanced cable entry design employs a unique glass-to-metal bonding seal which makes the cable termination area impervious to moisture. Cable wires terminate at the point of connection to the load cell, where they are soldered to hermetically sealed pins that carry signals to the sealed strain gauge area through a glass-to-metal seal. Water or other contaminants cannot “wick up” into the load cell, since the cable ends at the entry point. This design allows for field-replaceable cable, since the connection is outside the load cell. A word of caution: stainless steel load cells are not synonymous with hermetically sealed load cells. While environmentally-protected stainless steel load cells may be suitable for dry chemical corrosive environments, hermeticallysealed stainless steel models are the appropriate choice for high-moisture or washdown applications.
Ingress Protection (IP) Rating Guide
If a hermetically sealed cell is necessary, further classification is needed to be sure of the type of protection a particular cell offers. For hermetically sealed cells, Rice Lake Weighing Systems uses the Ingress Protection (IP) rating system. We find the IP numbers and their definitions are suitable for the classification of hermetically sealed and environmentally sealed load cells, and only apply IP numbers to such cells. The IP numbers on a hermetically sealed cell further specify the treatment a specific cell can endure in environments more severe than simple washdown. The following tables define the IP numbers alone and in conjunction with the hermetically sealed rating.
Example:
Protection level offered by an IP67 rated product Protection against solid objects
First number (in this case 6)
0 No protection
1 Protected from solid objects up to 50 mm (e.g., accidental touch by hands)
2 Protected from solid objects up to 12 mm (e.g., fingers)
3 Protected from solid objects more than 2.5 mm (e.g., tools and small wires)
4 Protected from solid objects more than 1 mm (e.g., small wires)
5 Protected from dust; limited entrance (no harmful deposit)
6 Totally protected from dust
Protection against liquids
Second number (in this case 7)
0 No protection
1 Protected from vertically-falling drops of water (e.g., condensation)
2 Protected from direct sprays of water up to 15° from vertical
3 Protected from direct sprays of water up to 60° from vertical
4 Protected from water sprayed from all directions; limited entrance allowed
5 Protected from low pressure jets of water from all directions; limited entrance
allowed
6 Protected from strong jets of water (e.g., for use on ship decks);
limited entrance allowed
7 Protected from the effects of immersion between 15cm and 1m
8 Protected from extended periods of immersion under pressure
IP Numbers with Hermetically Sealed (HS)
or Environmentally Protected (EP) Ratings
Rating Protection
EP Dust proof, not protected from moisture or water
IP65 Dust proof, protected from splashes and low-pressure jets
IP66 Dust proof, protected from strong water jets
IP67 Dust proof, protected from temporary immersion in water
1 meter deep for 30 minutes
IP68 Dust proof, protected from continuous immersion in water under
more severe conditions than IP67
IP66/68 Dust proof, protected from strong water jets and/or
constant immersion
IP69K Dust tight and withstands high-pressure, high-temperature water
Manufacturers may give a NEMA rating to cells. This system was established for electrical enclosures and is difficult to apply to load cells. However, if you see a NEMA rating and need a general idea of what it means, IP67 and NEMA 6 cells are comparable and meet similar requirements.
Time invested in a well-considered choice offers large returns in the long run. If there is any doubt as to which cell to use, consult with a company such as Rice Lake Weighing Systems that offers experience and knowledge with every load cell.
Mounting Assemblies and Compatible Load Cells
Mount Compatible
Load Cells Range NTEP Material Finish Protection
Matched
Output
Comments
ITCM
RL20000 25-20,000 lb Yes Alloy Steel Nickel Plated Environmental —
Used for suspended tank, hopper
and vessel weighing, and electromechanical conversion.
RL20000ST 25-20,000 lb Yes Stainless Steel Nickel Plated Environmental —
RL20000SS 50-10,000 lb Yes Stainless Steel — Environmental —
363 50-10,000 lb Yes Alloy Steel Nickel Plated Environmental —
9363 50-10,000 lb Yes Stainless Steel — Environmental —
ITCM
RL20001 250-20,000 lb Yes Alloy Steel Nickel Plated Environmental —
60001 250-20,000 lb Yes Alloy Steel Nickel Plated Environmental —
60050 250-20,000 lb No Stainless Steel — Environmental —
RL50210 TA
RL50210 50-250 lb No Alloy Steel Nickel Plated Environmental —
60040 50-250 lb No Alloy Steel Nickel Plated Environmental —
RL50210 TA
RL30000 250-2,500 lb Yes Alloy Steel Nickel Plated Environmental —
Used for low-capacity tank
weighing, conveyor and deck
scales. Neoprene pad provides
shock protection but minimal
self-checking capabilities.
RL39123 250-2,500 lb No Stainless Steel — Environmental —
RL35023 500-2,500 lb Yes Alloy Steel Nickel Plated Environmental —
RL35083 1,000 & 2,500 lb No Stainless Steel — Welded —
5123 1,000 & 2,500 lb Yes Alloy Steel Nickel Plated Environmental —
9123 1,000 & 2,500 lb No Stainless Steel — Environmental —
65023 500-2,500 lb Yes Alloy Steel Nickel Plated Environmental —
65023 500-2,500 lb No Stainless Steel — Environmental —
65083 1,000-2,500 lb No Stainless Steel — Welded —
RL35082 1,000 – 2,500 lb Yes Stainless Steel — Welded/Hermetic —
RL1800
RL30000 250-10,000 lb Yes Alloy Steel Nickel Plated Environmental —
Used for low-to medium capacity
tank, hopper and vessel
weighing.
RL39123 250-10,000 lb No Stainless Steel — Environmental —
RL35023 1,000-10,000 lb Yes Alloy Steel Nickel Plated Environmental —
RL39523 1,000-10,000 lb No Stainless Steel — Welded —
RL35083 1,000-10,000 lb No Stainless Steel — Welded —
5123 1,000-10,000 lb Yes Alloy Steel Nickel Plated Environmental —
9123 1,000-10,000 lb No Stainless Steel — Environmental —
Table 12-1. Mounting Assemblies and Compatible Load Cells
65023 1,000-10,000 lb Yes Alloy Steel Nickel Plated Environmental —
65023-0113 1,000-10,000 lb No Stainless Steel — Environmental —
65083 1,000-10,000 lb No Stainless Steel — Hermetic —
RL1900
SSB 1,000-10,000 lb Yes Stainless Steel — Welded —
Used for low-to-medium capacity
tank, hopper and vessel
weighing.
SB3 1,000-10,000 lb No Alloy Steel Nickel Plated Environmental —
RLSSB 1,000-10,000 lb Yes Stainless Steel — Welded —
RLC RLC 500-5,000 kg No Stainless Steel — Hermetic — Used for low-to-medium capacity
tank, bin and hopper weighing
Paraounts®
SB4
1125-22,500 lb
(5KN-100KN) Yes Stainless Steel — Hermetic Yes
Used for low-to-medium capacity
tank, hopper and vessel
weighing.
JB5
1125-22,500 lb
(5KN-100KN) Yes Stainless Steel Environmental Yes
SB10 2.3k No Stainless Steel Hermetic Yes
Wiring Guide Easily verify which wire colors represent excitation, signal, sense and shield lines for a range of load cell brands and models.
Wiring Guide
MODELS
Standard color code listed, other combinations may be available CB6, SCA, LFB, SB, SP DB, TSP, TB HBB Standard color code listed, other combinations may be available Canister Cell, Tension Compression Z-Cell PC1, PC6, RC1, SB4, SB5, SB6, SB14, SLB, UB1, UB6, SB10, PB, PCB, BK2, RC3, PC3 PC2, PC7, PC4 BLC, BLF, JRT, PWS, RSC, SBF, SB3, USB, U1T, H35, THC, BBS, PWS PLC, B35, A35, S35 SP10, PWSM PW12, PW16, C16A, PW15, Z6, SP4, SP4M PW15AH SSM, 1200, 3200 SML, WMC Miniature RL20000I, RL20000SS, RL20000ST, RL20001, RL20001HE, RLETS, RL30000I, RL32019S-HE, RL32018, RL32018 MLC Coated, RL32018S, RL32018S-HE, RL30002, RL35023, RL35023S, RL35023S MLC Coated, RL35082, RL35083, RL39123, RL39523, RL50210, RL72020, RL72020SS, RL72020 MLC Coated, RL75016SS-W, RL75058-LP, RL75058S-LP, RL50210SS, RL70000, RL75016, RL75016 MLC Coated, RL75016SS, RL75040, RL75058I, RL75060S, RL75223, RL77032, RL77032 MLC Coated, RL77032SS, RL77032SS-HE, RL90000, RLETB, RLHSS, RLMK4, RL75016WHE, RL60040SST, RLS3030, RLS1000, RL70000SS, RL71000HE, RL32218S-HE, RL32018S-P, RL50219SS, RL72019SS RLDB50000S, RL2200, RL2200SS RLMK15, RLMK21, RL72010MH RLMK1 RL1521A, RLFLS, RL32022, RL32022S RL40BBS, RLBLC, RLSB2, RLSB2L, RLSB2M, RLSB2MLW, RLSB250, RLSB250T, RLSSB, RL9000TWM, RL9000TWM-HT, RL75114, RLSCA, RLBLP, RL32011WB-L, RL32011WB-T, RL2010, RL32018-T, RL32018S-T RL8C2P1SST, RLCSP1, RL75000SS RL1380, RL1385, RLH35, RL30745, RL70510, RL80453, RLPC6, RLPC3SS RL1010, RL1040, RL1042, RL1140, RL1250, RL1260, RLPWM12, RLPWM16 RLSP4 RLPCB-60, RLPC4SS-HE RLHBB, RLHTO, RLPWM15HE, RLPWM15 RL9018SS RL32155 RL42018A, RL1218A, RL260FD, RL26018A, RL82021 C2P1, C3P1, T2P1, T3P1 PSD, SEB, LCD, CSB, DSR, DSR-HSS, LOC, SQB, SQB-HSS, STC, STC SS, LPS, STC-HSS, CLB, DLB, HTC SS, MBB, MDB, HOC 62U, 63U, 363, 953, 9523, 9363, 92, 93, 42U, 43U, 263D, 462, 5102, 5103, 5123, 5223, 5723, 6762, 9102, 9103, 9123, 9523, 9223, 9803, 9323, 9423 392B, 642, 652, 692B, BSP, HPS, HPSM, USP1, 792, 933, ASC, CP, CSP, SHB, SSB RLC ACB 60001, 60008, 60018, 60030, 60036, 60040, 60048, 60048SS, 60050, 60051, 60060, 60063, 65007, 65016, 65016A, 65016SS, 65016W, 65016WH, 65023A, 65023S, 65023SS, 65024, 65040A, 65040S, 65058A, 65058S, 65061A, 65083, 65083S, 65114 60007, 60064 65088 4158 3411, 3421 120, 240, 1010, 1015, 1040, 1042, 1140, 1142, 1250, 1260, 1320, 605, 1030, 1240, 1241, 9010, 1130, 1030, 1510, 1260S 220, 355, 620, 3510 1263, 380, 1022
Easily verify which wire colors represent excitation, signal, sense and shield lines for a range of load cell brands and models.
EXCITATION
+
–
· Red
· Black
· Green
· Black
· Red
· Black
· Red
· Black
· Green
· Black
· Green
· White
· White
· Green
· Red
· Black
· Green
· Black
· Green · Green · Red · Green · Blue · Blue · Red · Red
· Black · Black · Black · Black · Black · Black · Black · Black
· Red
· Black
· Red · Red · Red · Green
· Green
· Green · Green · Green · Green · Green · Blue · Blue · White · Green · Green
· Red
· Red
· Green
· Pink · Green
· Red
· Green · Green · Red · Red
· Green
· Blue · Green
· Black · Black · Black · Black
· Black
· Black · Black · Black · Black · Black · Black · Black · Blue · Black · Black
· Black
· Black
· Black
· Grey · Black
· Black
· Black · Black · Black · Black
· Black
· Black · Black
SIGNAL
+
–
· Green
· White
· Red
· White
· Green
· White
· Green
· White
· White
· Red
· Black
· Red
· Black
· Red
· White
· Green
· White
· Red
· White · White · Green · White · White · White · Green · White
· Red · Red · White · Red · Red · Red · White · Green
· Green
· White
· White · Green · White · Red
· White
· White · White · Red · Red · White · White · White · Green · Red · White
· Green
· Green
· White
· Brown · White
· Green
· White · White · Green · Green
· Red
· White · Red
· Green · White · Green · White
· Red
· Red · Red · White · White · Red · Red · Red · Black · White · Red
· White
· White
· Red
· White · Red
· White
· Red · Red · White · White
· White
· Red · White
SENSE
+
–
X
X
X
X
X
X
· Brown
· Yellow
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
· Blue X X · Orange · Green · Green X X
· Brown X X · Blue · Grey · Grey X X
X
X
X X · Yellow X
X
X X · Blue · Blue · Blue · Green · Green · Yellow · Blue X
X
X
X
X · Yellow
X
X X X · Blue · Blue · Green X
X X · Blue X
X
X X · Brown · Brown · Brown · Grey · Yellow · Red · Yellow X
X
X
X
X · Blue
X
X X X · Brown · Brown · Grey X
SHIELD
· Bare · Bare · Bare · Bare · Yellow · Orange · Orange · Orange · Yellow · Yellow · Yellow · Yellow · Yellow · Bare · Yellow · Bare · Bare
· Bare
· Bare · Orange · Orange · Bare
· Bare
· Orange · Yellow · Bare · Yellow · Yellow · Bare · Bare · Orange · Bare · Yellow · Bare
· Bare
· Bare · Bare · Bare
· Bare
· Bare · Orange · Bare · Bare · Bare · Bare · Bare
230 W. Coleman St. · Rice Lake, WI 54868 · USA TEL: 715-234-9171 · FAX: 715-234-6967 · www.ricelake.com
An ISO 9001 registered company © 2025 Rice Lake Weighing Systems PN 115215 1/25 Specifications subject to change without notice.
Documents / Resources
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RICE LAKE CB6 Load Cell and Weigh Module [pdf] User Guide CB6 Load Cell and Weigh Module, CB6, Load Cell and Weigh Module, Weigh Module, Module |
