Dealing with a malfunctioning scale can be both frustrating and time-consuming. Before troubleshooting a scale, first, we need to cover common issues that can occur. These common problems can help point you in the right direction in determining what is wrong with the scale, and ultimately, solving the issue.

Before working on your scale, be sure that you are adhering to the manufacturer's recommended procedures. Opening your scale may void any remaining warranty. If the scale is still under warranty, we recommend contacting your supplier or the manufacturer directly before attempting any repairs yourself.

No Power

A scale not powering on can be a variety of issues from mechanical to electronic. Begin by checking the power source for any issues and that it fits snuggly into the outlet. If the scale operates with batteries, double-check that they are charged and don't need replacing. These might seem like basic items to check, but you'd be surprised how much time and hassle this could save you in the long run. If this doesn't solve the issue, move on to the next step.

Unplug your scale from the outlet and check the power cord for any damage. Look for clear indications of exposed wire, frayed or bent wires, clean breaks, or any other form of visible damage. A common reason for broken power cords is the cables get tied in knots, and over time, get so tight that it breaks the wires inside.

If there are no apparent signs of damage, then you can test the outlet and power cord with a multimeter. Please have the correct technician or electrician test these items. If you are unsure if it is safe to continue testing the scale, then stop and check with the appropriate people. Once you confirm power at the outlet, check for voltage at the end of the power adapter. If there is power in both, then things start to get more complicated.

The key to finding a power loss within a scale is to trace the power. Tracing begins at the component beyond the power cord or battery, where electricity should be flowing. Continue checking each component until there is no power present, which helps narrow down the malfunctioning part or connector. This method may sound very basic, but it works for finding most issues for a scale not powering on. For more help through this process, please contact Scales Plus!

Drifting and Instability

Drifting is another common problem scale users may face. Drifting occurs when a scale's display continuously fluctuates and is generally caused by water exposure. Water in the scale's indicator, junction box, load cells, cables, or internal components can cause erratic readings. If you discover water in the system, immediately shut it down. Allow the scale to completely dry. You may be able to use it again if there is no permanent damage. You may also consider using a scale with a high IP rating for damp environments.

Other factors can cause unstable readings such as electrical disturbances, drafts, or poorly connected wires. There may even be a broken component, such as a load cell or indicator. Some of these issues can be more difficult to test. For questions on how to proceed, please contact our technical support line at 616-622-2100.

Inaccurate Weight Readings

Inaccurate readings are primarily the result of a scale being out of calibration, a bind, or a broken component. An inaccurate reading can cause significant issues in almost any business. A bind prevents the scale from receiving the correct amount of load. A bind can occur when a buildup of debris or foreign objects accumulate under or around the scale. A typical example of this would be a piece of pallet getting jammed underneath a floor scale. If you have confirmed that the scale is free of binds, then it is on to the calibration.

Calibrating a scale should be done at least annually. Over time, the wear of use can cause a scale to lose its calibration. After the calibration, the scale needs to be tested and verified. If the calibration is performed correctly and does not fix the inaccuracy, then it is most likely a broken component.

A broken component is more challenging to find. It could potentially be a damaged load cell, junction box, or even the mainboard. There could also be the possibility of a poorly connected wire. For help in troubleshooting broken components, please contact our technical support line or chat with us at www.scalesplus.com.

Error Codes

Manufacturers typically use error codes in their software to help diagnose issues with their scales. Error codes are usually clearly documented in the scale's manual. The code could mean anything from the scale needing calibration or that a particular component is malfunctioning. Referring to the manual is always the first step if an error code is displayed. If there is no information on the code or you do not have a manual, contact Scales Plus for the information. We are always happy to help!