A load cell is a sensor that measures force and converts it into an electrical signal. It is commonly used in industrial and commercial applications to determine weight, pressure, and tension. The accuracy of a load cell depends on its wiring and installation. In this article, we will discuss the 6 wire load cell wiring diagram and how to wire it correctly.
What is a 6 Wire Load Cell?
A 6 wire load cell is a type of load cell that has six wires instead of the typical four. The additional wires are used to compensate for changes in temperature and improve the accuracy of the measurement. The six wires are divided into two circuits: a sense circuit and an excitation circuit.
Sense Circuit
The sense circuit is responsible for measuring the force and generating a signal that represents the weight or pressure. It consists of four wires: red, black, green, and white. The red and black wires are used to provide power to the load cell, while the green and white wires are used to measure the signal.
The green and white wires are connected to a wheatstone bridge, a circuit that balances the signal and makes it more accurate. The signal generated by the wheatstone bridge is then amplified and sent to a data acquisition system or display.
Excitation Circuit
The excitation circuit is responsible for supplying power to the load cell and generating a stable voltage. It consists of two wires: blue and yellow. The blue wire is connected to a positive voltage source, while the yellow wire is connected to a negative voltage source.
The excitation circuit provides a stable voltage to the load cell, which allows it to generate a more accurate signal. The voltage provided by the excitation circuit is usually between 5 and 15 volts DC.
How to Wire a 6 Wire Load Cell
Wiring a 6 wire load cell requires careful attention to detail. The wiring must be done correctly to ensure accurate measurements and prevent damage to the load cell. The following steps describe how to wire a 6 wire load cell:
Step 1: Identify the Wires
The first step is to identify the wires on the load cell. The load cell should have six wires: red, black, green, white, blue, and yellow. The red and black wires are used to provide power to the load cell, while the green and white wires are used to measure the signal. The blue and yellow wires are used to connect to the excitation circuit.
Step 2: Connect the Excitation Circuit
The next step is to connect the excitation circuit. The blue wire should be connected to a positive voltage source, and the yellow wire should be connected to a negative voltage source. The voltage provided by the excitation circuit should be between 5 and 15 volts DC.
Step 3: Connect the Sense Circuit
The sense circuit should be connected next. The red and black wires should be connected to a power source, usually between 5 and 15 volts DC. The green and white wires should be connected to a wheatstone bridge circuit.
Step 4: Calibrate the Load Cell
After the load cell is wired, it should be calibrated to ensure accurate measurements. Calibration involves applying known loads or pressures to the load cell and measuring the output signal. The output signal should be compared to the expected signal to determine if the load cell is accurate. If the load cell is not accurate, adjustments can be made to the wiring or the wheatstone bridge circuit.
FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is a load cell used for? | A load cell is used to measure force, weight, pressure, and tension in industrial and commercial applications. |
| Why does a 6 wire load cell have six wires? | A 6 wire load cell has six wires to compensate for changes in temperature and improve the accuracy of the measurement. |
| How do you wire a 6 wire load cell? | A 6 wire load cell must be wired carefully to ensure accurate measurements. The excitation circuit should be connected first, followed by the sense circuit. Calibration should be done to ensure accuracy. |
| What is a wheatstone bridge? | A wheatstone bridge is a circuit that balances an electrical signal to make it more accurate. |
Conclusion
Wiring a 6 wire load cell requires careful attention to detail. The load cell must be wired correctly to ensure accurate measurements and prevent damage to the load cell. The 6 wire load cell has six wires to compensate for changes in temperature and improve accuracy. The sense circuit is responsible for measuring the force and generating a signal, while the excitation circuit provides power to the load cell. Calibration should be done to ensure accuracy. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can wire a 6 wire load cell correctly and obtain accurate measurements.
