One question we are asked occasionally is what does the arrow on my load cells mean and what direction should it be pointing?

As you can imagine, correct load cell orientation is necessary for your scale to function properly. Most load cells have an arrow that tells you the direction of the load. When weight is applied to the scale, the load cell will deflect in the direction the arrow is pointing. When installed correctly, this deflection provides a positive output (based on the load cell color code) which is then interpreted as weight. If the load cell is installed incorrectly, you won’t get a positive weight reading on your scale.

Also, make sure you know your load cell’s color code. They can vary by manufacturer, but don’t worry we have a web application to alleviate any confusion. Just visit the link above and enter the load cell’s manufacturer and model to see the correct color code.