Understanding the Importance of Junction Boxes in Weighbridges
Learn about why junction boxes are important in weighbridge systems and why you should use reliable brands.
Bilanciai digital load cell junction box
TECHNICAL INSIGHT
Junction boxes are a critical component in a weighbridge system yet despite this some manufacturers have sought to redesign cheaper systems that are “junction- box-less”.
This Technical Insight focuses on why a junction box should be used in weighbridge systems.
A high-quality weighbridge junction box is normally made of stainless steel and have multiple water-tight cable input apertures.
View of the Bilanciai DD in built load cell diagnostic menu
With digital instrumentation, the load cells and indicator are connected in the junction box with an RS485 network.
Network structures vary within junction boxes and include “backbone”, “ring” and “star” network structures, but the most reliable is the daisy chain network structure, which is used, for example, in the Bilanciai digital junction box.
A “junction- box-less” system has by definition, no junction box with the load cells being connected in series.
The only benefit of a “junction- box-less” system is cost
The disadvantages are significant and include:
- Increased risk of water ingression – Each loadcell has two cables going into it, doubling the risk of water ingress due to possible loose and non industrialised connectors.
- Inability to reverse calibrate – the indicator sees a string of load cells, and not each load cell, it is not possible for the indicator to store each load cells calibrations, and on a load cell replacement to simple send the correct calibration settings to new load cell. Test weights are therefore need for load cell changes.
- Difficulty fault finding – If the cabling between a load cell is damaged or if a load cell is damaged the entire “string” is broken and it is highly time consuming to work through all the components to find the fault. Unlike for example the DD range of Bilanciai indicators, individual load cell statuses cannot be viewed, and therefore from the status menu it is clear were a fault has arisen.
Junction-box “less” system
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If you have any questions about our weighing solutions or would like a free quote, please click here to contact us. You can also phone the Sasco Support Centre directly on either +27 83 680 0722 or +27 11 746 6000.
Jonathan is a Kenyan born British national who acquired Sasco from Avery Berkel in 2002 and took on the challenge of revitalizing the then ailing company. Jonathan has been CEO of various listed companies, spent 10 years as an investment banker in London, is committed to innovation and in a firm believer in the exceptional growth prospects for Africa over the coming decades.
