IP protection classes for load cells , junction boxes and display devices

Scales are used in many areas today: from production and logistics to trades, agriculture, and outdoor applications. Choosing the right IP protection class is crucial to ensuring that load cells , junction boxes , display devices, and evaluation devices operate reliably even under harsh conditions.

This guide explains what IP ratings mean, the differences, and what to look for when choosing.

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1. What does IP protection mean?

The IP protection classes (Ingress Protection) according to EN 60529 indicate how well a device is protected against dust, dirt and moisture .

• First digit (0–6): Protection against solid particles (e.g. dust)

• Second digit (0–9K): Protection against liquids (e.g. rain, water jets, submersion)

👉 Example: IP67 = dustproof + protection against temporary immersion.

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2. Typical IP protection classes and their areas of application

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3. Load cells : The heart of every scale

The load cell is the central sensor of a scale – and is particularly sensitive to moisture and dirt.

• Normal environments (warehouse, workshop, logistics hall): IP64–IP65

• Humid or dusty environments (outdoors, transshipment points): IP67

• Extreme conditions (high-pressure cleaning, constant wet contact): IP68–IP69K

Particularly interesting: Some load cells meet two IP protection classes , e.g., IP68 and IP69K . This makes them suitable for both long-term immersion in water and aggressive high-pressure cleaning —ideal for the food industry or wet areas. These include, for example, the SK30X , F60X , AVS , CB50X , R10X , R30X , RC3-TS , and G8R-CP models.

Load cells and their sealing methods

Since load cells are particularly sensitive components, manufacturers use different sealing methods :

• Coated load cells (IP64 / IP65)
  With protective coating or filling material.
  ➝ Ideal for indoor areas with dry environments.

• Closed load cells (IP67)
  Mechanically protected and sealed against normal moisture.
  ➝ Suitable for indoor and outdoor use .

• Hermetically sealed load cells (IP68 / IP69K)
  With welded metal cover – offers the highest level of protection .
  ➝ For very humid environments, steam jet cleaning and hygienically sensitive areas (e.g. food industry).

👉 Important: A stainless steel load cell is not automatically hermetically sealed! Only when combined with an appropriate seal does it become reliable against moisture and cleaning.

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4. Junction boxes

The junction box connects several load cells. It's a critical point—if it fails, the entire scale stops functioning.

• Standard conditions: IP65 sufficient

• Humid or dusty environment: IP67 recommended

• Heavy-duty use / cleaning: IP68 or IP69K required

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5. Display devices, evaluation devices , remote displays and terminals

Evaluation devices and displays do not always have to be installed directly in wet areas and therefore often do not require such a high level of protection against moisture and dust.

• Dry environments (office, control room): IP54–IP55

• Production or logistics environments with dust/humidity: IP65–IP67

• Hygienically critical or wet areas: IP68 and/or IP69K

👉 Practical tip: If possible, place displays outside of wet areas .

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7. Advantages of the appropriate IP protection class

• Longer service life of scales and accessories

• Stable measurement results even under harsh conditions

• Less maintenance and repairs

• Cost efficiency through reduced downtime

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Conclusion

The IP protection class is more than just a technical detail – it determines the reliability, service life and accuracy of your scales.

👉 If you adapt the protection class to the actual ambient conditions, you save costs, reduce downtime and ensure permanently precise measurement results.