MNM Scales 4 x 500 lb Stainless NTEP Shear Beam Kit Guide: Wiring, Feet & Specs
- pete8781
- Jul 29
- 3 min read
For help selecting the correct cells, junction box or indicator for a compact platform or process scale, call MNM Scales at (832) 290-3120 or email mnmscales@yahoo.com.
The MNM Scales four 500 lb stainless NTEP shear beam load cell kit gives scale builders and repair technicians four compact moisture-sealed single-ended beam sensors, four adjustable feet and four spacers for bench platforms, small floor scales, ingredient hoppers, process vessels and other four-point weighing systems. Each cell is rated 500 lb, so the four sensors provide 2,000 lb of combined nameplate cell capacity before the finished scale’s dead load, corner concentration, dynamic loading and structural safety factors are considered.
Kit Contents and Intended Architecture
MNM lists four 500 lb stainless steel moisture-sealed shear beams, four 1/2-20 feet and four spacers. In a complete four-point scale, the sensors normally connect to a summing junction box, which combines their signals into one output for a compatible indicator. The platform or vessel frame carries the load into the four cells; the cells themselves should not be used as improvised structural stops or impact absorbers.
Published Technical Specifications
The MNM listing publishes 3.00 ± 0.015 mV/V rated output, ±0.02% FS nonlinearity, ±0.02% FS hysteresis, ±0.01% FS repeatability and ±0.02% FS creep over 30 minutes. Zero balance is ±1.00% FS. Input resistance is 385 ± 5 ohms, output resistance is 350 ± 3 ohms and insulation resistance is at least 5000 megaohms. Excitation is listed at 10 V DC/AC. Temperature compensation is -10°C to 50°C, operating temperature is -20°C to 60°C and safe overload is 120% FS.
MNM Four-Wire Color Code
MNM publishes red for +input/excitation, black for -input/excitation, green for +output/signal and white for -output/signal. In a four-cell installation, label each cell by physical corner before landing wires in the junction box. That makes corner troubleshooting much easier later because the technician can identify which potentiometer and cable correspond to each support point.
Why Use Four 500 lb Cells Instead of One Large Cell?
Four support points work well under a rectangular platform because the deck remains stable and the load can be placed over a broad area. A central single-point cell can be simpler for smaller benches, but its platform-size and moment limits may not fit every design. Four shear beams also make it practical to support hoppers or vessels at four legs. The tradeoff is that a multi-cell system requires corner balancing, more wiring and careful mechanical isolation between the weighed structure and surrounding piping or frames.
Understanding the 2,000 lb Combined Cell Capacity
Adding four 500 lb ratings gives 2,000 lb, but that is not automatically the finished scale capacity. The platform itself consumes some sensor capacity. A load placed near one corner is not shared equally by all cells. Washdown carts, moving containers or material dropping into a hopper can introduce dynamic force. Choose the complete system rating so each individual cell and the structure remain within safe limits under the worst expected load case.
Interchange Families
MNM publishes interchange families including Artech SS30310, Celtron SQB SS, HBM B35, Revere 9123, Rice Lake RL35023S, Rice Lake RL39123, Sensortronics 65023SS and Coti Global CG-23SS. When replacing a 500 lb cell, verify that the specific candidate family actually offers the required 500 lb capacity and matching dimensions; a family name alone does not guarantee every capacity version has identical mechanical details.
Installation and Corner Balance
Install all four cells in the same orientation, level the feet, prevent the platform from touching surrounding equipment, and route cables where washdown, abrasion or moving parts cannot damage them. Before final span calibration, place the same test weight at each corner. If the readings differ, use the junction-box trim procedure to balance the corners. Only after the corners agree should overall zero and span be finalized.
Comments