MNM GX-1-5K 5,000 lb Shear Beam Load Cell Guide: Wiring, Specs & Replacement
Need help confirming mounting dimensions, wiring, indicator compatibility or whether the GX-1-5K is the right replacement? Call MNM Scales at (832) 290-3120 or email mnmscales@yahoo.com.
The MNM GX-1-5K 5,000 lb shear beam load cell is a compact alloy-steel single-ended sensor sold with one scale foot and a 20 ft cable for floor-scale, platform-scale and process-weighing repair or construction. Unlike an S-beam that is normally loaded in tension or compression through threaded ends, a shear beam is bolted to a rigid structure at one end and receives load through the opposite end, making it a common format under industrial platforms and vessels.
What the Exact MNM Listing Confirms
The exact MNM product page identifies this item as a 5,000 lb alloy-steel shear beam supplied with one foot and a 20 ft cable. Those are the safest specifications to treat as exact for this single-cell listing. MNM also sells a related four-cell GX-1-5K family package and publishes additional family-level electrical data there. When replacing an existing sensor, compare the label and physical dimensions on the actual cell before assuming every family value is identical across production revisions.
GX-1-5K Family Electrical and Performance Data
MNM’s related GX-1-5K four-cell family listing publishes a nominal rated output of 3.0 ± 0.25 mV/V, input impedance around 385 ± 20 ohms and output impedance around 350 ± 3 ohms. It also lists approximately ±0.03% full-scale nonlinearity and hysteresis, ±0.02% full-scale non-repeatability, ±0.02% full-scale creep over 30 minutes, recommended excitation of 10–15 V AC/DC, 150% full-scale safe overload and 300% full-scale ultimate overload. These values are useful for replacement screening and indicator planning, but confirm the exact cell label before using them as acceptance specifications for a critical installation.
Typical Four-Wire Color Code
The related GX family documentation uses red for +excitation, black for -excitation, green for +signal and white for -signal. If a replacement scale moves in the wrong direction or produces unstable readings, do not randomly swap conductors. First compare the old cell’s wiring, the junction-box terminal labels and the new cell documentation. Cable shields, sense wires and connector pinouts can vary between systems even when the bridge itself is a standard four-wire strain-gauge design.
How a Single-Ended Shear Beam Is Mounted
One end of the load cell must be rigidly bolted to a structurally sound mounting block while the loading end supports the scale foot or other approved load introduction hardware. The sensor needs clearance to deflect microscopically under load without contacting the frame. Side loads, binding, bent feet, debris under the deck and a frame that rocks can all create corner errors that calibration alone cannot correct.
Replacing One Cell in a Four-Cell Platform
Match more than capacity. Check rated output, input/output resistance, bolt pattern, overall height, loading-foot thread, cable length, environmental sealing and connector or junction-box wiring. After installation, level the platform, verify all feet contact the floor, perform a four-corner test, trim the junction box if needed, and then perform zero/span calibration at the indicator. Replacing a single corner without corner correction can leave the center weight correct while producing errors near the edges.
Applications
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GX-1-5K a complete scale?
No. This listing is for a load cell with one foot and cable. A working scale also needs the mechanical platform or vessel supports, junction box if multiple cells are used, indicator and calibration.
Can I replace only one corner load cell?
Often yes, provided the replacement is electrically and mechanically compatible. A corner trim and system recalibration should follow the replacement.
Does a 5,000 lb cell make a 20,000 lb floor scale when four are used?
Four 5,000 lb cells provide 20,000 lb of combined sensor nameplate capacity, but the usable scale rating must account for platform dead load, uneven loading, dynamic effects, structure strength and design margin. Do not rate a finished scale by simply multiplying cell labels.
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