MNM MS-1-3K 3,000 lb S-Type Load Cell Guide: 3 mV/V, Wiring & Specs
- pete8781
- Jul 29
- 2 min read
For replacement help, indicator matching or application questions, call MNM Scales at (832) 290-3120 or email mnmscales@yahoo.com.
The MNM MS-1-3K 3,000 lb S-type load cell is a bare alloy-steel tension/compression transducer for test stands, crane-scale repairs, suspended weighing and industrial force measurement. It is part of the same general MS-1 S-beam family used across multiple MNM capacities, but the 3,000 lb rating gives it a useful middle range for fixtures that need more headroom than 1,000 or 2,000 lb cells without jumping to 5,000 or 10,000 lb capacity.
Published MS-1-3K Specifications
MNM publishes rated output of 3.00 ± 0.01 mV/V, ±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 ± 15 Ω, output resistance is 350 ± 5 Ω and insulation resistance is at least 5000 MΩ. Excitation is listed at 10 V DC/AC.
Temperature compensation is published from -10°C to 50°C, with an operating range of -20°C to 60°C. Safe overload is 120% FS, but normal measurement planning should remain within the 3,000 lb rated capacity. Cable length is 20 ft, with red +excitation, black -excitation, green +signal and white -signal.
What 3 mV/V Means in Practice
A 3 mV/V full-scale output means the bridge produces only millivolts of signal, proportional to the excitation voltage. That is why a strain-gauge indicator or amplifier is required. The indicator supplies stable excitation, measures the differential output and scales the signal into pounds, kilograms or engineering force units during calibration.
Mechanical Installation Matters as Much as Electronics
Keep tension or compression centered through the S-beam axis. Side load, twisting and bending can create error and stress. Match thread size, rod ends or eye hardware carefully, and do not assume every 3,000 lb S-beam shares the same dimensions. In replacement work, record the old sensor's body dimensions, thread geometry, cable exit and installed height before ordering.
Where a 3,000 lb S-Beam Fits
Common applications include tensile/compression test stands, actuator thrust testing, cable or chain tension, hanging loads, suspended hoppers, crane-scale rebuilds, machinery force measurement and mechanical-to-electronic scale conversions. The 3,000 lb capacity is also useful when a 2,000 lb sensor would have too little headroom for peaks but a 5,000 lb sensor would be unnecessarily oversized for the normal working force.
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