5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using an Electronic Balance

Electronic balances are essential for industries such as retail, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals.

If you’re buying or already own an electronic balance, don’t make these common mistakes, including forgetting to calibrate, ignoring its environment, using the wrong technique, neglecting cleaning, or overlooking power supply issues. 

If you find yourself regularly having to troubleshoot your electronic balance or it’s starting to break after just a few months of ownership, you might find yourself asking ‘what’s wrong with my electronic balance?’.

The bad news is that you’re probably making one of these five classic mistakes. The good news is, they’re easily fixed. Let’s get into it. 

1. Not Calibrating the Balance Regularly

It’s not good enough to wait until there’s an accuracy issue to calibrate your balance. In fact, with regular calibration, you can prevent these issues from happening in the first place. Testing and calibrating your balance every few months should do the trick – here’s how to use test weights for calibration.

1. Clean the scale and test weights. That way, your results won’t be affected by the build-up of dirt, dust and other environmental factors.
2. Ensure the scale is on an even surface for maximum accuracy
3. Check the scale is displaying zero before you add any weight.
4. Establish the exact weight of the test weight before you begin.
5. Place the test weight on the scale, ensuring it’s placed in the centre.
6. Compare the weight of the test weight and the scale’s display. If there’s a discrepancy between the weight it’s displaying and what you know the test weight weighs, this shows your scales need calibrating.
7. If needed, adjust the scales as per manufacturer instructions.
8. Record the results.

2. Ignoring Environmental Factors

Electronic balance, like all technical equipment, can be highly sensitive to changes in the environment, such as temperature fluctuations. It’s actually not a good idea to keep your electronic balance in any old cupboard – it requires a little more care.

You can avoid this mistake by keeping your balance in temperature-controlled environments and avoiding using the equipment in areas with high foot traffic, where they might get knocked or damaged.

To minimise currents, keep your scales and balances away from air conditioning units or open windows. Before using the electronic balance, it’s best practice to allow it to reach room temperature in order to not affect results.

Dust can also affect the precision of the balance’s measurements, so keep it out of dusty places for maximum effectiveness.

3. Using the Wrong Weighing Technique

Placing an item on the balance incorrectly or failing to use the correct procedure can lead to inaccurate measurements, which defeats the point of a precision electronic balance. 

For proper weighing etiquette, remember to always place the item in the centre of the weighing pan to ensure an even distribution of weight. It’s also a good idea to use tongs or gloves when handling small samples that could be sensitive to contamination. 

Always bear your balance’s capacity in mind, too. Putting an object on that’s too heavy will not only lead to an inaccurate measurement, but it can actually break your scale. 

4. Neglecting Regular Maintenance and Cleaning

Just like most gadgets, electronic balances work best when they’re clean. Over time, a build-up of dust on your device can actually lead to inaccurate readings. Clean your electronic balance regularly – weekly if it’s something you use daily.

5. Overlooking Power Supply and Battery Issues

A low battery can actually lead to fluctuations in readings, even in a calibrated scale or balance. If using a battery-powered balance, check the battery level regularly and replace it as needed for maximum success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of electronic balance?

Electronic balances are often highly precise and accurate, especially when certified for your industry. Thanks to this accuracy and precision, your business can improve efficiency, save money, and reduce the chance of costly errors. 

Specific scale and balance types come with specific advantages, too. ATEX- certified models, for example, have the unique benefit of being suitable for dangerous environments where explosions can potentially occur.

Can electronic balances be inaccurate?

Electronic balances can be inaccurate, especially as a result of wear and tear that comes from daily use. Luckily, there’s an easy solution – calibration. 

You should aim to test and calibrate your weights regularly rather than waiting until you notice a problem. We recommend aiming for a minimum of once a year, but if you use your balance daily, opt for once every few months instead. 

Why do electronic balances become inaccurate? External factors like temperature fluctuations, static electricity, and dirt accumulation usually have an effect. Engage in proper maintenance to prevent these issues from occurring. 

Where to buy an electronic balance?

At Scales and Balances, we pride ourselves on our huge range of high-quality electronic scales and balances created by the UK’s most trusted weighing brands. With something to suit every budget and sector, you’ll find the right electronic balance for you in our wide selection.