Washdown & Waterproof Scales

Which washdown scale would you recommend for industrial use?

This depends on the particular industry as well as how the washdown scale (or waterproof scale) is intended to be used. Generally we recommend stainless steel washdown or waterproof scales for durability and reliability. Additionally, check the IP rating of the scale as this will denote how well protected the scale is against water and dust. All the most durable waterproof scales and washdown scales should carry an IP rating.

What do IP ratings mean?

IP ratings are a grading system used to determine the level of dust and water protection a scale or balance offers. The rating system works in ascending order with 1 representing low protection or vulnerable to dust and water, with 6 being the highest level of protection against dust and 9 the highest level of protection against water. Scales offering the highest level means that the device is dustproof or waterproof. For example, our IWS waterproof scales offer IP68 protection which works out to a level 6 in dust protection and a level 8 in water protection, meaning that this scale offers one of the best levels of water protection currently available. Our listed products on this website are generally referred to as 'washdown scales' if their IP rating is up to IP67, and 'waterproof scales' if they are IP68 or IP69-certified.

What are waterproof scales used for?

We recommend waterproof scales for damp, wet, dusty, messy or dirty jobs and environments where your scale will need to be cleaned frequently and thoroughly. 

For example, a fishmonger selling fish by weight. Fish come directly from the ocean, so they're moist and grow bacteria quickly. To protect against cross contamination and food-borne illnesses, it's a good idea to use a trade approved waterproof scale such as Adam's IP68-rated Gladiator Approved. That way you can wash not only the weighing pan but the base and/or indicator as well. 

Waterproof scales are also ideal for veterinary offices and livestock farms. You can't control the weather, and you also can't control how muddy smaller animals get right before their regular weigh-in. There's also a risk of other animal messes, all of which can build up on your scale and prevent them from doing their best work. Waterproof scales allow you to hose or wipe them off with little effort on your part, so you can get back to weighing in no time. 

Should I choose washdown scales, or waterproof scales?

Consider whether the tasks for which you would use a weighing scale involve a lot of moisture or stringent standards of hygiene. If there's only a minimal risk of spills or moisture impacting more than just the weighing pan, a washdown scale with an IP rating between 65 and 67 is likely sufficient. Weighing pans on washdown scales are almost always stainless steel, which can handle thorough cleanings when they're necessary. 

Meanwhile, if you work in an environment where bacteria is a constant concern or there's a large risk that the items you're weighing will drip or spill beyond the weighing pan, provide yourself with peace of mind and invest in a waterproof scale. 

What should I do if my weighing scale gets wet?

If your weighing scale has no IP rating, we recommend drying your scale as thoroughly as possible before the water can get in any spaces. If yours is a washdown scale, the level of "wet" matters. Has it been submerged in water? This may be an issue, as only scales with an IP rating of 67 or above can safely handle submersion. Dry off as thoroughly as possible before plugging it in to test if it works. If your washdown scale has merely been splashed, it's likely fine, as most offer a sealed keypad for protection.

If your waterproof scale gets wet... well... it's absolutely no problem. You don't even have to dry it before beginning to weigh again, though the weight of any extra water on the pan may influence your results. Ensure that your scale, washdown and waterproof alike, are always dry before plugging them into electricity. If there's any risk of moisture, please lean on your rechargeable battery for ultimate safety.  

Buy washdown and waterproof scales from Inscale Scales

All of our waterproof scales feature robust, water-resistant casing, with some washdown floor scales featuring sealed load cell components to better prevent water damage occurring within the internal components of the scale. Our IWS waterproof bench scale  is an IP68 rated scale constructed with fully sealed stainless steel housing for ultimate dust and waterproof protection. The IWS is a perfect choice for any harsh, wet environment from damp warehouses to shipyards.

Not only does waterproofing protect the internal mechanics of the scale, but it also makes the cleaning process much faster and easier. Almost all of Inscale’s weighing instruments are made from plastic and stainless steel to support wiping down after use, however some come with an IP rating which allows for complete submersion in liquids. This means that you can use either a hose or a jet washer to give the scales a far more rigorous clean.

An IP rating is a grading system used to determine how protected a weighing scale is from dust, dirt or liquids. The first number refers to the level of protection from dust and dirt, whilst the second figure shows the level of protection from water. The first figure is measured from 0-6 and the second figure is measured from 0-8, where 0 is no protection and 6/8 is full protection. For example, our Inscale IWS Scale has an IP68 rating, meaning it has the highest level of protection from both foreign bodies and liquids.

Related Articles

How to Use a Washdown Scale - this blog post includes a full table of IP-ratings and the level of protection they offer against liquids.

Waterproof Scales Maintenance: How to Look After Your IP67 and IP68 Scales

Washdown Scales vs. Waterproof Scales: What's the Difference?

Waterproof scales video

Take a look at this video of the Adam Aqua ABW-S Stainless Steel bench scale to get an idea of the capabilities of an IP68 waterproof scale.