How to Choose the Right Load Cell for Industrial Weighing — Spotlight on the Rice Lake RL30000I Series

When precision, reliability, and durability matter, the Rice Lake RL30000I load cell delivers the performance industrial weighing systems depend on. This versatile, nickel-plated alloy steel single-ended shear beam series offers capacities ranging from 250 lb to 10,000 lb, making it ideal for platform scales, hopper systems, and other demanding industrial applications.

At American Scale Supply, we stock the complete RL30000I load cell line, including models from 250 lb through 10K, each engineered for exceptional performance and long-term stability.

Why Load Cell Selection Matters

Choosing the right load cell isn’t just about matching capacity — it’s about ensuring long-term accuracy and system reliability. Factors like mounting configuration, environmental sealing, and certification requirements all play critical roles in how your scale performs.

The RL30000I series stands out because it maintains accuracy thanks to its single-ended shear beam design and IP67 environmental sealing. Whether your application involves floor scale platforms, batch processing, or hopper measurement, this model provides consistent, repeatable results.

Key Features of the RL30000I Load Cell

• Nickel-plated alloy steel construction for corrosion resistance and strength

• Single-ended shear beam design ideal for platform and hopper scales

• IP67 environmental sealing protects against dust and moisture

• 3.0 mV/V output and 350 Ω bridge resistance ensure reliable signal integrity

• Capacities available from 250 lb to 10,000 lb

• NTEP & FM certifications on 1K–10K models (250 lb and 500 lb models are non-NTEP)

Each model is built to perform in tough industrial environments and comes with a 20-ft polyurethane-jacketed cable for flexible installation.

Understanding 5KSE and 5KLE Variants

For the 5,000 lb capacity, Rice Lake offers two dimensional variations — RL30000I-5KSE and RL30000I-5KLE.These versions share identical electrical and performance characteristics but differ in physical size. Refer to the Rice Lake dimension drawing for detailed mounting dimensions and space considerations.

At American Scale Supply, we stock both versions so you can choose the one that best fits your mounting configuration.

When to Choose Each Capacity

• 250 lb – 500 lb: Light-duty bench or test applications (non-NTEP models)

• 1K – 3K: Small-to-medium platforms or industrial batching systems

• 4K – 5K: Standard floor scales and mid-range industrial weighing setups

• 10K: Heavy-duty platforms or industrial tanks and hoppers

Selecting the proper load cell capacity ensures maximum accuracy without sacrificing durability. Always consider safe overload, side-load limits, and total expected load distribution.

Certification and Compliance

Models 1K through 10K of the RL30000I series are NTEP-approved, meaning they’re certified for legal-for-trade use. The 250 lb and 500 lb capacities are not NTEP-approved, but they’re perfect for non-trade, in-house process, or test environments where certification isn’t required.

Understanding this distinction helps you stay compliant while optimizing cost and performance.

Why Choose American Scale Supply

At American Scale Supply, we specialize in providing high-quality load cells and industrial weighing components backed by expert support. We carry the full lineup of Rice Lake RL30000I load cells, including all capacities and variants, ready to ship nationwide.

Our customers trust us for:

• Fast shipping and reliable inventory

• Competitive pricing on Rice Lake products

• Decades of combined industry experience

• Technical guidance for mounting and configuration

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Conclusion

The Rice Lake RL30000I series offers a balance of strength, precision, and reliability that’s hard to match. Whether you’re replacing a single load cell or building a complete platform scale, the RL30000I provides the durability and accuracy you need.

👉 Explore all RL30000I models on AmericanScaleSupply.com — including capacities from 250 lb to 10,000 lb — and find the perfect fit for your next industrial weighing project.