2.24.

Automatic Weighing Systems

Section 2.24. Automatic Weighing Systems - Tentative Code

This tentative code has only a trial or experimental status and is not intended to be enforced by weights and
measures officials. The requirements are designed for study prior to the development and adoption of a final
Code for Automatic Weighing Systems. The tentative code is intended to be used by the National Type
Evaluation Program for type evaluation of automatic weighing systems. If upgraded to become a permanent
code, all requirements, except those for tolerances, will be nonretroactive as of the effective date of the
permanent code; tolerance requirements will apply retroactively as of the effective date of the permanent code.
(Tentative Code Added 1995)(Amended 1998)

A. Application (b) An automatic checkweigher may be equipped with

an indicating or recording element.
A.1. - This code applies to devices used to weigh or fill
packages while the object is in motion. (c) A zero-balance condition may be indicated by other
than a continuous digital zero indication, provided that
This includes: effective automatic means is provided to inhibit a
weighing operation or to return to a continuous digital
(a) Weigh-labelers indication when the device is in an out-of-balance
condition.
(b) Automatic checkweighers
(Amended 1997) S.1.1.1. Digital Indicating Elements.

A.2. - This code does not apply to: (a) A digital zero indication shall represent a balance
condition that is within ± ½ scale division.
(a) Belt-conveyor Scale Systems
(b) A digital indicating device shall either
(b) Railway Track Scales automatically maintain a "center of zero" condition to
± ¼ scale division or less, or have an auxiliary or
(c) Monorail Scales supplemental "center-of-zero" indicator that defines a
zero-balance condition to ± ¼ scale division or less.
(d) Devices that measure quantity on a time basis
(c) Verification of the accuracy of the center of zero
(e) Controllers or other auxiliary devices except as they indication to ± ¼ scale division or less during dynamic
may affect the weighing performance operation is not required on automatic checkweighers.

A.3. - Also see General Code requirements. S.1.2. Value of Division Units. - The value of a
division "d" expressed in a unit of weight shall be equal
A.4. Type Evaluation. - The National Type Evaluation to:
Program will accept for type evaluation only those devices
that comply with all requirements of this code. (a) 1, 2, or 5; or
(Added 1998)
(b) a decimal multiple or submultiple of 1, 2, or 5;
S. Specifications
S.1.2.1. Weight Units. - A device shall indicate
weight values using only a single unit of measure.
S.1. Design of Indicating and Recording Elements and
of Recorded Representations.

S.1.1. Zero Indication.

(a) A weigh-labeler shall be equipped with an indicating

or recording element. It shall either indicate or record a
zero-balance condition and an out-of-balance condition
on both sides of zero.


2.24. Automatic Weighing Systems

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S.1.3. Provision for Sealing. except for a zero-load balance mechanism, shall be
located within the housing of the element.
(a) Automatic Weighing Systems, Except Automatic
Checkweighers. - A device shall be designed with S.2. Design of Zero and Tare Mechanisms.
provision(s) as specified in Table S.1.3., "Categories of
Device and Methods of Sealing," for applying a security S.2.1. Zero Load Adjustment.
seal that must be broken, or for using other approved
means of providing security (e.g., data change audit trail S.2.1.1. Automatic Zero-Setting Mechanism. -
available at the time of inspection), before any change Except for automatic checkweighers, under normal
that detrimentally affects the metrological integrity of the operating conditions the maximum load that can be
device can be made to any electronic mechanism. "rezeroed," when either placed on or removed from
the platform all at once, shall be 1.0 scale division.
(b) For Automatic Checkweighers. - Security seals are
not required in field applications where it would prohibit S.2.1.2. Initial Zero-Setting Mechanism. - Except
an authorized user from having access to the calibration for automatic checkweighers, an initial zero-setting
functions of a device. mechanism shall not zero a load in excess of
20 percent of the maximum capacity of the automatic
S.1.4. Automatic Calibration - A device may be fitted weighing system unless tests show that the scale meets
with an automatic or a semi-automatic calibration all applicable tolerances for any amount of initial load
mechanism. This mechanism shall be incorporated compensated by this device within the specified range.
inside the device. After sealing, neither the mechanism
nor the calibration process shall facilitate fraud. S.2.2. Tare. - On any automatic weighing system the
value of the tare division shall be equal to the value of
S.1.5. Adjustable Components. - Adjustable the division. The tare mechanism shall operate only in a
components shall be held securely in adjustment and, backward direction (i.e., in a direction of


 2.24. Automatic Weighing Systems

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underregistration) with respect to the zero-load balance F

XOKP #
condition of the automatic weighing system. A device 0
designed to automatically clear any tare value shall also
be designed to prevent the automatic clearing of tare
where N is the number of load cells in the scale.
until a complete transaction has been indicated.
Note: When the value of the scale division "d" differs
Note: On a computing automatic weighing system, this
from the verification scale division "e" for the scale, the
requires the input of a unit price, the display of the unit
value of "e" must be used in the formula above.
price, and a computed positive total price at a readable
equilibrium. Other devices require a complete weighing
S.3.3. - For automatic checkweighers, the value of "e"
operation, including tare, net, and gross weight
shall be specified by the manufacturer and may be larger
determination.
than "d," but in no case can "e" be more than 10 times
the value of "d."
S.3.1. Multiple Range and Multi-Interval Automatic
Weighing System. The value of "e" shall be equal to the
S.4. Weight Indicators, Weight Displays, Reports, and
value of "d."
Labels.
S.3.2. Load Cell Verification Interval Value. - The
S.4.1. Weight Units. - An indicating or recording
relationship of the value for the load cell verification
element shall indicate weight values using only a single
scale interval, vmin, to the scale division "d" for a specific
unit of measure.
scale installation shall be:


 2.24. Automatic Weighing Systems

S.4.2. Additional Digits in Displays. - Auxiliary digital S.7. Marking Requirements. [See also G-S.1., G-S.4.,
displays that provide additional digits for use during G-S.6., G-S.7., G-U.2.1.1., and UR.3.3.]
performance evaluation may be included on automatic
checkweighers. However, in cases where these S.7.1. Location Of Marking Information. - Automatic
indications are not valid for determining the actual weighing systems which are not permanently attached to
weight of a package (e.g., only appropriate for use in an indicating element, and for which the load-receiving
statistical process control programs by users) they shall element is the only part of the weighing/load-receiving
be clearly and distinctly differentiated from valid weight element visible after installation, may have the marking
displays by indicating them to the user. information required in G-S.1. of the General Code and
Table S.7.a. and S.7.b. of the Automatic Weighing
For example, the additional digits may be differentiated Systems Code located in an area that is accessible only
by color, partially covered by placing crosshatch overlays through the use of a tool; provided that the information
on the display, or made visible only after the operator is easily accessible (e.g., the information may appear on
presses a button or turns a key to set the device in a mode the junction box under an access plate). The
which enables the additional digits. identification information for these automatic weighing
systems shall be located on the weighbridge (load-
S.4.3. Damping. - An indicating element equipped with receiving element) near the point where the signal leaves
other than automatic recording elements shall be the weighing element or beneath the nearest access
equipped with effective means to permit the recording of cover.
weight values only when the indication is stable within
plus or minus one scale division. The values recorded S.7.2. Marking Required on Components of
shall be within applicable tolerances. Automatic Weighing Systems. - The following
components of automatic weighing systems shall be
S.4.4. Over Capacity Indication. - An indicating or marked as specified in Tables S.7.a. and S.7.b.:
recording element shall not display nor record any values
when the scale capacity is exceeded by nine scale (a) Main elements and components when not contained
divisions. in a single enclosure for the entire automatic weighing
system;
S.4.5. Label Printer. - A device that produces a printed
ticket to be used as the label for a package shall print all (b) Load cells for which Certificates of Conformance
values digitally and of such size, style of type, and color (CC) have been issued under the National Type
as to be clear and conspicuous on the label. Evaluation Program; and

S.4.5.1. Label Printing. - If an automatic (c) Other equipment necessary to a weighing system but
checkweigher prints a label containing weight having no metrological effect on the weighing system.
information that will be used in a commercial
transaction, it must conform to all of the requirements N. Notes
specified for weigh-labelers so that the printed ticket
meets appropriate requirements. N.1. Test Requirements for Automatic Weighing
Systems.
S.5. Accuracy Class.

S.5.1. Marking. - Weigh-labelers and automatic

checkweighers shall be Class III devices and shall be
marked accordingly, except that a weigh-labeler marked
Class IIIS may be used in package shipping applications.
(Amended 1997)

S.6. Parameters for Accuracy Classes. - The number of

divisions for device capacity is designated by the
manufacturer and shall comply with parameters shown in
Table S.6.


 2.24. Automatic Weighing Systems

Table S.7.a. Marking Requirements

Weighing
Weighing, Indicating Weighing and
Equipment
load- element not load-receiving
Load Other
receiving, permanently element not
cell equipment or
and attached to permanently
with CC device
indicating weighing and attached to
(11) (10)
element in load-receiving indicating
To Be
same housing element element
Marked With
Manufacturer's ID (1) x x x x
Model Designation(1) x x x x
Serial Number and x x x x
Prefix(2)
Accuracy Class (14) x x (8) x x x
Nominal Capacity(3)(15) x x x x
Value of Division, d (3) x x x (13)
Value of "e" (4) x x
Temperature Limits (5) x x x x
Special Application (11) x x x
Maximum Number of x (8) x x
Scale Divisions
nmax (6)
Minimum Verification x
Division
(emin)
"S" or "M" (7) x
Direction of Loading(13) x
Minimum Dead Load x
Maximum Capacity x x
(Max)
Minimum Capacity x
(Min)
Safe Load Limit x
Load Cell Verification x
Interval (vmin)
Maximum Belt Speed x x
(m/sec or m/min)
Note: See Table S.7.b. for applicable parenthetical notes.
(Amended 1999)

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2.24. Automatic Weighing Systems

Table S.7.b.
Notes for Table S.7.a.

1. Manufacturer's identification and model 10. The markings may be either on the load cell or
designation. (See G-S.1.) in an accompanying document; except that, if an
accompanying document is provided, the serial
2. Serial number and prefix. (See G-S.1.) number shall appear both on the load cell and in
the document. The manufacturer's name or
3. The nominal capacity and value of the automatic trademark, the model designation, and
weighing system division shall be shown together identifying symbol for the serial number shall
(e.g., 50 000 x 5 kg, or 30 x 0.01 lb) adjacent to also be marked both on the load cell and in any
the weight display when the nominal capacity and accompanying document.
value of the automatic weighing system division
are not immediately apparent. Each division value 11. An automatic weighing system designed for a
or weight unit shall be marked on variable-division special application rather than general use shall
value or division-unit automatic weighing systems. be conspicuously marked with suitable words
visible to the operator and customer restricting
4. Required only if different from "d." its use to that application.

5. Required only on automatic weighing systems if 12. Required if the direction of loading the load cell
the range is other than -10 -C to 40 -C (14 -F to is not obvious.
104 -F).
13. Serial number and prefix (See G-S.1) Modules
6. This value may be stated on load cells in units of without "intelligence" on a modular system
1000; (e.g., n: 10 is 10 000 divisions.) (e.g., printer, keyboard module, cash drawer,
and secondary display in a point-of-sale system)
7. Denotes compliance for single or multiple load are not required to have serial numbers.
cell applications.
14. The accuracy Class of a device shall be marked
8. An indicating element not permanently attached to on the device with the appropriate designation.
a weighing element shall be clearly and
permanently marked with the accuracy Class III, 15. The nominal capacity shall be conspicuously
and the maximum number of divisions, nmax. marked on any automatic-indicating or
recording automatic weighing system so
9. Necessary to the weighing system but having no constructed that the capacity of the indicating or
metrological effect, e.g., auxiliary remote display, recording element, or elements, is not
keyboard, etc. immediately apparent.

ÿþýü
 2.24. Automatic Weighing Systems

N.1.1. Test Pucks and Packages. - N.3.1.2. Decreasing-Load Test. - The

decreasing-load test shall be conducted with the test
C 6GUVRWEMUCPFRCEMCIGUUJCNNDG loads approximately centered on the load- receiving
element of the scale.
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center loading, a test load equal to one-half (½)
KK UVCDNG YJKNG KP OQVKQP JGPEG VJG NGPIVJ CPF maximum capacity shall be placed in the center of
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VJCPKVUJGKIJV and front, left, back, and right edges of the load
receiver.
D (QTV[RGGXCNWCVKQPVJGOCPWHCEVWTGTUJCNNUWRRN[
VJGVGUVRWEMUQTRCEMCIGUHQTGCEJTCPIGQHVGUV N.3.1.4. Discrimination Test. - A discrimination test
NQCFU shall be conducted with the weighing device in
#OGPFGF equilibrium at zero load and at maximum test load,
and under controlled conditions in which environ-
N.1.2. Accuracy of Test Pucks or Packages. - The mental factors are reduced to the extent that they will
error in any test puck or package shall not exceed one- not affect the results obtained. This test is conducted
fourth (1/4) of the acceptance tolerance. If packages are from just below the lower edge of the zone of
used to conduct field tests on automatic weighing uncertainty for increasing load tests, or from just
systems, the package weights shall be determined on a above the upper edge of the zone of uncertainty for
reference scale or balance with an inaccuracy that does decreasing-load tests.
not exceed one-fifth (1/5) of the smallest tolerance that
can be applied to the device under test. N.3.1.5. Zero-Load Balance Change. - A zero-load
balance change test shall be conducted on all
N.1.3. Verification (Testing) Standards. - Field automatic weighing systems after the removal of any
standard weights shall comply with requirements of test load. The zero-load balance should not change by
NIST Handbook 105-1 (Class F) or the tolerances more than the minimum tolerance applicable. (Also
expressed in Fundamental Considerations, paragraph 3.2. see G-UR.4.2.)
(i.e., one-third of the smallest tolerance applied).
N.3.1.6. Influence Factor Testing. - Influence factor
N.2. Test Requirements for Automatic Weighing testing shall be conducted.
Systems.
N.3.2. Laboratory - Dynamic Tests. - The device shall
N.2.1. Tests Loads. - A performance test shall consist be tested at the highest speed for each weight range using
of four separate test runs conducted at different test loads standardized test pucks or packages. Test runs shall be
according to Table N.3.2. conducted using four test loads as described in Table
N.3.2. Each test load shall be run a minimum of 10
N.2.2. Influence Factor Testing. - Influence factor consecutive times.
testing shall be conducted statically.

N.3. Test Procedures - Weigh-Labelers. - If the device is 6CDNG06GUV.QCFU

designed for use in static weighing, it shall be tested
statically using mass standards. #VQTPGCTOKPKOWOECRCEKV[

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element of the scale.


 2.24. Automatic Weighing Systems

N.3.2.1. Shift Test. - To determine the effect of N.4.3. Field Test Procedures.
eccentric loading, for devices without a means to align
packages, a test load equal to One-third (1/3) N.4.3.1. Static Tests. - If the scale is designed to
maximum capacity shall be passed over the load operate statically during normal user operation, it shall
receiver or transport belt (1) half-way between the be tested statically according to Sections N.3.1.1.
center and front edge, and (2) halfway between the through N.3.1.5.
center and back edge.
N.4.3.2. Dynamic Tests. - The device shall be tested
N.3.3. Field Test Procedures dynamically at the highest normal operating speed
using packages at two test loads distributed over its
N.3.3.1. Static Tests. - If the automatic weighing normal weighing range. The number of consecutive
system is designed to operate statically, and used in weighments shall be one-half (½) of those specified in
that manner, during normal use operation, it shall be Table N.4.2., but not less than 10.
tested statically using mass standards. The device shall
not be tested statically if it is used only dynamically. T. Tolerances
T.1. Principles.
N.3.3.2. Dynamic Tests. - The device shall be tested
at the normal operating speed using packages. Test T.1.1. Design. - The tolerance for a weighing device is
runs should be conducted using at least two test loads a performance requirement independent of the design
distributed over its normal weighing range (e.g., at the principle used.
lowest and highest ranges in which the device is typically
operated.) Each test load should be run a minimum of 10 T.1.2. Scale Division. - The tolerance for a weighing
consecutive times. device is related to the value of the scale division (d) or
the value of the verification scale division (e) and is
N.4. Test Procedures - Automatic Checkweigher generally expressed in terms of d or e. The random
tolerance for automatic checkweighers is expressed in
N.4.1. Laboratory - Static Tests. - If the scale is terms of Maximum Allowable Variance (MAV).
designed to operate statically during normal user
operation, it shall be tested statically using the applicable T.2. Tolerance Application.
weigh-labeler requirements.
T.2.1. General. - The tolerance values are positive (+)
N.4.2. Laboratory - Dynamic Tests. - The device shall and negative (-) with the weighing device adjusted to
be tested at the highest speed in each weight range using zero at no load. When tare is in use, the tolerance values
standardized test pucks or packages. Test runs shall be are applied from the tare zero reference; the tolerance
conducted using four test loads. The number of values apply to certified test loads only.
consecutive test weighments shall be as described in
Table N.4.2. T.2.2. Type Evaluation Examinations. - For type
evaluation examinations, the tolerance values apply to
increasing and decreasing load tests within the tempera-
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ture, power supply, and barometric pressure limits
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specified in T.7.
9GKIJKPI4CPIG 0WODGTQHUCORNG
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Weighing System - For multiple range and multi-
FKXKUKQPUOMI  interval devices, the tolerance values are based on the
FKXKUKQPUOND
value of the scale division of the range in use.
MIOMI 
NDOND T.3. Tolerance Values.
MIOMI  T.3.1. Tolerance Values - Class III Weigh-Labeler.
NDOND
(See T.3.2. for Class IIIS Weigh-Labelers)
MI ND O 


 2.24. Automatic Weighing Systems

T.3.1.1. Static Tests. - Tolerance values shall be as able T.3.2.2. Dynamic Tolerance
specified in Table T.3., Class III - Tolerances in for Class IIIS Weigh-labelers
Divisions.
Test Load in Tolerance in Divisions
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/CKPVGPCPEG     Class IIIS Acceptance Maintenance

0 - 50 ± 1.5 ±2
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51 - 200 ±2 ±3
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201 - 1000 ± 2.5 ±4
+++    
(Added 1997)

T.3.3. Tolerance Values - Automatic Checkweighers.

T.3.1.2. Dynamic Tests. - Maintenance tolerance
values shall be as specified in Table T.3., Class III -
T.3.3.1. Laboratory Tests for Automatic
Tolerances in Divisions.
Checkweighers.
66QNGTCPEG8CNWGU%NCUU+++59GKIJNCDGNGTU
T.3.3.1.1. Static Tests. The acceptance tolerance
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values specified in Table T.3., Class III-Tolerances in
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T.3.3.1.2. Dynamic Tests.
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(a) The systematic error for each test run must be
within the acceptance tolerances for the test load as
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specified in Table N.3.2.
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(b) The standard deviation of the results shall not
exceed one-ninth (1/9) of the Maximum Allowable
Table T.3.2.1. Static Tolerance for Class IIIS Variation (MAV) for specific package weights (3
Weigh-labelers standard deviations cannot exceed one-third (1/3) of
Test Load in Tolerance in Divisions the MAV value) as required in the 4th supplement to
Divisions the 3rd Edition of Handbook 133 dated October 1994
as specified below. This value does not change
Class IIIS Acceptance Maintenance regardless of whether acceptance, or maintenance
tolerances are being applied to the device under test.
0 - 50 ± 0.5 ±1

51 - 200 ±1 ±2 (i) For U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

inspected meat and poultry products packaged at a
201 - 1000 ± 1.5 ±3 plant subject to inspection by the USDA Food
#FFGF Safety and Inspection Service, use Table 2-9, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Meat and Poultry,
Groups and Lower Limits for Individual Packages,
or

(ii) for all other packages with a labeled net

quantity in terms of weight use Table 2-5,
Maximum Allowable Variations for Packages
Labeled by Weight.

(iii) For all packages with a labeled net quantity in

terms of liquid or dry volume use Table 2-6,


 2.24. Automatic Weighing Systems

Maximum Allowable Variations for Packages T.5. Repeatability. - The results obtained from several
Labeled by Liquid or Dry Volume. weighings of the same load under reasonably static test
conditions shall agree within the absolute value of the
T.3.3.2. Field Tests for Automatic maintenance tolerance for that load, and shall be within
Checkweighers. applicable tolerances.

T.3.3.2.1. Static Test Tolerances. - The T.6. Discrimination. - A test load equivalent to 1.4 d shall
tolerance values shall be as specified in Table cause a change in the indicated or recorded value of at least
T.3., Class III-Tolerances in Divisions. 2.0 d. This requires the zone of uncertainty to be not greater
than 0.3 d (See N.3.1.4.)
T.3.3.2.2. Dynamic Test Tolerances. -
T.7. Influence Factors. - The following factors are
(a) The systematic error requirement is not applicable to tests conducted under controlled conditions
applied in a field test. only.

(b) The standard deviation of the test results T.7.1. Temperature. - Devices shall satisfy the
shall not exceed one-ninth (1/9) of the Maximum tolerance requirements under the following temperature
Allowable Variation (MAV) for specific conditions:
package weights (3 standard deviations cannot
exceed one-third (1/3) of the MAV value) as T.7.1.1. - If not specified in the operating instructions
required in the 4th supplement to the 3rd or if not marked on the device, the temperature limits
Edition of NIST Handbook 133 dated October shall be: -10 EC to 40 EC (14 EF to 104 EF).
1994. This value does not change regardless of
whether acceptance or maintenance tolerances T.7.1.2. - If temperature limits are specified for the
are being applied to the device under test. device, the range shall be at least 30 EC (54 EF).

(i) For U.S. Department of Agriculture T.7.1.3. Temperature Effect on Zero-Load

(USDA) inspected meat and poultry products Balance. - The zero-load indication shall not vary by
packaged at a plant subject to inspection by more than one division per 5 EC (9 EF) change in
the USDA Food Safety and Inspection temperature.
Service, use Table 2-9, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Meat and Poultry, Groups and T.7.1.4. Operating Temperature. - The indicating
Lower Limits for Individual Packages, or or recording element shall not display nor record any
usable values until the operating temperature
(ii) for all other packages with a labeled net necessary for accurate weighing and a stable zero
quantity in terms of weight use Table 2-5, balance condition have been attained.
Maximum Allowable Variations for Packages
Labeled by Weight. T.7.2. Barometric Pressure. - The zero indication shall
not vary by more than one division for a change in baro-
(iii) For all packages with a labeled net metric pressure of 1 kPa over the total barometric
quantity in terms of liquid or dry volume use pressure range of 95 kPa to 105 kPa (28 in to 31 in of
Table 2-6. Maximum Allowable Variations Hg).
for Packages Labeled by Liquid or Dry
Volume. T.7.3. Electric Power Supply. -

T.4. Agreement of Indications. - In the case of a T.7.3.1. Power Supply, Voltage and Frequency.
weighing system equipped with more than one indicating
element or indicating element and recording element (a) Alternating Current. - Weighing devices that
combination, the difference in the weight value indications operate using alternating current must perform within
of any load shall not be greater than the absolute value of the conditions defined in paragraphs T.3. through
the applicable tolerance for that load, and shall be within T.7., inclusive, over the line voltage range of 100 V to
tolerance limits. 130 V or 200 V to 250 V rms as appropriate, and over
the frequency range of 59.5 Hz to 60.5 Hz.


 2.24. Automatic Weighing Systems

(b) Battery. - Battery operated instruments shall not location shall be such as to provide strength, rigidity, and
indicate nor record values outside the applicable permanence of all components, and clearance shall be
tolerance limits when battery power output is provided around all live parts to the extent that no
excessive or deficient. contacts may result when the load-receiving element is
empty, nor throughout the weighing range of the scale.
T.7.3.2. Power Interruption. - A power interruption
shall not cause an indicating or recording element to UR.2.3. Entry and Departure From Weighing Area.
display or record any values outside the applicable - The belt or other conveyance that introduces the
tolerance limits. weighed load to the weighing zone and that carries the
weighed load away from the weighing zone shall be
T.8. Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) and Other maintained per the manufacturers recommendations.
Electromagnetic Interference Susceptibility. - The
difference between the weight indication with the UR.3. Use Requirements.
disturbance and the weight indication without the
disturbance shall not exceed one scale division (d) or the UR.3.1. Minimum Load. - The minimum load shall be
equipment shall: as specified by the manufacturer, but not less than 20
divisions since the use of a device to weigh light loads is
(a) blank the indication, or likely to result in relatively large errors.

(b) provide an error message, or 74/KPKOWO.QCFHQT%NCUU+++59GKIJ

NCDGNGTU6JGOKPKOWONQCFUJCNNDGCUURGEKHKGF
(c) the indication shall be so completely unstable that it D[VJGOCPWHCEVWTGTDWVPQVNGUUVJCPFKXKUKQPU
could not be interpreted, or transmitted into memory or to a UKPEGVJGWUGQHCFGXKEGVQYGKIJNKIJVNQCFUKUNKMGN[
recording element, as a correct measurement value. VQTGUWNVKPTGNCVKXGN[NCTIGGTTQTU
#FFGF
UR. User Requirements
UR.3.2. Maximum Load. - An automatic weighing
UR.1. Selection Requirements. - Equipment shall be system shall not be used to weigh a load of more than the
suitable for the service in which it is used with respect to maximum capacity of the automatic weighing system.
elements of its design, including but not limited to, its
capacity, number of scale divisions, value of the scale UR.3.3. Special Designs. - An automatic weighing
division or verification scale division, minimum capacity, system designed and marked for a special application
and computing capability. shall not be used for other than its intended purpose.

UR.1.1. General. - Automatic Weighing Systems shall UR.3.4. Use of Manual Gross Weight Entries. -
be designated by the manufacturer for that service. Manual entries are permitted only when a device or
system is generating labels for standard weight packages.
UR.1.2. Value of the Indicated and Recorded Scale
Division. - The value of the division as recorded shall be UR.4. Maintenance Requirements.
the same as the division value indicated.
UR.4.1. Balance Condition. - If an automatic weighing
UR.2. Installation Requirements. system is equipped with a zero-load display, the
zero-load adjustment of an automatic weighing system
UR.2.1. Protection From Environmental Factors. - shall be maintained so that the device indicates or
The indicating elements, the lever system or load cells, records a zero balance condition.
and the load-receiving element of a permanently installed
scale, and the indicating elements of a scale not intended UR.4.2. Level Condition. - If an automatic weighing
to be permanently installed, shall be adequately protected system is equipped with a level-condition indicator, the
from environmental factors such as wind, weather, and automatic weighing system shall be maintained in level.
RFI that may adversely affect the operation or perform-
ance of the device. UR.4.3. Automatic Weighing System Modification. -
The length or the width of the load-receiving element of
UR.2.2. Foundation, Supports, and Clearance. - The an automatic weighing system shall not be increased
foundation and supports of any scale installed in a fixed beyond the manufacturer’s design dimension, nor shall


 2.24. Automatic Weighing Systems

the capacity of an automatic weighing system be Z

Z ' j
increased beyond its design capacity by replacing or P
modifying the original primary indicating or recording
element with one of a higher capacity, except when the where:
modification has been approved by competent x = error of a load indication
engineering authority, preferably that of the engineering n = the number of loads
department of the manufacturer of the automatic
weighing system, and by the weights and measures test puck. - Metal or plastic object used to simulate a
authority having jurisdiction over the automatic package. Pucks can be made in a variety of dimensions and
weighing system. have different weights to represent a wide range of package
sizes. Metal versions may be covered with rubber cushions
D. Definitions to eliminate the possibility of damage to weighing and
handling equipment. The puck mass is adjusted to specific
automatic checkweigher. - A dynamic automatic weighing accuracy so that pucks can be used to conduct performance
system used to subdivide items of different weights into one tests.
or more subgroups, such as identifying packages that have
acceptable or unacceptable fill levels. These systems may weigh-labeler. - An automatic weighing system that
be used to fill standard packages for compliance with net determines the weight of a package and prints a label or
weight requirements. other document bearing a weight declaration for each
discrete item (usually a label also includes unit and total
automatic weighing system (AWS). - An automatic price declarations). Typically, this type of weighing system
weighing system is a weighing device that, in combination determines the weight of packages dynamically, but may
with other hardware and/or software components, also include a scale that is incorporated in a conveyor
automatically weighs discrete items. Examples include, but system that weighs packages in a static weighing mode.
are not limited to, weigh-labelers and checkweighers. Weigh-labelers are sometimes used to weigh and label
standard and random packages (also called "Prepackaging
package rate. - PPM - Packages per minute. Scales").

random error(s). - The sample standard deviation of the

error (indicated values) for a number of consecutive
automatic weighings of a load, or loads, passed over the
load receptor, shall be expressed mathematically as:

 
U ' E ZK & Z
P & 

or


U '
  j ZK
j ZK &
P& P

where:
x = error of a load indication
n = the number of loads

systematic (average) error ( Z ). - The mean value of

the error (of indication) for a number of consecutive
automatic weighings of a load, or loads, passed over the
load receiving element (e.g., weightable), shall be expressed
mathematically as: