What is a Bench Scale
Bench scales are sturdy and easy to clean and their digital displays are highly visible, making them extremely easy and convenient for operators to use.
Where can a bench scale be used?
Bench scales are perfect for environments where space is limited, such as a laboratory, workshop or food preparation zone because of their small, compact size.
They can be used for many purposes including; weighing parcels, tools or paper. In some industries, bench scales are used for counting coins, checkweighing pre-packed items, ingredients or recipe mixes.
What is a trade approved bench scale?
Trade Approved Bench Scales are required when a business is buying or selling their products based on weight. The Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments (NAWI) directive is a piece of legislation which was introduced to protect consumers.
Trade approved scales undergo strict testing ensuring they are accurate, reliable and give repeatable readings.
What does the IP rating mean?
The IP rating of a weight scale refers to the level of protection it has. Below is a guide to what the first and second number protects against:
Ingress Protection (IP) Rating
| First Digit – | Ingress of Solid Objects | Second Digit – | Ingress of Liquids |
| 0 | No protection | 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Protected against solid objects over 50mm. e.g. hands, large tools. | 1 | Protected against vertically falling drops of water or condensation. |
| 2 | Protected against solid objects over 12.5mm e.g. hands, large tools. | 2 | Protected against falling drops of water, if the case is disposed up to 15 degrees from vertical. |
| 3 | Protected against solid objects over 2.5mm e.g. wire, small tools. | 3 | Protected against sprays of water from any direction, even if the case is disposed up to 60 degrees from vertical. |
| 4 | Protected against solid objects over 1.0mm e.g. wires. | 4 | Protected against splash water from any direction. |
| 5 | Limited protection against dust ingress. | 5 | Protected against low pressure water jets from any direction. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 6 | Totally protected against dust ingress. | 6 | Protected against high pressure water jets from any direction. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 7 | N/A | 7 | Protected against short periods of immersion in water. |
| 8 | N/A | 8 | Protected against long, durable periods of immersion in water. |
| 9 | N/A | 9 | Protected against close-range high pressure, high temperature spray downs. |
Which bench scale is best?
Choosing a bench scale can be a confusing exercise especially with so many different brands and types available. Below is a quick comparison of two of our most popular bench scales:
The Stainless Steel Bench Scale measures 150mm x 120mm and weighs items in grams or pounds up to 5KG. It has a removable pan, perfect for cleaning and is IP65 rated meaning it offers total protection from dust ingress and low-pressure water jets. It also benefits from a large easy-to-read 20mm LED display.
The Stainless Steel Trade Approved Computing Scale is perfect for food makers and has an optional vegetable scoop if required. This bench scale has an IP68 rating meaning it offers total protection against dust ingress as well as protection against long periods of water immersion, so produce is handled in the utmost clean environment. This bench scale has a 15KG capacity and measures 290mm x 222mm making it small and convenient for placing in many workspaces.
