When selecting a scale for wet, humid, or harsh environments, you may notice two terms used interchangeably: waterproof and water-resistant. While they sound similar, these terms refer to very different levels of protection—and understanding the distinction is essential to choosing a scale that meets your business needs.
Water-Resistant Scales
Water-resistant scales are designed to handle light exposure to moisture. This might include:
- Small splashes of water
- Humidity in the air
- Occasional spills
They typically feature sealed surfaces and some protective coatings, which reduce the risk of immediate damage. However, water-resistant scales cannot withstand prolonged exposure to moisture, direct water jets, or submersion. Using them in heavy washdowns or wet environments can lead to corrosion, malfunction, or inaccurate readings over time.
Ideal for:
- Indoor office environments
- Light industrial areas with occasional spills
- Laboratories with minimal wet exposure
Waterproof Scales
Waterproof scales are engineered to withstand direct and continuous contact with water. Their critical components—such as load cells, electronics, and displays—are sealed against moisture, and the entire scale is often built from corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel.
Waterproof scales are rated using IP (Ingress Protection) standards, which indicate the level of protection against solids and liquids:
- IP65 – Protected from low-pressure water jets
- IP67 – Withstands temporary immersion in water
- IP68 – Handles continuous immersion
- IP69K – Designed for high-pressure, high-temperature washdowns
These scales are suitable for environments that require frequent washdowns or constant exposure to water, such as food processing plants, fisheries, pharmaceutical labs, and industrial washdown areas.
Ideal for:
- Wet industrial environments
- Washdown areas in food and beverage industries
- Fisheries and aquaculture
- Laboratories requiring high hygiene standards
Key Differences at a Glance
|
Feature |
Water-Resistant |
Waterproof |
|
Moisture Protection |
Light splashes or humidity |
Direct water, jets, immersion |
|
IP Rating |
Often low or unspecified |
Typically IP65–IP69K |
|
Construction |
Partially sealed, may use coatings |
Fully sealed, corrosion-resistant |
|
Use Case |
Occasional spills, indoor settings |
Wet, humid, or washdown-heavy areas |
|
Durability |
Moderate |
High |
Why It Matters for Your Business
Choosing the wrong type of scale can lead to:
- Equipment damage
- Inaccurate readings
- Increased downtime
- Higher maintenance costs
For example, using a water-resistant scale in a fish processing plant could result in rapid corrosion and failed electronics. Conversely, a waterproof scale may be overkill for an office environment, where a water-resistant model could suffice.
By understanding the difference, you can select a scale that matches your environment, protects your investment, and ensures accurate, reliable results.
Conclusion
Water-resistant scales are suitable for light moisture exposure, while waterproof scales are built to withstand wet, humid, or washdown-intensive environments. Choosing the right option depends on how much water your scale will encounter and how critical accuracy and durability are to your operations.
When in doubt, it’s generally safer to invest in a scale with a higher IP rating if your environment involves frequent wet conditions. The extra protection often saves money, reduces downtime, and ensures consistent performance.