Connecting a strain gage or converter

Applicable modules: U8554, LR8534

You will need: a flat-head screwdriver (with a tip width of 2.6 mm) and either a strain gage or a strain gage-type converter

 

Recommended wire diameter

Single-wire

Diameter of 0.32 mm to 1.29 mm (AWG 26 to 16)

Stranded wire

0.2 mm2 to 0.52 mm2 (AWG 24 to 20)

Standard stripping length

9 mm

  • Choose a strain gage whose gage resistance value is 120 Ω. If you plan to use a 350 Ω strain gage, add a separate bridge box and use the same connection as for the 4-gage method (converter).

  • Choose a strain gage-type converter that supports a bridge voltage of 2 V DC.

  • For more information about measuring strain, see “11.2 Measuring Strain” in the Instruction Manual.

 CAUTION

Do not bend, pull on, or twist cables, including where they connect, excessively.

Doing so could cause a wire break into the cable.

  • Keep the cables away from power lines and ground lines.

  • When measuring with a voltage range of 5 mV or less, measurement may be affected by the thermal electromotive force of wires and connectors.

  • Perform auto-balancing using the same wires and connectors as will be used in measurement.

  • All channels in the U8554 and LR8534 terminal block have a common E terminal (GND).

  • If connecting the lead wires for the strain gage or other sensor directly, strip back about 9 mm of insulation from the tip of each lead wire first.

  • When using a strain gage, connect lead wires of the recommended wire diameter using the gage terminals or use a strain gage with lead wires of the recommended wire diameter.

  • If the sensor has a connector (NDIS connector, etc.) like a strain gage-type converter, use the connection cable supplied by the sensor manufacturer to connect it.

Affixing connection confirmation labels

Affix the included connection confirmation labels as desired (for example, on the back of the terminal block cover).

 

If label is affixed to the terminal block cover

Connection confirmation label

1 Open the terminal block cover.

2 Set the DIP switch depending on the connection method.

Setting the DIP switches for input connections

3 Press down on the terminal button with the flat-head screwdriver.

4 Insert the cable into the terminal hole while depressing the button.

Example: 1-gage method (2-wire setup)

5 Remove the flat-head screwdriver from the button.

The cable will be locked in place. Pull gently on the cable and verify that it does not come out.

6 Close the terminal block cover.

How to display the strain gage connection guide

Press the QUICK SET key, and choose [Strain gauge connection guide]. The strain gage connection diagrams will be displayed.

“1.16 Configuration Navigator (Quick Set)” in the Instruction Manual.

Setting the DIP switches for input connections

This section describes how to set the DIP switches for input connections.

The DIP switch is on in the upper position and off in the lower position.

 

DIP switches

(1) 1-gage method (2-wire setup)

(2) 1-gage method (3-wire setup)

(3) 2-gage method (adjacent sides)

(4) 4-gage method/converter

(5) Voltage input

 

When connecting a converter, the terminals function as indicated below.

If the converter output utilizes a connector (such as NDIS connector), use a cable with a connector on one end and loose wires on the other to make the connection.

A Applied voltage (+)

B Converter output (-)

C Applied voltage (-)

D Converter output (+)

E Measurement GND

Measuring strain

  • After installing the strain gage and completing its wiring, perform auto-balancing before measurement.

    “Measuring strain”in “1.4 Configuring Input Channels” in the Instruction Manual.

  • Secure the strain gage wires in place and ensure that the gage itself is not subjected to force.