Why do electronic scales show different weights?

Types of scales

Modern household scales come in two types: mechanical and electronic. Mechanical ones have an analog dial, often small, with a division value of 1 kg. Accordingly, the accuracy they provide when weighing is +/- 0.5 kg. For most people who just want to know approximately their weight, this option is suitable. However, for athletes, as well as in medicine, such accuracy is not enough. Electronic scales provide results with an accuracy of up to 100 grams (there are models that show every 10 g). The value is displayed on the screen. Advanced models of scales have additional functions, for example, a built-in calculator/body analyzer, which allows you to calculate the proportions of the body by component composition directly during weighing.

Electronic scales with body composition analyzer

Structurally, electronic scales consist of some kind of sensor and a system for displaying the result. Simple inexpensive copies have a spring sensor, the data from which is digitized and shown on the display. Newer models have a strain converter. Such devices have maximum accuracy, as they are completely electronic. Most often, they have built-in intelligent systems that allow one to determine additional information about the state of the body.

Using a Digital Scale

Why electronic scales can “lie”

It happens that several weighings performed in a row have different results. This problem occurs frequently and frustrates users. The reasons for this lie in improper operation of the equipment and even in small nuances in the weighing process.

The main reasons are discussed below.

The scale must stand on a perfectly level floor. Any unevenness makes the sensor work incorrectly. In this situation, you need to place the scales in another, more suitable place.
You also need to step on the scales correctly: straight, without pressing or skewing on one side. The feet should be placed parallel to each other, at the same level. It is advisable to stand on the platform at each weigh-in with your feet equally positioned and your weight evenly distributed.
Correct placement of feet on scales
The legs should be on the platform with the entire surface of the foot. The body is at right angles to the horizontal. Point pressure with your heels and/or toes can significantly distort the result.
Electronic scales work using sensitive sensors. Negative environmental influences, such as severe changes in room temperature, can affect the accuracy of measurements.
It has been noticed that near heating devices, scales can also show a result that differs from the real one.
It is important to properly care for electronic scales. In particular, washing them with aggressive detergents is strictly prohibited. Chemicals can negatively affect sensors and electronics that convert measurement information. Glass scales are best suited for everyday use: they are quite accurate and easy to care for.
Glass scales are easier to care for

Any electronics requires careful use. Libra is no exception. To avoid problems and make measurements as accurate as possible, you should study the user manual.

Reasons why electronic scales show different weights

There are malfunctions in the operation of electronic devices when indicators are given of weights that are so much smaller or larger that we are not talking about an acceptable error. Quite common are discrepancies in results in different parts of the room, which is a consequence of:

improper operation;
factory defect;
calibration failure;
breakdowns.

Important! When buying scales, it is worth weighing an object with a fixed mass several times. Working devices will always give the same value, even in different places.

Violation of weighing rules

The principle of operation of electronic scales is to convert mechanical action into an electrical signal through strain gauges - sensors that respond to the slightest changes in the position of special plates or frames (depending on the design). Data from strain gauges is processed by a microprocessor, which displays the information on the screen. This is how some models of devices from the Polaris brand and other manufacturers work.

Violation of operating rules significantly affects the results. Even when weighing is carried out at one place, the scales will “lie” if:

unevenly distribute body weight on one side of the platform;
use them near heating sources or expose them to significant temperature changes;
carry out the procedure on a carpet or weigh yourself on a floor that has an uneven surface;
place the scales next to equipment (TV, computer, microwave oven, washing machine) - the device will be influenced by magnetoelectric signals emitted by household appliances and will distort the results.

It can be difficult to achieve objective data by weighing a baby several times in a row. The difference in readings may be caused by an incorrect position - when standing on the scale, to obtain a reliable result, you should stand straight, without bending or moving. The instructions for each device describe in detail the rules of use - you just need to study it carefully before using it.

If the scales give different results in the morning and in the evening, and mostly on the higher side, this may also be due to improper operation of the device.

Advice! Food and liquids consumed during the day increase body weight. Nutritionists recommend weighing yourself at the beginning of the day, before breakfast.

Problems encountered

The relative simplicity of the design of electronic scales implies the reliability of their operation, subject to the necessary conditions specified in the instructions. However, failures also occur.

You can identify a breakdown by the following signs:

problem with the battery - when the batteries are dead, the display informs about an error or does not provide any data at all when turned on;
departure of the connecting cable - the link between the electronic filling and the information screen, which will report inaccurate data;
a malfunction of the relay, or more precisely the thinning of its contacts, leads to distortion of information during repeated weighing;
clogging of the device - debris and dust accumulate inside the case over time, affecting the operation of the electronics;
damage to the mechanism - due to exceeding the permissible weight or incorrect use, the device will stop turning on;
Incorrect calibration leads to data corruption.

Important! It is not recommended to install a battery that matches the parameters and has been removed from another device - lack of power may affect the weighing result.

Calibration failure

The design involves collecting and summing information from several strain gauges, so malfunctions in the operation of any of them will affect the final indicator. The setting eliminates measurement errors.

As a rule, new devices are calibrated by the manufacturer, even if self-setting buttons are provided. The accuracy of the scale readings may be impaired if it is stood on several times in a row or moved.

There are 3 options to solve this problem.

Auto-calibration is a self-tuning feature available in new models.
The external method is the use of a control weight with a fixed mass.
Built-in calibration - in this case, the reference weight value is already inside the device.

The prerequisite for adjustment is minor deviations in data at different times of the day. Methods for calibrating the device are described in the instructions for each specific model and do not require special knowledge.

Possible breakdowns of electronic scales

If the floor scales are used correctly, but the result is different each time, they are most likely broken. You can carry out a preliminary diagnosis of the malfunction using the following symptoms.

The scales do not turn on and no information is displayed on the screen at all. This may indicate that the device is not powered, that is, its power supply (battery) is dead. To solve the problem, it is enough to replace the batteries with new ones. In advanced models, a dead battery produces a specific error code.
Replacing the battery in the scales
Loss of contact between the scale cable on one side. This element connects the electronic unit and the visualization unit (display). If the cable has moved away from one of the elements, the scale may show strange symbols or nothing at all. You can solve the problem by removing the protective cover and inserting/pressing the board more tightly to the display.
It happens that the scales show an unexpected result. For example, an adult weighs 15 kg, or weighs 30 kg more than yesterday, without changing in appearance. Most often, it is a matter of wear of the contact elements. In this case, the relay must be replaced.
The appearance of gaps not provided for by the design leads to damage to the scales. This happens if the device sits on the floor all the time and is not put away in its packaging or cleaned regularly. In this case, the scale must be disassembled and all components carefully cleaned with a soft brush.
Another reason why scales can “lie” is incorrect calibration of the device. Some models do it automatically when installed on the surface and turned on, others must be configured manually. How to do this can be found in the user manual for a specific device.

Scale calibration

Selection Guide

In order to avoid problems with purchased scales in the future, you should listen to the opinions of experts who recommend paying attention to the following points when purchasing.

If you come across a model with a choice of units of measurement, make sure that kilograms are present in the table.
For use in the bathroom, you should buy a model with moisture protection.
For comfortable use, choose floor scales with a rough surface rather than a smooth one.
When choosing a material, it is better to trust metal models rather than plastic ones.
Don't skimp on your purchase. Cheap models don't last long, the weight they display isn't always accurate, and you'll end up overpaying for repairs or buying a new scale.
Be sure to check the measurement accuracy before purchasing.
When working with scales on a carpet, the calculation error can be up to 10%.
Do not use models that are not designed for your weight.
Magnetic radiation from instruments located in the room can affect the quality of weighing, so make sure that the scales are located away from radio equipment.
When purchasing electronic models, choose a model with 4 sensors. This information is not always indicated on the price tag, so you will have to look at the device’s passport.
The more built-in functions a device has, the greater the error in their calculations. Try to choose simple and reliable models.

Do not forget that electronic scales operate on batteries, which need to be changed at least once every 6 months.

Measuring after shower

Human skin is the largest human organ and it absorbs a lot of fluid. During a shower, your skin can absorb up to 3 glasses of water, and this will of course affect your body weight. In addition, wet hair is much heavier than dry hair.

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Rules for care and use

For correct operation, it is important not only to choose and use the device correctly, but also to properly care for it. By following a few tips for maintaining your instrument, you will achieve longer life and more accurate weighing:

Electronic scales are known to be extremely sensitive. Therefore, you should avoid sudden changes in temperature, large amounts of moisture, sudden lowering or shaking, exposure to dirt and direct sunlight.
Do not place the scale near heating devices.
It is not recommended to use chemicals to clean the device.
Avoid contact of various liquids with the surface of the measuring unit.