troubleshooting load cell

In my work, I find very difficult to safeguard the load cell. Because, my usages are in construction material testing, I have to take measurements in variety of application  and there wont be time to develop required fixture. most of the time it is adapting to situation.

this is a complex task. Because load cell are easy to damage sensor. why am I saying like this? see the reasons it could fail to operate

1. Over loading - subjecting the load cell beyond its capacity.

2. shock loading - Shock load is applying load for very shorter time. for example dropping some material mistakenly on load cell. Load cell may fail even if the subjected loads are with in its capacity. it means, if you have dropped metal hammer weigh 2 kg  on load cell of 1000kg capacity. if this shock is beyond the load cells shock loading capacity load cell may fail mechanically. most of the load cell manufacturer specifies this load. however if our applications are variable, it is very difficult to guess chances of getting shock loads and amount of shock load.

3. Electrical wire discontinuity and loose connection.

4. Electrical wire short

I have seen following guide on trouble shooting. which may be helpful to you.
http://www.vishaypg.com/docs/11867/vpg-08.pdf