Zemic Load Cells Compared: H8C vs B8D vs S-Type Specs, Wiring and NTEP
Reviewed by MNM Scales technicians · Updated November 1, 2026 · Prices checked November 1, 2026
Short answer: pick a Zemic load cell by how it mounts and what it sits in. The H8C is an alloy steel single-ended beam for platform, bench and hopper scales; the B8D is the stainless steel shear beam for wet or washdown areas; the B3G is a stainless S-type that hangs in line for tanks, hoppers and below-the-hook weighing. All three in stock carry active NTEP certificates: the Zemic H8C-N5-2.5K-6YB 2,500 lb single-ended beam ($158), the Zemic B8D-N5-2.5K-6YB 2,500 lb stainless shear beam ($198) and the Zemic B3G-N10-10K-6YB 10,000 lb stainless S-type ($247). Call (832) 290-3120 with your scale and capacity and we will match the cell.
This guide covers the Zemic models MNM Scales stocks: what each one is built for, the specifications from Zemic’s own datasheets, the wire color code, the NTEP certificates we checked on NCWM, and the mounting hardware to plan for. MNM Scales has sold, calibrated and repaired scales and load cells for over 30 years from our shop in Cypress, Texas.
For load cell basics, see our load cell types guide and the load cell buying guide. For pull tests and hanging loads, see the tension load cell guide, and for accuracy classes, Class I to Class IIIL load cells.
Zemic load cell models: H8C vs B8D vs S-type
| Spec | H8C single-ended beam | B8D shear beam | B3G S-type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body | Alloy steel, sealed with adhesive (Zemic) | Stainless steel, potted, IP67 (Zemic) | Stainless steel (NCWM CC 06-099A2) |
| Zemic capacity range | 1,000 to 20,000 lb (0.5 to 10 t) | 250 to 20,000 lb | 50 to 15,000 lb on the NTEP CC |
| Model in stock | 2,500 lb | 2,500 lb | 10,000 lb |
| Loading | Bolted at one end, load on the other | Bolted at one end, load on the other | Threaded both ends, tension or compression |
| Typical scales | Platform, bench, floor and hopper scales | Floor and platform scales in wet or washdown areas | Hanging tanks, hoppers, crane and conversion scales |
| Excitation | 5 to 12 V DC, 18 V max | 5 to 12 V DC, 18 V max | See the listing |
| Bridge resistance | 350 Ω input and output | 350 Ω input and output | See the listing |
| Safe / ultimate overload | 1.5 times / 3 times capacity | 1.5 times / 3 times capacity | 1.5 times / 3 times capacity (Zemic S-beam data) |
| Cable | 4-conductor shielded, 5 mm; 6 m on pound capacities, including 2,500 lb | 4-conductor shielded, 5 mm, 6 m | 4-conductor shielded, 6 m (listing) |
| NTEP (NCWM, active) | CC 12-028, Class III 5000 / IIIL 10000 | CC 12-022, Class III 5000 / IIIL 10000 | CC 06-099A2, Class III 5000 / IIIL 10000 |
H8C: alloy steel single-ended beam
The H8C is Zemic’s alloy steel single shear beam. Zemic offers it from 1,000 to 20,000 lb in several accuracy grades, with a 4 m cable up to 2 t and a 6 m cable from 2.5 t and on the pound capacities. It bolts down through two holes at one end and takes the load through the hole at the other, so four of them under a deck make a platform scale. MNM stocks the Zemic H8C-N5-2.5K-6YB 2,500 lb single-ended beam at $158.
B8D: stainless steel shear beam
The B8D has the same single-ended beam layout in stainless steel, potted and rated IP67, for scales that get washed down or sit in damp rooms. Zemic lists it from 250 lb to 20,000 lb. MNM stocks the Zemic B8D-N5-2.5K-6YB 2,500 lb stainless shear beam at $198.
B3G: stainless S-type
The B3G is a stainless S-beam with a threaded hole at each end, so it hangs in line with the load or sits under it. NCWM CC 06-099A2 covers B3G cells from 50 to 15,000 lb. The Zemic B3G-N10-10K-6YB 10,000 lb stainless S-type ($247) has 3/4-16 UNF threads. For rigging and hardware, see the tension load cell guide.
Zemic load cell wiring and color code
Zemic’s datasheets for the H8C, B8D and S-beam cells use the same 4-wire color code:
| Wire | Signal |
|---|---|
| Red | Input (+), excitation + |
| Black | Input (−), excitation − |
| Green | Output (+), signal + |
| White | Output (−), signal − |
- 6-wire cells: Zemic’s 6-wire datasheets add Blue for sense (+) and Yellow for sense (−). The cells on this page are 4-wire.
- Shield: the shield is isolated from the load cell element. Connect it as your indicator or junction box manual shows.
- More than one cell: wire each cell into a load cell junction box, then run one cable to the indicator.
- Checking a cell: a healthy H8C or B8D reads about 350 Ω across red and black and across green and white. Our guide on how to test a load cell walks through the checks.
Mounting hardware and indicators
- Beam cells (H8C, B8D): Zemic lists mounting feet and spacers for these beams, such as BJ-8 feet and HD-8 spacers. Feet, spacers and bolts are not included with the cells on this page.
- S-type (B3G): eye bolts or rod ends threaded 3/4-16 UNF; not included.
- Mount on a flat, level, rigid base and torque the bolts to the scale builder’s specification so the beam flexes only where it is designed to.
- Indicator: every bare load cell needs an indicator to power it and display weight (not included). Browse indicators.
Zemic load cells in stock
| Model | Type and capacity | Best for | NTEP CC | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zemic H8C-N5-2.5K-6YB 2,500 lb single-ended beam | Single-ended beam, alloy steel, 2,500 lb | Platform, bench and floor scales | 12-028 | $158 |
| Zemic B8D-N5-2.5K-6YB 2,500 lb stainless shear beam | Shear beam, stainless steel, IP67, 2,500 lb | Washdown and damp areas | 12-022 | $198 |
| Zemic B3G-N10-10K-6YB 10,000 lb stainless S-type | S-type, stainless steel, 10,000 lb, 3/4-16 UNF | Hanging tanks, hoppers, below the hook | 06-099A2 | $247 |
See every model in load cells.
Rules: Zemic load cells, NTEP and Texas
A load cell is one part of a scale. When the finished scale sets a price, such as selling by weight, it is a commercial device and needs to be legal for trade in Texas. TDA does not require an NTEP certificate for every device, but the scale must meet NIST Handbook 44 and suit its use; some scales do need one, so we recommend NTEP models and can check yours. We checked each Zemic certificate on NCWM on November 1, 2026: H8C on CC 12-028 (200 to 30,000 lb) and CC 07-012A1 (1,000 to 10,000 lb), B8D on CC 12-022 (500 to 10,000 lb), and B3G on CC 06-099A2 (50 to 15,000 lb), all active. Each cell’s label lists its class, nmax and vmin, and the scale built around it must meet them. Our TDA-registered technicians can place the finished scale in service. See our NTEP guide and TDA scale certification guide.
Calibration and rental
- Calibrating a scale after a load cell swap: the cells and indicator are calibrated together with known weights. Scales over 150 kg take in-house calibration with a certificate or NIST calibration with a NIST-traceable certificate; see industrial scale calibration in Houston.
- On-site service: $295 + $2 per mile per visit across the Houston area, with calibration charged per scale; see on-site calibration in Houston.
- Certificates: see NIST vs in-house certificates.
- Legal for trade: see legal-for-trade calibration in Texas.
- Repairs and rentals: we test and replace load cells and repair the brands we sell, offer mail-in calibration, and rent all types of scales.
Replacing or choosing a Zemic load cell? Send the model on the old cell’s label (or a photo), the scale type, capacity and number of cells, and whether the scale is used in trade. We will match the cell and quote calibration with it. Shop: 21249 FM 529 Rd, Cypress, TX 77433, visits by appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between H8C and B8D Zemic load cells?
Both are single-ended beam load cells that bolt down at one end. The H8C is alloy steel sealed with adhesive; the B8D is stainless steel, potted and rated IP67 for washdown and damp areas.
What is the Zemic load cell wire color code?
On Zemic’s 4-wire cells, red is input (+), black is input (−), green is output (+) and white is output (−). Zemic’s 6-wire cells add blue for sense (+) and yellow for sense (−).
Are Zemic load cells NTEP approved?
The models we stock are on active NCWM certificates: H8C on CC 12-028, B8D on CC 12-022 and B3G on CC 06-099A2, each for Class III and Class IIIL. Check that your capacity is inside the certificate range.
What is the overload rating on a Zemic load cell?
Zemic’s datasheets list a safe overload of 1.5 times capacity and an ultimate overload of 3 times capacity for the H8C, B8D and its S-beam cells.
What excitation voltage does a Zemic load cell use?
Zemic recommends 5 to 12 V DC with an 18 V maximum for the H8C and B8D.
Can a Zemic S-type load cell be used for a hanging tank?
Yes. The B3G hangs in line with the load on threaded hardware, one cell per hanging point, with the cells summed in a junction box and read on one indicator.
Can MNM Scales install and calibrate a Zemic load cell?
Yes. We test and replace load cells and calibrate the scale with known weights, in our Cypress shop or on-site across Greater Houston for $295 + $2 per mile per visit.