Static Eliminator for Analytical Balances: Ionizer Options Compared

A static eliminator for analytical balances stops drifting readings, and for A&D Apollo balances the A&D GXA-25 fanless ionizer is on sale for $270.69 (regular $965.03), in stock.

Reviewed by MNM Scales technicians · Updated November 3, 2026 · Prices checked November 3, 2026

This guide is for labs, QC teams and pharmacies that weigh powders, plastic vials, weigh boats and filters on an analytical balance. MNM Scales has sold, calibrated and repaired scales and balances for over 30 years from our shop in Cypress, Texas, and we are one of the largest scale distributors. MNM Scales is an authorized A&D Weighing dealer.

Signs static is skewing your weights

• The reading creeps in one direction and does not settle, even with the breeze break doors closed.
• The weight changes when your hand or sleeve comes near the breeze break.
• The same sample reads differently in a plastic container than in a glass or metal one.
• Powder jumps off the spatula, clings to the weigh boat or spreads across the pan.
• Problems get worse in dry weather or in air-conditioned rooms in winter.

A&D notes that when room humidity drops below 45 percent RH, nonconductors such as powders, paper and plastics charge easily, and the static can cause a weighing error of several milligrams. On a 0.1 mg balance, that is dozens of digits.

Which static eliminator fits your balance?

Option	How it works	Best for
External ionizer: A&D GXA-25	Stands next to the balance; you hold the sample in front of it for a few seconds before weighing	GX-A and GF-A Apollo balances you already own; samples and tools you neutralize outside the weighing chamber
Breeze break with ionizer: A&D GXA-17	A large glass breeze break with the ionizer built in; you hold the sample above the pan inside the chamber	GX-A and GF-A Apollo balances; tall flasks and containers; labs that want draft and static control in one part
Built-in ionizer: A&D GX-AE balances	The GXA-17 ionizer breeze break comes standard on the GX-AE series; A&D rates its Quick Ion ionizer at about 0.3 seconds at 10 cm	New purchases where static is a daily problem

All three are fanless corona-discharge ionizers, so they neutralize static without blowing air across the pan. They take power from the balance, start from a touchless IR switch, and have tungsten electrode needles that you can remove for cleaning, rated for about 10,000 hours. The GXA-25 and GXA-17 each connect through the balance’s option interface, and the balance takes one of these options at a time.

Static eliminator specs compared

Spec	GXA-25 external ionizer	GXA-17 breeze break with ionizer	GX-AE built-in ionizer
Neutralizing range	About 10 to 50 cm from the electrode needle	About 10 to 50 cm from the electrode needle	Built into the breeze break
Start	Touchless IR switch	External IR switch (included)	External IR switch
Default run time	3 seconds, set in the balance	3 seconds, set in the balance	Set in the balance
Size / mass	About 300 g with stand	259 x 274 x 268 mm; about 2.5 kg	Part of the balance

How to use an ionizer on a balance

1. Hold the sample, container or weigh boat in front of the ionizer, not on the pan. With the GXA-25, keep it about 10 to 30 cm from the electrodes; with the GXA-17, hold it above the center of the pan inside the breeze break.
2. Wave your hand near the IR switch. The ION mark lights on the balance display and the ionizer runs for its set time.
3. Keep holding the sample until the ionizer LED turns off, then place it on the pan and weigh.
4. Neutralize the empty container before you tare, and again after adding powder if the reading still creeps.
5. Remove and clean the electrode needles on a schedule; dust on the needles slows neutralizing.

Placement and grounding

• Humidity: keep the weighing room humid enough that samples do not charge easily; A&D’s 45 percent RH note is a good target.
• Containers: use glass or metal containers for static-prone powders when your method allows.
• People: touch a grounded metal surface before weighing, and keep synthetic sleeves and gloves away from the breeze break.
• Power: plug the balance into a grounded outlet and keep the bench free of plastic sheeting and foam pads.
• Vibration and drafts: static is one cause of drift; vibration and air movement are others. See our balance table guide and analytical balance maintenance checklist.

Static eliminators and ionizer balances in stock

Model	Type	Key specs	Price
A&D GXA-25	External fanless ionizer	For GX-A/GF-A Apollo balances; neutralizes about 10 to 50 cm from the needle; powered by the balance; sold separately, not included with a balance	$270.69
A&D GXA-17	Breeze break with fanless ionizer	For GX-A/GF-A Apollo balances; IR switch; anti-static treated glass; sold separately, not included with a GX-A or GF-A balance	$1,199
A&D GX-124AE	Analytical balance, built-in ionizer	122 g x 0.1 mg; repeatability 0.1 mg; automatic internal calibration; about 1.5 s stabilization	$2,899
A&D GX-124AEN	Analytical balance, built-in ionizer, NTEP Class I	120 g x 0.1 mg; NTEP Class I (CC 21-045, e = 0.001 g); automatic internal calibration	$3,107

Rules: records and NTEP

A static eliminator does not change the balance’s calibration; it removes an error source from the sample. Record the neutralizing step in your method so every analyst weighs the same way, and keep calibration certificates and routine check records with the balance. If you sell or charge by weight, the GX-124AEN is the NTEP Class I version of the GX-124AE; see our NTEP guide.

Texas note: 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. See TDA’s scales used in trade guidance (PDF) and our TDA scale certification guide, or call us or TDA to confirm your use.

Calibration and rental

• Balances up to 2.2 kg: in-house calibration with a certificate is $95, or NIST calibration with a NIST-traceable certificate is $395. See NIST vs in-house certificates.
• On-site service: $295 + $2 per mile per visit across the Houston area, with calibration charged per balance; see our balance calibration service and on-site calibration.
• Mail-in, repairs and rentals: ship balances for mail-in calibration, have us repair the brands we sell, and rent all types of scales while yours is out of service.
• After adding an ionizer or breeze break: level the balance, let it warm up and run its internal calibration before the next test.

Frequently asked questions

What is a static eliminator for a balance?

An ionizer that sends positive and negative ions at the sample and container to neutralize their charge before weighing, so the reading settles and stops drifting.

How do I know static is affecting my balance?

Readings creep and will not settle, change when your hand comes near, or differ between plastic and glass containers. Dry rooms make it worse.

Does a fanless ionizer blow air on the pan?

No. A&D’s GXA-25, GXA-17 and GX-AE ionizers are fanless corona-discharge types, so they do not create a draft.

Which A&D balances work with the GXA-25 and GXA-17?

Both are made for A&D Apollo GX-A and GF-A balances. The GX-AE series comes with the GXA-17 ionizer breeze break as standard.

Should the sample sit on the pan while the ionizer runs?

No. Hold the sample in front of or above the pan until the ionizer LED turns off, then set it on the pan and weigh.

Can you calibrate a balance with an ionizer?

Yes. In-house calibration with a certificate is $95 and NIST-traceable calibration is $395 for balances up to 2.2 kg. Call (832) 290-3120.