Washdown Counting Scale: Counting Parts and Portions Where You Hose Down
A washdown counting scale has to count parts or portions and then take a hose at the end of the shift, and our first pick is the Adam Equipment Aqua ABW 16: 35 lb × 0.005 lb, IP67, with parts counting, on sale for $354.99 (regular $500.00) and in stock.
Short answer: choose a washdown counting scale that can actually count pieces, is sealed for the way you clean, and is sized for your heaviest pan or tote. For most meat, seafood and packing stations, the Adam Equipment Aqua ABW 16 is our pick at $354.99: 35 lb × 0.005 lb, IP67, with parts counting, front and rear LED displays, and a rechargeable battery (AC adapter included). Finer counts on smaller batches go to the Aqua ABW 8 (18 lb × 0.002 lb) at $385.99; heavier totes go to the Aqua ABW 32 (70 lb × 0.01 lb) at $354.99. The Aqua ABW models are non-NTEP. Here is an NTEP alternative: the A&D HV-15KWP waterproof bench scale, 6/15/30 lb, NTEP (CC 00-088A1), IP65, with a counting function, at $679.00. For comparator lights on the current A&D washdown family, the HV-15KCWP is $841.00 (NTEP CC 17-099A3). We are an authorized dealer for every brand we sell.
On sale: $354.99 (regular $500.00) on the Adam Aqua ABW 16 (#43720), in stock. Contact us or call (832) 290-3120 with questions.
Shop the Aqua ABW 16 (#43720) Call (832) 290-3120 Get a quote
Washdown and counting scale guides from MNM Scales
- Washdown counting scale: counting parts and portions where you hose down (you are here)
- Counting scale buying guide
- Small parts counting scale
- Washdown bench scale
- Washdown scales guide
- Counting scale rental in Houston
Food packing lines, seafood houses and pharmacy fill rooms all count pieces or portions, then clean the station with water. A standard counting scale does not last long there. This guide covers how to sample a count on a wet bench, what IP65 and IP67 actually protect, how water and ice throw off piece weight, and a sanitation routine that keeps the count true.
Washdown counting scales in stock at live prices
| Washdown counting scale | Capacity × readability | Protection | Counting | NTEP | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adam Aqua ABW 16 | 35 lb × 0.005 lb / 16 kg × 2 g | IP67, removable 9.6 × 7.1 in stainless pan | Parts counting, 1:600,000 internal resolution | Non-NTEP | $354.99 (reg. $500.00) |
| Adam Aqua ABW 8 | 18 lb × 0.002 lb / 8 kg × 1 g | IP67, removable 9.6 × 7.1 in stainless pan | Parts counting, 1:600,000 internal resolution | Non-NTEP | $385.99 (reg. $500.00) |
| Adam Aqua ABW 32 | 70 lb × 0.01 lb / 32 kg × 5 g | IP67, removable 11.8 × 8.3 in stainless pan | Parts counting, 1:600,000 internal resolution | Non-NTEP | $354.99 (reg. $500.00) |
| A&D HV-15KWP | 6/15/30 lb × 0.002/0.005/0.01 lb | IP65, 9.8 × 9.8 in stainless pan | Counting function | NTEP Class III (CC 00-088A1) | $679.00 (reg. $1,205.00) |
| A&D HV-15KCWP | 6/15/30 lb × 0.002/0.005/0.01 lb | IP65, 9.8 × 9.8 in stainless pan, 5-step comparator lights | Counting mode | NTEP Class III (CC 17-099A3) | $841.00 (reg. $1,365.00) |
| A&D HV-60KCWP | 30/60/150 lb × 0.01/0.02/0.05 lb | IP65, 13 × 16.7 in stainless platform, 5-step comparator lights | Counting mode | NTEP Class III (CC 17-099A3) | $965.00 (reg. $1,770.00) |
The Aqua ABW models are non-NTEP, so use them for in-house counting, portioning and batching. If you sell, buy or charge by weight, here is an NTEP alternative: the A&D HV-15KWP at $679.00, or the current HV-15KCWP at $841.00. On those A&D models, the counting function itself is not legal for trade; the NTEP approval covers weighing. Read what NTEP and legal for trade mean. For a broader counting-scale comparison, see our counting scale buying guide.
How to sample a count on a wet bench
A counting scale divides the weight on the pan by an average piece weight. If water, ice or residue is sitting on the pan when you take the sample, that extra weight becomes part of the piece weight and every count after that is off.
- Dry the pan first. Wipe standing water and ice off the pan and the corners around it. On the Aqua ABW, the stainless pan lifts off so you can dry underneath.
- Turn the scale on and let it settle, then tare. Start from a true zero with a dry, empty pan.
- Place a known sample of identical pieces and let the scale compute the piece weight. Use enough pieces that one wet or off-size piece does not swing the average.
- Spot-check the first few runs by hand or with a known quantity, especially if the product is still damp.
- Re-sample when the product changes. A new lot, a wetter batch, or a glaze of ice is a new piece weight.
IP65 vs IP67 for counting work
| Rating | Water protection | Where it fits a counting station |
|---|---|---|
| IP65 | Dust-tight; low-pressure water jets from any direction | Wipe-down and light spray around a washdown counting scale |
| IP67 | Dust-tight; temporary immersion (up to 1 m for 30 minutes under the standard test) | Hose-down rooms: meat, seafood, produce packing |
The Aqua ABW 16 is IP67, so the sealed housing can be hosed down. The HV-15KWP and HV-15KCWP are IP65: protected against dust and water jets. Use a low-pressure hose unless the maker approves pressure washing. After any wash, dry the pan before you sample a new count.
Piece-weight drift from water and ice
Seafood, poultry and produce often arrive wet or on ice. Water left on the product adds weight; as it drips off, the same piece gets lighter. That drift shows up as a changing count even when the number of pieces has not changed.
- Drain or blot product the same way every time before you sample and before you count a batch.
- Do not count through a puddle. A film of water on the pan is a changing tare.
- Re-tare between batches if drip is building up, then re-sample if the product itself is wetter or drier than the last lot.
- Watch ice melt. A count taken over melting ice will walk as the water leaves the pan.
A sanitation routine that keeps the count true
- Finish the last count and record the piece weight if you will use it again after cleaning.
- Turn the scale off. Unplug AC models and keep the adapter dry. The Aqua ABW runs up to 80 hours on its rechargeable battery, which keeps a cord off a wet floor.
- Lift off the pan if it is removable and wash it separately.
- Rinse with low-pressure water, wash with your approved detergent or sanitizer, and rinse again. Do not aim spray directly at display seals or cable glands.
- Dry the pan and the housing, power the scale back up, tare, and take a fresh sample before the next run.
A simple count log
A short log catches a bad sample before a whole shift of packs goes out with the wrong count:
- Date, product and lot
- Sample size and the piece weight the scale computed
- Batch count and a hand or known-quantity check
- Whether the product was dry, wet or on ice
- Calibration due date
Calibration, repair and rentals
The Aqua ABW 8, ABW 16 and ABW 32, and the A&D HV-15KWP and HV-15KCWP, are in the 6.2–35 kg tier: $250.00 in-house with a certificate or $595.00 NIST-traceable. The HV-60KCWP (150 lb) is in the 35–150 kg tier: $350.00 or $750.00. Mail-in calibration is available nationwide by mail, for in-house and NIST certificates, and usually takes 1–3 business days after we receive the scale. On-site calibration across Houston and its suburbs is $295 plus $2 per mile round trip. We repair all brands and types of scales, including washdown counting scales, through our Houston scale repair service, and we rent scales in the Houston area; call or get a quote. For a short-term count, see our counting scale rental page.
Notes from our Cypress, TX shop
- Dry, then tare, then sample. Most bad counts we see from wet rooms start with a wet pan or a wet first handful.
- Match the IP rating to the hose, and NTEP to the sale. IP67 for a true hose-down; NTEP when you sell or charge by weight.
- Battery power keeps cords off the floor. The Aqua ABW includes a rechargeable battery and an AC adapter.
- Need a dry-area parts counter? See our small parts counting scale guide.
Ready to order? The Adam Aqua ABW 16 is our usual washdown counting scale, on sale at $354.99 (regular $500.00), in stock. Need finer readability? The Aqua ABW 8 is $385.99. Need an NTEP alternative for selling by weight? The A&D HV-15KWP is $679.00. Questions? Call (832) 290-3120 or get a quote.
Shop the Aqua ABW 16 (#43720) Call (832) 290-3120 Request a quote
Frequently asked questions
What is a washdown counting scale?
A scale sealed against water and dust that can count parts or portions, then be cleaned with the room. The Adam Aqua ABW 16 (35 lb × 0.005 lb, IP67, parts counting) is our pick at $354.99. It is non-NTEP; here is an NTEP alternative: the A&D HV-15KWP at $679.00.
Are these washdown counting scales NTEP legal for trade?
The Aqua ABW 8, ABW 16 and ABW 32 are non-NTEP. Here is an NTEP alternative: the A&D HV-15KWP (CC 00-088A1) and the HV-15KCWP and HV-60KCWP (CC 17-099A3). On those A&D models, NTEP covers weighing; the counting function is not legal for trade. See what NTEP means.
What IP rating do I need for a washdown counting scale?
IP65 handles low-pressure spray and wipe-down. IP67 handles hose-down rooms and temporary immersion. The Aqua ABW models are IP67; the A&D HV-WP and HV-CWP models in this guide are IP65. Use a low-pressure hose unless the maker says otherwise.
How do I get a reliable count in a wet area?
Dry the pan, tare, then sample identical pieces. Drain or blot wet or iced product the same way every time, and re-sample when the lot or the moisture changes. Water or ice left on the pan becomes part of the piece weight and throws off every count after that.
How much does it cost to calibrate a washdown counting scale?
Scales from 6.2 to 35 kg, including the Aqua ABW models and the HV-15KWP and HV-15KCWP, are $250.00 in-house or $595.00 NIST. The HV-60KCWP (35 to 150 kg) is $350.00 or $750.00. On-site in Houston is $295 plus $2 per mile round trip. Mail-in calibration is available nationwide by mail, for in-house and NIST certificates.