Frequently Asked Questions

Company History

How long has OHAUS been in business?

For more than a century, OHAUS products have met the needs of virtually every industry. From the introduction of the Harvard Trip balance, which became the standard by which other mechanical balances are judged to the recent introduction of the highly sophisticated Explorer Semi-Micro balances –– we have the long-standing experience necessary to deliver high-quality and durable equipment. View a quick summary of our history.
 

Compliance

Are OHAUS products in compliance with global and local standards and regulations?

At the core of our product design, supply chain management, manufacturing processes, delivery and service is customer satisfaction. To stay focused on our commitment to customers, we ensure that our products and processes meet or exceed global/regional approvals and certifications. Our NSF listed products ensure safety in environments in which sanitation is important, while NTEP certified legal-for-trade products are ideal for weighing items that will be priced and sold based on weight. To access our compliance documents and find out more info, please visit OHAUS Compliance.  
 

Where to buy?

Where can I purchase OHAUS products?

You can purchase OHAUS products through an authorized OHAUS Distributor. Simply, browse OHAUS.com for the products that suit your needs using Help Me Find My Product, and Request a Quote – and we will put you in touch with an authorized OHAUS Distributor in your area.

Receive Updates

How do I stay up-to-date on OHAUS Products and News?

At OHAUS, we believe in keeping our customers constantly updated on our products, current promotions, events, weighing industry news and more. To receive your updates, go ahead and sign up for the monthly OHAUS Newsletter (scroll to the bottom of the page).
 

Service

I need to send my balance in for service. Where should I send it and how should it be packed?

The first thing you should do is contact the dealer you bought the balance from. Many OHAUS dealers also have service departments. If your dealer does not perform service at their location, you can contact one of our Regional Service Centers near you.

If your balance needs to be shipped to an RSC for repair, it should be packed very carefully. Please remember the shipper is only responsible for shipping damage if the damage is evident on the packaging.

Poorly packaged balances can be damaged in shipping without any visible signs of damage to the packaging, the original packaging is best. Remove all loose items such as platforms, platform supports and line cords and pack them separately. Be sure to ship them with the balance. Batteries should be removed before shipping.

Include your shipping and billing address and a daytime phone number so that we can contact you. Please include a brief description of the problem you are having or the service you want performed.

The package should be insured for the replacement value of the balance.

Sustainability

How committed is OHAUS to sustainable practices?

We are fully committed to minimizing our company's environmental impact by following 'green' practices. In addition, we ensure the highest safety standards for both our employees and customers. From minimizing the printing of marketing materials such as brochures (all our current brochures are printed on recycled paper) to ensuring the proper disposal of our products once they reach the end of their life cycle – we have implemented company-wide practices to reduce the environmental footprint of our business. Our products are designed to meet and exceed safety standards in the industries that they are being used in – for example, our food scale portfolio meets international food safety standards and our education products comply with the regulations and requirements set forth by the US Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008. Get a detailed version of our Sustainability Policy.

Technical FAQ

Click here for the complete list/Index of Technical FAQ's, or click on the links below to go to the specific topics:

Why stainless steel rust?
 

Terminology

Is readability and accuracy the same thing?

No, the readability of a balance is the smallest quantity that the balance will display. Accuracy is the difference between the known weight of a sample and the displayed weight. The accuracy of a balance can be measured only when the balance is in its operating environment.

What is the difference between a Span and a Linearity calibration?

A span calibration sets the balance at two points. Usually zero and full capacity. A linearity calibration sets the balance at three points. Usually zero, half capacity and full capacity.