Introduction

A common request in strain gage work is to obtain the recommended value of bridge excitation voltage for a particular size and type of gage. A simple, definitive answer to this question is not possible, unfortunately, because factors other than gage type are involved. The problem is particularly difficult when the maximum excitation level is desired.

This publication is intended to outline the most significant considerations which apply, and to suggest specific approaches to optimizing excitation levels for various strain gage applications.

It is important to realize that strain gages are seldom damaged by excitation voltages considerably in excess of proper values. The usual result is performance degradation, rather than gage failure; and the problem therefore becomes one of meeting the total requirements of each particular installation.

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