Abstract: There is a strap tension detector for detecting tension in a strap. A housing has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion and lower portion are adapted to receive the strap. A strain beam is mounted to one of the upper portion and the lower portion. The strain beam is arranged at an angle to the strap to extend across the width of the strap when the strap is placed between the upper portion and the lower portion and extending through the first and second strap-receiving openings so that the strap bears on the strain beam when taut. A strain gauge is operatively connected to detect strain across the strain beam.