Non-Destructive Moisture Humidity Meter USER GUIDE · Non-Destructive Moisture & Humidity Meter USER GUIDE MRH0510. MRH III User Guide 2 TRAMEX MOISTURE/HUMIDITY INSTRUMENTS SURVEY

MRH III

Non-Destructive Moisture&

Humidity Meter

USER GUIDE

MRH0510

MRH III User Guide

2

TRAMEX MOISTURE/HUMIDITY INSTRUMENTS

SURVEY ENCOUNTER: The intelligent moisture meter.

"State of the art" non-destructive moisture meter for measurement and

data logging of moisture in building materials.

MOISTURE ENCOUNTER PLUS

General purpose non-destructive moisture meter employing advanced

analog and digital technology.

CONCRETE ENCOUNTER CME 4

Non-destructive moisture meter for concrete floors.

CRH FLOORING

Non-destructive testing and data logging of moisture content and relative

humidity measurements in concrete (to ASTM F 2170, ASTM F 2420, BS

5325 & 8203), gypsum screeds and sub-floors.

CMEXPERT FLOORING INSPECTION KIT

Complete kit for moisture testing of concrete, hardwood flooring and sub-flooring. Can also be used for relative humidity testing of flooring by either the

in-situ probe method (ASTM F 2170) or the RH hood method (ASTM F 2420,

BS 5325 and 8203).

PROFESSIONAL MOISTURE METER

Digital resistance meter with probes, tests deep into wood.

COMPACT MOISTURE METER

Economical pin-type resistance meter for wood.

SKIPPER PLUS

Checks wooden boats for decay and finds osmosis in GRP.

DEC SCANNER

Mobile non-destructive surveying of flat roofs.

WET WALL DETECTOR

Non-destructive moisture evaluation and tracing in EIFS.

RWS ROOF AND WALL SCANNER.

For moisture scanning and leak tracing on roofing, EIFS and the building

envelope.

MOISTURE & HUMIDITY INSPECTION KITS ARE AVAILABLE FOR

THE FOLLOWING INDUSTRIES:

Floor inspection / EIFS wall inspection / Roof inspection / Indoor Air Quality /

Water damage restoration.

3

Introduction................................................................... 4

How it works ................................................................. 4

Instrument Features ................................................ 6

Operating Instructions ............................................. 8

Non-destructive measurement mode................. 9

Wood pin meter mode ............................................ 10

Typical MRH Displays ........................................... 12

Humidity measurement mode ............................ 14

Working with your MRH...................................... 14

................................................................ 14

....................................................... 15

.......................................................... 16

...................................................... 17

............................................................. 17

Wood Pin Meter Mode ........................................... 24

RH Probe....................................................................... 40

.................................................................... 41

Warranty....................................................................... 42

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Thank you for selecting a new MRH instrument fromTramex.

The MRH has 3 modes of operation:

1: The MRH utilises “state of the art” electronic technologyto provide you with an accurate and easy to use non-invasiveinstrument for non-destructive testing (NDT) of MoistureContent (MC) and tracing moisture in a wide range ofbuilding materials. 2: By inserting one of the optional plug-in electrodes forwood and selecting Pin Probe the instrument can then be usein Pin Probe (wood pin-meter resistance measurement)Mode. This enables the MRH to measure the percentagemoisture content (%m.c.) of wood and give an indicationof the moisture content of wood-based products.

3: By inserting the optional plug-in RH-probe, theinstrument automatically changes to hygrometer mode. Thisenables the MRH to measure relative humidity (RH),temperature, dew-point temperature and mixing ratio ofthe environment or equilibrium relative humidity in astructural material. A structural material such as a concreteslab can be tested using the in-situ (ASTM F2170) or RHHood (ASTM F2420) methods and British standards BS5325 and BS 8203.

In non-destructive moisture measurement mode i.e.without the plug in probes, the instrument operates on theprinciple that the electrical impedance of a material varieswith its moisture content. The electrical impedance is

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AlternatingElectric Field

Materialunder testTransmit &

ReceiveElectrodes

MRH

measured by creating a low frequency alternating electricfield between the electrodes as illustrated in Figure 1 below.

This field penetrates the material under test. The very smallalternating current flowing through the field is inverselyproportional to the impedance of the material. Theinstrument detects this current, determines its amplitude andthus derives the moisture value.

Figure 1

In Pin Probe Mode (i.e. with pin probe mode selected andan electrode plugged in), the MRH is a resistance type pinmeter for determining the percentage moisture content ofwood.

In Hygrometer mode (i.e. with the RH Probe plugged in),the MRH determines the capacitance of the RH probesensor, which varies with the relative humidity of the testarea environment. The MRH displays this capacitance aspercentage relative humidity (%RH). It also measurestemperature and displays dew-point temperature and mixingratio.

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Your MRH employs advanced digital technology to enablethe incorporation of many features, which are listed below.

3 modes of measurement: Non-destructive moisturemeasurement, hygrometer and wood pin probe.6 simple membrane keypad controls:

ON/OFF

SCALE

UP

DOWN

HOLD/AUDIO

BACKLIGHT

5 Scales: Wood, Roof, Masonry, Drywall and Laminate.These are selected using the key and the or keys.

Moisture readings and scale are displayed on a cleareasy to read liquid crystal display (LCD).

Relative Humidity (RH) readings, probe temperature,dew-point temperature and mixing ratio areautomatically displayed when the RH Probe is pluggedinto the MRH (Hygrometer Mode).

The Roof, Masonry, Drywall and Laminate Scales use areference/comparative scale that is displayed bothnumerically (0-99) and in a bar form on the bottom lineof the display. The display also shows low (LO),medium (MD) and high (HI) readings for these scales.

These do not necessarily indicate low, medium or high levels of moisture but indicate the area of the 0-100 comparative scale where the reading lies.

Example

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To conserve battery life, the instrument automaticallypowers OFF after 10 minutes of inactivity or when the

key is pressed. If a key is pressed the power off will

Backlit display allows the display to be easily read inpoor light conditions. This is enabled by pressing the

key. The backlight stays on for a period of 30seconds.

When the battery requires replacement a LOWBATTERY message is shown on the LCD.

HOLD freezes reading to facilitate ease of recordingreadings. When the MRH is in HOLD mode, ‘H’ willflash on the display.

If HOLD was selected prior to the MRH automaticallypowering off, the frozen display reading is digitallymemorized and restored next time ON is selected.

will be extended for an additional ten minutes.

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Operating Instructions

Figure 2

A diagram of the instrument face with brief notes on thepush button controls and LCD is shown above (Figure 2).

TM

W OO D H

S G . 5 8 M C 0 5 . 9 %

MRH III

PhonoSocketfor WoodProbes

LIGHTKEY

HOLD/AUDIOKEY

RH ProbeSocket

SCALEKEY

UP / DOWNKEYS

Flashing‘H’ in HoldMode

ON/OFFKEY10 minute switch off

BACKLITDISPLAY

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Non-destructive measurement mode

1. Press the key to power up. With no RH probe or pinprobe connected the last used scale will be displayed on

the LCD. Press key again to power off.2. To change scale, press key to select the wood scale

or the comparative material scales. Select the requiredmaterial scale using the or key.

3. Hold your MRH directly on the wood, roof, masonry,drywall or other material being tested, ensuring bothconductive-rubber electrodes are fully in contact withthe surface.

4. For the Roof, Masonry, Drywall and Laminate scalesthe readings are comparative from 0 to 99. A visualindication is also given by the bar display on the bottomline of the LCD. The display also shows low (LO),medium (MD) and high (HI) readings for these scales.LO is displayed for readings from 0 to 30, MD forreadings from 31 to 70 and HI for readings from 71 to 99.

5. The readings on these scales are not to be interpreted asa measurement of percentage moisture content (% MC)or relative humidity (RH). It is not a relative humidityreading and it does not have any linear correlation withRelative Humidity measurements. This scale should beregarded as a comparative or qualitative scale only.

6. When the Wood Scale is selected the moisture content(MC) in percent of wood is shown on the right-handside of the bottom line of the display. The left-hand sideof this line shows the specific gravity (SG) being used.

The SG is changed by using the or key to adjustto the required SG value. The range of SG covered is0.30 to 0.80. The S.G. increases and decreases inincrements of 0.01

7. A chart showing the approximate specific gravity of awide range of different species is shown on pages 22


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and 23. For SG greater than 0.80 please refer to speciesadjustment table (Table 2 on Page 20).

8. To turn audio tone on or off, press key twice inquick succession.

9. The MRH will automatically power-off after tenminutes if no key is pressed. If a key is pressed thepower-off will be extended for an additional ten minutes.

10. To freeze readings press the key once. While onHOLD, H will flash slowly on the upper line of thedisplay. If the unit powers OFF while on HOLD, thefrozen meter reading is digitally memorized andrestored next time ON is selected. To remove freeze,press key again.

Wood pin meter (Pin Probe) mode

This mode is activated by plugging one of the optionalWood Electrodes into the socket at the top of the instrumentand selecting Pin Probe using the key. In pin probe modethe MRH works on the principle of electrical resistance.When the electrode pins are pressed or driven into the wood,the electrical resistance between the electrodes is measuredand indicated on the digital display. If the wood is dry, theresistance is very high. The higher the moisture content, thelower the resistance. This resistance is accurately measuredby the instrument, which translates it into percentagemoisture content for wood. The MRH gives moisturereadings from 7% to 40%. It should be noted that readingsabove 27% (nominal value of the fibre-saturation point) areindicative only.

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Wood Pin Meter Mode Vs. Non-DestructiveMeasurement ModeThe two main types of moisture meter for measuringmoisture content in wood are the pin type meter and the non-destructive or impedance type meter. Both types arecalibrated using gravimetric or oven-drying test methods.The Tramex MRH combines both of the above methodsin one instrument so it is important to understand howeach test method works as the results from the two testsmay sometimes be different and appear to becontradictory.

The pin type meter measures the resistance between twopins, which are inserted into the timber. The standardcalibration for this type of meter is based on a Douglas Firwith a specific gravity (S.G.) of 0.5.The impedance or non-destructive type meter has twoelectrodes, which transmit a low frequency signal into the

takes an average reading over a much larger area but theS.G. of the material being tested affects the reading more.

On the MRH non-destructive test it is possible to adjust thespecific gravity for better species-dependant readings if thematerial is of sufficient thickness. If the SG of the material isnot known it is possible to use the readings from the pinmeter to give an approximation of the SG for the non-destructive meter. This is done by Adjusting the SG on thenon invasive test until both tests give approximately thesame reading. This is not as accurate as knowing the exactS.G. of the material but can be a good indication.

It is very important to note that the readings of the non-

(30mm) thick it is possible to get false readings from anothermaterial in contact with it. A typical example of this wouldbe a laminate floor over concrete.

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Humidity Probe Display

METRIC

Flashing 'H' in Hold mode

Relative Humidity T ºC

R H 5 0 . 1 % H T 2 0 C

T d 1 1 . 7 C 0 0 0 7 g m s

Dewpoint (Td) ºC Mixing Ratio g/kg

IMPERIAL

R H 5 0 . 1 % H T 6 8 F

T d 5 3 . 1 F 0 0 5 1 G R N

Wood Pin Probe Display

P I N X X X X X X X X

P R O B E M C = 1 0 . 8 %

Moisture Content

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The optional Relative Humidity (RH) Probe can be pluggedinto the socket at the top of the instrument. The displayshows relative humidity (RH), temperature (T), dew-pointtemperature (Td) and mixing ratio in grains/lb (GRN) org/kg (gms). When the RH Probe is plugged into the MRH,the or key is used for changing the temperaturebetween ºC and ºF and the mixing ratio between g/kg andgrains/lb.

The MRH has 4 comparative material scales: Roof,Masonry, Drywall and Laminate. The comparative materialscales are selected using the key and switching between

the various scales using or key.

a) The presence of moisture in built-up roofs covered withmulti-ply roofing felt, PVC, modified bitumen and allnon-conductive membranes (See Limitations Section),can cause blistering and splitting of the roof covering. Inaddition moisture can cause considerable damage to thecontents and fabric of the building as well as heat lossthrough wet insulation. Your MRH can be used toconfirm a new roof has been installed dry and help traceleaks.

b) If the waterproofing membrane develops a leak, thewater can travel within the built-up-roof structure and

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enter the building some distance away. Testing themembrane surface and comparing the dry areas withareas where moisture is present below the surface canassist in tracing such a leak to its source.

c) As there are many different types and thickness sizes ofroofing membranes, it is not possible to give acalibrated percentage measurement. Instead, a comparativescale is displayed both numerically, (0 to 99) and in a bar form on the bottom line of the display. The display alsoshows low (Lo), medium (Md) and high (Hi) readings for the scale.

d) If gravel surfacing is present, this should be removed toensure your MRH comes into direct contact with thesurface of the membrane.

e) It is recommended that a core be cut to determine thedepth and density of the moisture before carrying outroof repairs. Alternatively, the area can be checked witha resistance-type moisture meter with insulated pins upto a length of 7”(180mm).

Your MRH gives comparative (relative) readings (0 to 99)on plaster, brick and block. These readings are displayed both numerically and in bar form on the LCD. The display alsoshows low (Lo), medium (Md) and high (Hi) readings for the scale.

For plaster, brick and block use the Masonry scale. For Drywallthe more sensitive dedicated Drywall scale is used. Alwayspress the electrodes firmly against the surface.

The moisture profile of a masonry wall can be determinedby moving your MRH across the surface where it will readthrough most paints and wall coverings.

It will help identify the different levels of moisture even ifnot apparent on the surface. Moisture can often be trappedbehind wall coverings.



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Rising damp and moisture migration from leaks anddefective, or non-existent, vapor barriers can be identifiedand profiled and often its source identified by moving theinstrument across the wall surface.

Water damage following flooding or fire fighting can bechecked and the drying out and de-humidification processcan be monitored.

Because of its deep signal penetration, your MRH canidentify excess moisture behind drywall, ceramic tile andother wall coverings when used on the Drywall Scale.

.

Excess moisture trapped behind covering materials such asceramic tiles, carpet, wall coverings etc can cause majorproblems. For instance, excess moisture behind ceramic tileson drywall or other substrates can cause decay, delaminationand mold growth. The longer these problems go undetected,the worse the problem can get, eventually leading to systemfailure.Your MRH can be used to detect and identify areas ofelevated moisture within or behind most types of wall andfloor coverings. For example the MRH can detect elevatedmoisture behind most types of ceramic tiles.

Should the Drywall Scale prove to be too sensitive fortesting ceramic tiles or other coverings, reduce sensitivity bychoosing the Laminate Scale and take readings on acomparative basis.

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For applications where the Roof or Drywall scales are toosensitive and the Masonry scale is not sensitive enough, theLaminate scale can be used. This scale used can be used fortesting on ceramic tiles and other wall and floor coverings. Itcan also be used in many other applications where the otherscales do not have the required sensitivity.

a) When testing wood, power-on, select Wood Scale usingthe key.

b) When the Wood Scale is selected the moisture content(MC) in percent is shown on the right-hand side of thebottom line of the display. The left-hand side of this lineshows the specific gravity (SG) being used. See note onspecific gravity on page 23. The SG is changed by usingthe or key to adjust to the required SG value. The range of SG covered is 0.30 to 0.80. The S.G.increases and decreases in increments of 0.01.

c) A chart showing the approximate specific gravity of arange of different species is shown on pages 22 and 23.For SG greater than 0.80 please refer to specific gravityadjustment chart (Table 2 on page 20). For species notlisted a more comprehensive list is available on theUSDA website www2.fpl.fs.fed.us/ (in the US) orfrom timber importers and forestry departments in othercountries.

d) If possible, always take readings with the length of theinstrument parallel to the direction of the wood grain.

e) Calibration tests were carried out by Forbairt, the IrishInstitute for Industrial Research and Standards, and arebased on Douglas Fir, which had a published specificgravity (SG) of 0.50.

f) Acceptable levels of moisture content depend onclimatic conditions and we advise you check the levelsacceptable in your area. Table 1 on page 19 shows the

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approximate relationship between the ambient relativehumidity and equilibrium moisture content in woods.

g) The following moisture content levels are given as aguide

Furniture: 5% to 6% when used in locations of lowrelative humidity and up to 10% to 11% may beacceptable where the relative humidity is higher.Interior wood: 6% in low humidity areas. Up to12% in higher humidity locations.Exterior wood: 10% to 15% depending on localhumidity levels.Generally, wood with a moisture content in excessof 23% - 25% is susceptible to rot.Wood moisture content in excess of 18% - 20%may provide an environment for termite and wood-boring insects to thrive and multiply. Wood at thesehigh levels can also support mold and biologicalgrowth.Wood at 28% moisture content is considered tohave reached fiber saturation point.

h) Avoid taking readings on wood from the top of a stackstored outside as these may be affected by surfacemoisture from recent rain.

i) When taking readings in chemically treated wood, it isadvisable to allow for possible effects that the treatmentmay have on readings.

The following table shows the approximate relationshipbetween relative humidity (RH) and equilibrium moisturecontent (EMC) of some woods.These figures are approximate values and may vary fordifferent species.

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10% 3 to 520% 5 to 630% 6 to 840% 8 to 1050% 10 to 1160% 11 to 1370% 13 to1580% 15 to 1890% 18 to 23

100% 23 +

Depth of field penetrationDepending on the density of the material being tested, the instrument field can

thin materials such as wood veneers it is recommended that they are stacked to atleast that thickness.

a) Excess moisture in wood flooring or concrete sub-floorscan cause major problems. For instance, if installed withexcess moisture, the wood can subsequently shrinkleading to job failure.

b) If a wood floor (solid, laminated or engineered) isinstalled above wet concrete the wood can absorbmoisture emitting from the concrete causing the wood toswell and buckle and even cause structural damage tothe building. For measuring the moisture in concrete,the Tramex CME4, CRH or CMEXpert should be used.

c) Your MRH can be used to measure the moisturecontent of the wood floor to ensure it meetsspecification. Likewise it can be used to check, on acomparative basis, through the floor covering, toidentify elevated moisture in the substrate.

Relative Humidity Wood MC %

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NOTE: On the Wood, Drywall, Roofing andLaminate Scales the depth of penetration of

When using any of these scales on wood orlaminate over concrete or other screeds, theMRH will be reading through the materialand may be giving a much higher thanexpected reading. This is invariably due to the fact that concrete is a much densermaterial than wood or wood-based products.In such instances, the wetter areas can beidentified non-invasively and the wood probecan then be used to make select intrusions todetermine the moisture content of the wood orlaminate.

.G.SReading 0.85 0.9 0.95 1

S.G. set at 0.5 Adjustment.5 to 9 -3 -4 -4 -4

10 to 12 -4 -5 -5 -513 to 15 -5 -6 -6 -616 to 18 -6 -7 -7 -819 to 21 -7 -8 -9 -1022 to 24 -9 -9 -11 -1125 to 27 -11 -11 -12 -1328 to 30 -12 -13 -13 -1431 to 33 -14 -14 -14 -1534 to 36 -15 -15 -15 -16

Table 2. Specific Gravity Adjustment Table (S.G. > 0.80)

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AdhesivesThe presence of different species, treatments, adhesives, etc.,within products such as plywood, particleboard, OSB(oriented strand board), laminated and engineered woodswill affect measurements. If in doubt please contact us and,if you wish, we can work with you in developing your owncalibration for a specific product.

Concrete.Your MRH is not calibrated for concrete. The TramexConcrete Encounter CME4, CMExpert and CRHinstruments are specifically designed for concrete flooringand are recommended where quantitative measurements arerequired. However a comparative indication of the moisturecondition of a concrete or sub floor can be obtained with theMRH set on the Masonry scale. Comparative readings canalso be obtained through coverings such as vinyl, carpet andlaminated wood flooring by using the Laminate Scale.

Chemical treatment or contaminationReadings may be affected by certain flame-retardants,preservatives, aluminium paint and by contamination by saltwater. Treat all readings on such wood as indicative readingsonly.

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Table of Wood Specific Gravities (S.G.) HARDWOODS Am. = American Alder, Red (Am. Alder, Western Alder) Alnus rubra 0.41 Ash, White (Northern / Southern Ash) F. americana 0.60 Aspen, Quaking (Am. Aspen) Populus tremuloides 0.38 Basswood (Am. Basswood, Linden) Tilia americana 0.37 Beech Fagus Grandifolia 0.64 Birch, Yellow (Gray, Silver, Swamp)B. alleghaniensis 0.62 Cherry (Am. Black Cherry) Prunus serotina 0.50 Cottonwood (Eastern Cottonwood) Populus deltoides 0.40 Elm, Red (Slippery elm) Ulmus rubra 0.53 Hackberry (Common Hackberry) Celtic occidentalis 0.53 Hickory (Pignut, True Hickory) Carya glabra 0.75 Maple, Am. Hard (Sugar Maple) Acer saccharum 0.63 Maple Am. Soft (Red Maple) Acer rubrum 0.54 Maple, Silver Acer saccharinum 0.47 Maple, Black Acer nigrum 0.57 Oak, Northern Red Quercus rubra 0.63 Oak, Southern Red (Cherrybark) Quercus falcata 0.68 Oak, White (Am. White Oak) Quercus alba 0.68 Pecan Hickory (Am. Pecan) CaryaiIllinoensis 0.66 Red Gum (Sweetgum) Liquidamber styraciflua 0.52 Sassafras (Golden Elm) Sassafras albidum 0.46 Sycamore(Am. Planetree, Buttonwood) P. occidentalis 0.49 Walnut, Black (Am. Walnut) Juglans nigra 0.55 Willow, black (Am. Willow) Salix nigra 0.39 Yellow Poplar (Am. Tulipwood, Tulip Poplar, Canarywood)

Liriodendron tulipifera 0.42

SOFTWOODS Cedar, Alaska (Alaskan Yellow) 0.44

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Cedar, Incense 0.37Cedar, Port-Orford 0.43Cedar, Western Red 0.32Douglas Fir, Coast 0.48Douglas Fir, Interior West 0.50Fir, California Red 0.38Fir, Grand 0.37Fir, noble 0.39Fir, Pacific Silver 0.43Fir, White 0.39Hemlock, Western 0.45Larch, Western 0.52Pine, Lodgepole 0.41Pine, Ponderosa 0.40Pine, Sugar 0.36Pine, Western White (Idaho) 0.38Spruce, Engelmann 0.35Spruce, Sitka 0.40

EXOTIC

Balsa 0.16Ebony 1.10Karri 0.82Padauk 0.77Tulipwood 0.96Source: USDA: Wood Handbook 1987.

Note on specific gravity (S.G.):The specific gravity (S.G.) of wood is the ratioof the density of wood to the density of waterat a specified temperature (generally 4ºCwhere the density of water is at its maximum).The density of wood is usually based on theoven-dry weight and the volume at thespecified moisture content (M.C.), generally12%.

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Factors Affecting Moisture ReadingsThe readings of all moisture meters are influenced by thecharacteristics of different species of wood as well astemperature and other factors listed below.SpeciesDifferent species of wood can vary in density andconductivity, which can have an effect on the electricalresistance of the wood. This can influence meter readings forthe same moisture content and can also apply to similarspecies from different origins. A species adjustment table isprovided on page 28 to 39.TemperatureMeter readings can be affected by wood temperature. TheWood Probe is calibrated at 20 C (68 F). At woodtemperatures above 20 C (68 F), the meter readings arehigher and at wood temperatures below 20 C (68 F) themeter readings are lower. A temperature adjustment chart isprovided on page 27.Chemical treatment or contaminationReadings may be affected by certain flame retardants,preservatives, aluminium paint and by contamination by saltwater. Treat all readings on such wood as indicative readingsonly.

Surface MoistureSurface moisture due to wetting or condensation can affectreadings when uninsulated pins are used. It is recommendedthat insulated pins such as SP-52 are used in conjunctionwith HA-22 Hammer Action electrode. As the pins are

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driven into the wood, readings can be taken at differentdepths unaffected by moisture on the surface.

Wood Flooring

a) Excess moisture in wood flooring can cause majorproblems.

b) For instance, if installed with excess moisture, the woodcan subsequently shrink leading to job failure.

c) If a wood floor (solid, laminated or engineered) isinstalled above wet concrete the wood can absorbmoisture emitting from the concrete causing the wood toswell and buckle and even cause structural damage tothe building.

d) Your MRH in PIN Probe mode can be used to measurethe moisture content of the wood floor to ensure it meetsspecification.

Testing wood and wood products

a) When testing wood, power-on, insert wood probeinto phono-socket at the top of the MRH andselect Pin Probe Mode using the key.

b) When a wood probe is inserted the moisturecontent (MC) in percent is shown on the right-hand side of the bottom line of the display.

c) If possible, always take readings with the pinsparallel to the direction of the wood grain.

d) Calibration tests are based on Douglas fir, whichhas a published specific gravity (SG) of 0.50.

e) Acceptable levels of moisture content depend onclimatic conditions and we advise you check thelevels acceptable in your area. Table 1 on page19 shows the approximate relationship betweenthe ambient relative humidity and equilibriummoisture content in woods.

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f) The following moisture content levels are oftenquoted in the wood industry and should be usedas a guide only. Please contact industryassociations and manufacturers for theirspecifications.

Furniture: 5% to 6% when used in locations of lowrelative humidity and up to 10% to 11% may beacceptable where the relative humidity is higher.Interior wood: 6% in low humidity areas. Up to12% in higher humidity locations.Exterior wood: 10% to 15% depending on localhumidity levels.Generally, wood with moisture content in excess of23% - 25% is susceptible to rot.Wood moisture content in excess of 18% to 20%may provide an environment for termite and wood-boring insects to thrive and multiply. Wood at thesehigh levels can also support mold and biologicalgrowth.Wood at 28% moisture content is considered tohave reached fiber saturation point.

g) Avoid taking readings on wood from the top of astack stored outside as these may be affected bysurface moisture from recent rain.

h) When taking readings in chemically treatedwood, it is advisable to allow for possible effectsthat the treatment may have on readings.

Temperature Adjustment ChartThe Pin Probe has been calibrated on wood at an ambienttemperature of 20 C (68 F). When measuring moisture inwood at a different temperature, the following temperatureadjustment needs to be applied. (Figures rounded to thenearest whole number).

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Example 1:If meter reads 15% and temperature of woodis 10 C (50 F), actual moisture content is17%. i.e.15%+2%=17%

Example 2:If meter reads 15% and temperature of wood is 50 C(122 F), the actual moisture content is 11%. i.e.15%-4%=11%

Combined Species/Temperature CorrectionExample 1If meter gives reading 15% on a sample of Sitka Spruce andthe wood temperature is 40 C, the correction is as follows:Species correction @15% = 16%Temperature correction @ 40 C = - 3%Corrected reading: 13%Example 2If meter gives reading 24% on sample of Teak and the woodtemperature is 10 C, the correction is as follows:Species correction @24% = 20%Temperature correction @ 10 C = + 2%Corrected reading: 22%

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SPECIESCORRECTIONCHART

Meterreading(%

moisturecontent)

Species

Alder,brown

Amberoi

Ash,alpine

Ash,American

As h,Cr ows

Ash,European

Ash,mountain

Ash, si lvertop

Balsa

Baltic, red

Baltic,white

Bauvud i

Bean,black

Be ech,Ame rican

Beech,Japan

Beech, my rt le

7 9 7 9 9 9 8 9 5 7 9 9 7 9 7 8 8

8 10 7 10 10 10 9 10 6 8 10 10 8 10 8 9 9

9 10 8 11 11 1 0 10 11 7 9 11 1 1 9 11 10 10 10

10 11 9 12 11 11 11 12 8 10 12 12 9 12 1 1 11 11

11 12 9 13 12 12 12 13 9 11 1 3 13 10 13 12 12 11

12 13 10 14 13 12 12 14 10 12 14 14 11 1 4 13 13 12

13 13 11 15 14 12 13 15 11 13 15 15 11 15 14 1 4 13

14 14 12 16 14 1 4 14 16 12 14 15 16 12 16 15 15 14

15 15 12 17 15 14 14 17 13 15 1 6 17 13 16 1 6 1 6 14

16 15 13 18 16 1 5 1 5 18 14 16 17 1 8 1 3 17 13 17 1 5

17 16 14 18 17 16 16 18 15 1 7 1 8 19 14 18 1 8 18 16

18 17 14 19 18 17 17 19 16 18 1 8 2 0 15 19 1 9 1 9 17

19 18 15 20 19 17 18 20 17 19 19 22 15 2 0 20 20 18

20 18 16 21 20 18 18 21 18 20 20 2 3 16 21 2 1 2 1 18

21 19 17 22 21 1 9 19 22 19 21 21 24 17 22 23 22 19

22 20 17 23 2 3 20 20 2 3 2 0 22 2 2 25 17 23 2 3 2 3 20

23 20 18 24 24 2 0 21 24 21 23 2 3 2 6 18 24 2 4 24 2 1

24 21 19 25 25 21 21 25 2 2 24 24 27 18 25 25 25 22

Correctmoisturecontent

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Meterreading(%

moisturecontent)

Species

Beech,si lver

Beech,Wau

Beech,white

Birch,European

Birch, white

Blackbutt

Bl ackb utt,WA

Blackwood

Bl oo dwood ,red

Bo llywo od

Bo x,brus h

Box, grey

Box,grey,coast

Box,kanuka

Brownbarr el

7 9 9 8 7 9 8 9 9 10 7 7 10 9 8 7

8 10 11 9 8 10 9 10 9 10 8 7 11 10 9 8

9 10 12 10 10 11 10 11 10 11 9 8 12 11 10 9

10 11 13 11 11 1 2 11 12 11 12 10 8 12 11 11 10

11 12 14 12 12 12 12 12 12 13 11 9 13 1 2 1 2 1 1

12 12 15 13 13 13 13 1 3 12 14 12 9 14 13 12 12

13 13 16 14 14 1 4 1 4 14 13 15 12 1 0 14 1 4 1 3 1 2

14 13 17 14 15 15 15 1 5 14 1 5 13 1 0 15 14 14 13

15 14 18 15 16 15 16 16 15 16 14 11 1 6 15 1 5 1 4

16 14 19 16 17 16 17 1 7 16 17 15 11 17 1 6 16 15

17 15 20 17 18 17 18 18 16 18 16 12 17 1 7 16 16

18 16 21 18 19 18 19 19 17 19 16 1 3 18 18 17 17

19 1 6 22 19 20 1 8 20 20 18 19 17 13 19 18 18 18

20 17 23 19 21 19 21 21 19 2 0 18 14 2 0 1 9 19 1 8

21 17 24 20 22 20 22 22 20 21 19 14 20 20 20 19

22 18 25 21 23 21 23 23 20 22 20 15 21 2 1 20 20

23 19 26 22 24 2 2 24 24 21 23 21 15 22 22 21 21

24 19 27 23 25 22 25 25 22 2 3 22 1 6 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2


29

III

Meterreading(%

moisturecontent)

Species

Buchanania

Candlenut

Carabeen,yellow

Cedar,red

Cedar,red,western

Cedar,SouthAmerica n

Ch erry

Co achwo od

Dakuasalusal u

Do uglasFir

ElmEr ima

Fir,Alpine

F ir ,amabilis

F ir,r ed

7 6 5 8 9 7 9 6 9 7 6 8 8 8 8

8 7 8 9 10 9 10 7 10 8 7 8 9 9 9

9 8 10 9 11 1 0 11 8 11 9 7 9 10 1 0 10

10 9 1 2 1 0 12 11 12 9 1 1 1 0 8 1 0 11 11 1 1

11 10 14 11 13 12 13 10 12 11 9 11 12 12 12

12 10 16 12 14 13 13 11 13 12 10 12 1 3 1 3 1 3

13 11 18 12 16 13 1 4 1 2 14 13 12 12 14 14 14

14 12 21 13 17 14 15 13 15 14 13 13 15 15 15

15 13 23 14 18 15 16 14 16 15 13 14 16 16 16

16 14 25 14 19 17 17 14 1 7 1 6 1 4 15 17 17 17

17 14 27 15 20 18 17 15 18 17 15 15 18 18 18

18 15 29 16 21 19 18 16 19 18 15 16 19 19 19

19 16 31 16 22 2 0 1 9 17 19 19 16 1 7 20 2 0 2 0

20 17 34 1 7 23 21 20 1 8 2 0 2 0 1 7 1 8 21 21 21

21 18 36 18 25 22 21 19 21 21 18 19 22 22 2 2

22 19 38 18 26 23 22 20 2 2 2 2 19 1 9 23 2 3 2 3

23 19 40 19 27 24 2 2 21 2 3 23 2 0 20 24 2 4 25

24 20 42 20 27 25 23 22 24 24 20 21 25 25 26


78

91 1

1 21 3

141 5

161 7

181 8

2021

2223

2 125

Cherry,Braz ilian

78

911

1213

1415

1617

1818

2 02 1

2 223

2125

30

III

Meterreading(%

moisturecontent)

Species

Fir,white

Gum,blue,southern

Gum,blueTasmanian

Gum,grey

Gum,grey,mo un tain

Gum,lemo n-scented

Gum,Maidens

Gum,manna

Gum,moun ta in

Gum,Ameri can,red

Gum,red,river

Gum,rose

Gum,shining

Gu m,yell ow

7 8 9 8 8 9 6 10 7 6 10 10 9 8 9

8 9 10 9 8 9 7 1 1 7 7 11 11 10 9 10

9 10 11 10 9 10 8 11 8 8 12 1 2 11 10 11

10 11 12 11 1 0 11 9 1 2 9 9 12 13 12 11 1 2

11 12 13 12 11 12 1 0 13 10 10 13 14 13 11 12

12 13 14 12 12 1 3 10 1 4 11 11 14 15 14 12 13

13 14 15 13 13 14 11 15 12 1 2 15 1 6 14 13 14

14 15 15 14 14 14 12 1 6 13 13 1 6 17 15 14 1 5

15 16 16 15 15 15 1 3 16 14 1 4 17 18 16 15 15

16 17 17 16 16 16 13 1 7 14 15 1 8 19 17 16 16

17 18 18 17 17 17 14 18 15 1 6 18 2 0 18 17 17

18 19 18 17 1 8 18 15 1 9 16 17 1 9 21 1 8 18 1 8

19 20 19 18 19 19 16 20 17 1 8 20 22 19 19 18

20 21 20 19 20 19 17 2 0 18 19 2 1 23 20 20 1 9

21 22 21 20 21 20 17 21 19 20 22 2 4 21 20 2 0

22 23 22 21 2 2 21 18 2 2 2 0 21 2 3 25 22 21 2 1

23 25 23 22 23 22 1 9 23 21 22 24 26 23 22 21

24 26 24 22 24 23 20 2 4 21 23 2 4 27 24 23 2 2


31

III

Meterreading(%

moisturecontent)

Species

Hemlock,western

Hickory

Iroko

Ironbark,red

Ironbark,re d,broad-leaved

Ironbark,red,narrow-leaved

Jarrah

Jel utong

Ka marere(PGNsource)

Kamare re(Fi jisourc e)

Ka pur

Karr i

Kauri,Qld

Kaur i, NZ

Ka uri, Va niko ro

7 8 - 7 11 11 8 8 8 8 7 7 7 10 9 11

8 9 7 7 12 1 2 9 9 9 9 8 8 8 11 10 1 2

9 10 9 8 12 12 10 1 0 10 10 8 9 9 12 1 0 13

10 11 11 9 13 1 3 11 11 11 10 9 10 10 13 11 1 3

11 12 13 10 14 14 12 12 1 2 11 10 11 1 1 14 12 14

12 13 14 11 15 15 13 13 12 12 1 1 12 12 15 1 2 14

13 15 16 12 16 16 14 14 13 13 11 13 13 16 13 1 5

14 16 17 13 16 16 14 15 1 4 14 1 2 1 4 13 16 13 15

15 17 18 14 17 17 15 1 6 15 15 13 15 14 17 1 4 15

16 18 20 15 18 1 8 16 17 1 6 16 1 3 16 15 18 14 1 6

17 19 21 15 19 19 17 18 1 6 17 14 17 16 19 15 16

18 20 22 16 20 20 18 19 17 18 15 18 17 20 1 6 17

19 21 24 17 21 21 19 20 18 19 15 19 18 21 16 1 7

20 22 - 18 22 22 2 0 21 1 9 19 1 6 20 18 22 17 18

21 23 - 19 22 22 21 2 2 20 20 17 21 19 23 17 18

22 24 - 1 9 23 2 3 22 23 2 1 21 17 22 20 24 18 1 8

23 26 - 20 24 24 2 3 24 21 22 18 23 21 24 18 19

24 27 - 21 24 25 24 25 22 23 19 24 22 25 19 19


32

III

Meterreading(%

moisturecontent)

Species

Kempas

Laran

Larch,European

LodgepolePine

Lu mbayau

Mahogany,Afri can

Ma ho ga ny ,American

Mahogany,Brazilian

Ma hogany,b rush

Ma ho gany ,mi va

Mahogany,red

Mahogany,rose

Maho gany,santos

Mahogany ,Honduras

Mahogany,white

Ma ko ré

Malas

7 8 8 8 7 8 1 0 7 - 8 10 10 9 8 7 9 9 7

8 9 8 9 8 9 1 1 8 - 9 11 11 1 0 9 7 1 0 10 8

9 10 9 10 9 10 12 9 - 10 12 12 10 10 8 11 11 9

10 12 10 1 1 10 11 13 10 10 10 12 13 1 1 1 2 9 12 12 9

11 1 3 11 12 12 12 14 1 1 10 11 13 1 4 12 13 10 13 13 10

12 14 11 13 13 12 15 12 11 11 1 4 15 12 1 4 11 1 4 14 11

13 15 12 14 14 13 16 13 12 12 15 16 13 15 12 15 15 12

14 16 13 15 15 14 17 1 4 13 1 2 1 5 17 14 1 6 13 16 1 5 12

15 17 14 16 16 15 18 15 14 1 3 16 18 14 17 14 17 16 13

16 18 14 17 17 15 19 1 6 15 14 17 19 15 18 15 18 17 14

17 19 15 18 18 16 20 17 15 1 4 18 20 1 6 19 16 19 18 1 5

18 20 16 19 19 17 21 18 16 15 1 8 21 16 20 1 7 2 0 18 1 5

19 21 17 20 20 18 2 2 19 17 15 19 22 17 21 1 8 2 1 19 16

20 22 17 21 21 19 23 20 18 1 6 20 23 1 8 2 2 1 9 22 20 17

21 23 18 22 22 19 24 21 19 16 20 24 18 23 19 23 21 18

22 24 18 2 3 23 20 2 5 22 20 17 21 24 1 9 24 20 24 22 19

23 25 19 24 24 21 26 23 21 1 8 2 2 25 20 2 5 21 25 23 19

24 26 19 25 25 22 27 24 22 18 23 26 20 26Maho gany,southern

89

1 011

121 2

1314

1516

1718

1920

2021

2 223 22 26 2 4 20


33

III

Meterreading(%

moisturecontent)

Species

Maple,Canadian

Maple,Qld

Maple,rose

Maple,sugar

Mararie

Ma rr i

Matai

Mera nti

Me ssmate

Nutmeg(Fij isource)

Oak,Americanred

Oak, Europe an

Oak,Ne wGuinea

Oak,silky,northern

Oak,sil ky,r ed

Oak,silky,sou thern

Oa k,tulip,blush

7 7 10 8 7 10 7 9 7 10 7 7 7 7 8 8 7 7

8 8 10 8 7 11 8 9 8 11 8 8 8 8 8 9 10 11

9 9 11 9 8 11 9 10 9 1 2 9 9 9 9 9 9 10 12

10 10 12 10 10 12 9 11 10 12 1 0 11 1 0 10 10 10 11 12

11 11 13 10 12 13 10 12 11 1 3 1 1 12 1 1 11 11 11 12 13

12 1 2 14 11 13 14 11 12 12 14 11 1 3 1 2 12 12 11 13 1 4

13 13 15 12 14 14 11 13 13 1 5 12 14 13 13 1 3 1 2 14 15

1 4 14 16 12 15 15 12 1 4 14 16 13 15 14 14 14 13 15 16

15 15 17 13 16 16 13 15 13 16 1 4 16 15 15 15 13 16 16

16 16 18 14 17 17 13 16 16 17 14 17 16 16 16 14 17 17

17 17 18 14 18 18 14 16 17 18 15 18 17 17 17 15 1 8 18

18 18 19 15 19 18 15 17 18 18 16 18 18 18 17 16 19 19

19 18 20 16 20 19 15 18 19 19 1 7 2 0 19 19 18 16 20 2 0

20 20 21 16 21 20 16 18 20 20 18 21 21 20 19 17 21 21

21 21 22 17 22 21 17 19 21 21 18 22 22 21 20 18 22 22

22 22 23 18 23 21 17 20 22 22 19 23 23 22 2 1 18 23 23

23 23 24 18 24 22 18 21 23 22 20 2 1 24 23 22 19 24 2 4

24 24 24 1 9 - 23 19 22 2 4 2 3 2 1 25 25 24 23 20 25 25


34

III

Meterreading(%

moisturecontent)

S pecies

Oak,tulip,brown

Oa k,tulip,red

Oak,white

Obeche

Padauk,African

Peppermint,broad-leave d

Pep permint,narrow-leav ed

Per si mmon

Pin e,bunya

Pin e,Corsican

Pine, cypr ess, wh ite

Pine,hoop

Pin e, Huon

P ine,Ki ngWi lli am

7 10 11 6 7 7 9 10 7 10 9 9 10 10 9

8 11 12 7 8 7 10 11 8 1 1 10 10 11 10 9

9 12 13 8 9 8 11 11 9 12 11 11 11 12 11

10 1 2 14 9 10 9 12 1 2 10 12 1 2 11 12 12 12

11 13 15 10 10 10 13 1 3 10 13 13 12 13 1 3 12

12 13 16 11 1 11 1 4 14 11 14 14 13 1 4 1 3 13

13 14 17 12 12 12 15 14 12 14 15 14 15 14 14

14 14 18 13 13 1 3 16 15 13 1 5 1 6 15 16 15 14

15 15 18 14 14 14 17 16 14 16 17 17 17 15 15

16 16 19 15 15 15 18 17 15 16 1 8 17 17 1 6 1 6

17 16 20 16 15 15 19 18 15 17 19 18 18 17 16

1 8 17 21 17 16 16 20 1 8 1 6 18 20 19 19 1 8 17

19 18 22 18 16 1 7 2 1 1 9 16 18 22 20 20 18 18

20 18 23 18 1 7 1 8 22 20 17 19 2 3 21 21 19 18

21 19 24 1 9 18 19 23 21 18 20 2 4 22 22 20 19

22 19 25 20 18 19 24 22 18 21 25 22 22 20 20

23 20 25 21 19 20 25 2 2 1 9 21 26 23 23 21 20

24 20 26 22 20 21 26 23 20 22 27 24 24 2 2 21


35

III

Meterr eading(%

moisturecontent)

Species

Pine,klinki

Pine,longleaf

Pine,lodgerpole

Pine,mari time

Pine,white,NZ

Pine,Parana

Pin e,ponderosa

Pine,radiata

Pin e,sc ot s/shortleaf

Pine,slas h

Pin e,sugar

Pine,white,west ern

Pop lar

Quandong,silver

Redwood

7 7 9 7 10 - 7 7 10 7 8 8 - 7 7 9

8 8 10 9 11 - 8 9 11 9 9 9 8 9 8 9

9 9 11 10 12 - 9 10 11 10 10 1 0 9 1 0 9 1 0

10 10 12 11 12 11 10 1 1 12 11 11 11 10 11 10 11

11 11 13 12 13 12 11 1 3 13 1 2 12 12 11 12 10 12

12 12 14 13 14 12 12 14 1 4 13 1 3 13 11 13 11 13

13 13 15 14 15 1 3 13 15 1 5 1 4 1 4 1 4 12 14 12 1 4

14 14 16 15 15 14 14 16 1 6 15 15 15 13 15 12 1 5

15 15 17 16 16 15 15 1 7 17 16 16 16 14 16 13 16

16 16 18 17 17 16 16 1 8 18 17 17 17 1 5 17 14 16

17 17 19 18 18 16 16 19 19 18 17 18 16 18 14 17

18 18 20 19 18 17 17 20 20 19 18 20 17 19 15 18

19 19 22 20 19 18 18 21 21 20 19 2 1 17 20 16 19

20 20 23 21 20 19 19 22 2 2 21 2 0 22 18 21 1 6 20

21 21 24 22 21 1 9 20 22 24 2 2 21 23 19 22 1 7 2 0

22 22 25 23 21 2 0 21 2 3 25 23 22 24 2 0 23 18 21

23 23 26 24 22 21 22 2 4 26 24 2 3 25 2 1 24 18 22

24 24 27 25 23 22 23 25 27 25 24 26 22 25 19 2 3


36

III

Meterrea ding(%

moisturecontent)

Species

Redwood,European

Rosarosa

Sapele

S assafr as

Sassafr as,s outhern

Sati nash ,grey

Sat inash ,Ne wGuinea

S at inash ,rose

Satinay

Sat inheart,g reen

S ep etir

Sheoak,river

Sheoak,rose

She oak,WA

Sil kwo od,b olly

7 7 8 9 8 9 8 7 7 7 9 8 8 9 9 9

8 9 9 10 9 1 0 9 8 7 8 1 0 9 9 10 10 10

9 10 10 11 10 1 1 9 8 8 9 10 1 0 10 1 1 11 11

10 11 10 12 1 0 1 1 10 9 8 10 11 12 10 11 11 11

11 12 11 13 11 12 11 10 9 11 11 13 11 12 12 12

12 13 12 14 1 2 1 3 12 11 1 0 12 1 2 1 4 11 13 12 12

13 14 13 15 1 3 1 3 13 11 1 0 13 1 2 1 5 12 13 13 13

14 15 13 16 1 3 1 4 14 12 11 1 4 13 1 6 12 14 14 1 3

15 16 14 17 14 15 15 13 12 15 13 17 13 14 14 14

16 17 15 18 15 15 16 13 12 16 14 18 1 4 15 15 14

17 18 1 5 19 16 1 6 16 14 13 17 14 20 1 4 15 16 15

18 19 16 20 1 6 17 17 15 13 18 15 21 1 5 16 16 15

19 20 17 22 17 17 1 8 16 14 19 15 2 2 16 16 17 1 6

20 21 18 23 18 18 19 16 15 20 16 23 16 17 18 1 6

21 22 18 24 18 19 20 17 1 6 21 16 24 17 18 18 17

22 23 19 25 19 19 2 1 1 8 1 6 22 1 7 25 17 18 19 17

23 24 - 26 20 20 22 1 9 - 23 - 26 18 19 20 18

24 25Rosewood,Patagonian

89

1012

1314

1516

1718

1920

2122

2324

2526

Rosewood,Tiete

89

1012

1314

1516

1718

1920

2122

2324

2526 - 27 21 21 23 19 - 24 - 27 - 19 20 18


37

III

Meterreading(%

moisturecontent)

Species

Silkwood,red

Silkwood,silver

Spruce,Sitka

Spruce,westernwhite

Stringybark,brown

Stringy bark,Darwi n

Stringy bark ,yel low

S ycamore

Syc amo re ,satin

Sycamore,s ilver

Tallowwo od

Tawa

Tea k

Tingle,red

Tingle,yellow

7 6 9 7 7 9 8 1 1 7 9 9 7 9 7 9 9

8 7 10 8 8 10 8 1 2 7 9 10 8 10 7 1 0 1 0

9 7 11 9 10 11 9 13 8 10 1 0 9 10 8 11 1 1

10 8 12 11 11 11 10 1 4 9 11 11 10 11 9 12 1 2

11 9 12 11 12 12 11 14 1 0 11 12 11 11 1 0 13 1 3

12 10 13 12 13 13 12 15 1 1 12 12 12 12 1 1 15 14

13 10 1 4 13 14 14 13 16 12 1 2 13 1 3 12 1 2 16 1 5

14 11 15 15 15 1 5 14 17 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 4 1 3 1 3 17 1 7

15 12 15 16 16 16 15 18 14 14 1 4 15 1 3 14 18 1 8

16 12 1 6 17 17 17 15 18 15 14 14 16 1 4 14 19 1 9

17 13 17 18 18 18 16 19 15 15 15 17 1 4 15 21 20

18 14 18 19 19 19 17 20 16 1 6 16 18 15 15 22 21

19 14 18 20 20 19 18 21 17 1 6 16 1 9 15 16 2 3 22

20 15 19 21 21 20 19 21 18 1 7 1 7 2 0 1 6 1 6 2 4 23

21 16 20 22 21 21 20 22 19 1 8 1 7 21 16 17 25 25

22 17 20 23 23 22 21 23 19 18 18 22 1 7 18 27 26

23 17 21 25 24 23 22 24 2 0 19 1 9 23 17 19 28 27

24 18 22 26 25 24 22 24

Tigerwood

1011

1213

1415

1617

1819

2021

222 3

2425

262721 20 1 9 24 18 20

Teak,Br az il ian

89

1012

1 314

1516

1718

1920

2122

2324

2526 29 28


38

III

Meterreading(%

moisturecontent)

Species

Totara

Touriga,red

Tuart

Turpentine

Vitex,NewGuinea

Walnut,Afri can

Walnut ,blush

Walnut,European

Waln ut,NewGuinea

Waln ut,Qld

Walnut,yellow

Wand oo

Wattle,hicory

Wattl e,silve r

We sternHemloc k

Westernr eds pruc e

Wollyb utt

7 8 11 9 8 8 10 10 9 7 9 7 10 8 9 7 7 10

8 9 11 10 9 8 1 1 11 10 8 10 8 11 9 10 9 9 10

9 10 12 11 10 9 12 11 11 9 1 1 8 1 2 10 10 10 10 11

10 10 13 12 11 10 13 12 1 2 10 1 2 9 13 11 11 11 1 1 12

11 11 14 12 12 11 14 12 13 11 13 10 14 11 12 12 12 13

12 12 14 13 13 12 15 13 14 12 14 10 15 1 2 13 13 13 14

13 12 15 14 14 13 16 1 4 15 13 15 11 16 1 3 13 14 1 4 15

14 13 16 15 1 5 13 17 14 16 14 16 12 16 13 14 1 5 15 15

15 14 17 15 16 14 18 15 17 15 17 12 17 14 15 16 16 16

16 14 17 16 17 15 19 16 18 16 18 13 18 14 1 6 1 7 17 17

17 15 18 17 18 16 20 16 19 17 19 14 19 15 16 1 8 18 18

18 16 19 17 19 17 21 17 20 17 20 14 20 16 17 1 9 19 19

19 16 20 18 20 18 22 18 22 18 2 2 15 21 16 1 8 2 0 20 20

20 17 20 19 21 18 23 18 23 19 23 1 6 2 2 17 19 2 1 21 20

21 18 21 20 22 19 24 19 24 2 0 24 17 23 18 20 22 22 21

22 18 22 20 23 20 25 19 25 - 25 1 7 24 1 8 20 23 23 22

23 19 23 21 24 21 26 2 0 26 - 25 18 25 1 9 21 24 2 4 23

24 19 23 22 24 22 27Walnut,AmericanBlac k

89

1012

131 4

1516

171 8

192 0

2122

2324

2526

89

1012

1314

1516

1718

1920

2122

2324

2526

Walnut,Brazil ian

Waln ut,Peruv ian

21 27 - 27 19 2 5 20 22 25 25 24


78

91 1

1213

1415

161 7

1818

2 021

2223

212 5

39

III

40

The RH Probe utilises “state of the art” electronictechnology to provide an “easy to use” and accurate methodfor measuring relative humidity, mixing ratio, temperatureand dew point in a wide range of applications such as:-

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning(HVAC) systems.Environmental and building monitoring.Building inspection.Flooring (including ASTM F 2170 In Situ &ASTM F 2420 RH Hood methods)

A typical MRH display with the RH Probe attached is shownon page 13. Pressing the on theinstrument changes the temperature readings from ºC to ºF,the mixing ratio from g/kg (gms) to Grains/Lb (GRN) orvice-versa.

NOTE: When performing Humidity tests on ConcreteFlooring it should be noted that:A): If artificial aids for accelerated drying of concrete arebeing used it is recommended that they be turned off at leastfour days before taking final readings.B): It is important that the installer ensures that the floorcovering is applied at the moisture content and or relativehumidity specified by the manufacturer of the floorcoverings and/or adhesives.

C): It is very important that RH probes are handled with careand protected from harsh environments in order to maintaintheir long-term stability. It is recommended that you do notinsert the RH probe into concrete until the chemical reactionbetween the cement and water has taken place and thedrying process has begun. To achieve this it is recommendedthat you do not insert the probe into the hole in the concreteuntil the moisture content of the concrete has dropped below5% when measured with a Tramex CME4, Tramex CRHor Tramex CMEX. RH probes should not be left enclosed

III

41

in concrete or similar environments at an RH level greaterthan 93% for long periods, in these situations it isrecommended to remove the RH probe and allow the testarea to continue to acclimatise by replacing the stopper inthe hole-liner sleeve.

Each RH probe is factory calibrated using precisionequipment traceable to NIST standards. With reasonablecare in use and storage, RH probe measurements shouldremain within the ±3% specification. RH probe accuracy canbe degraded by exposure to polluted atmospheres such asdust, aggressive chemical vapors, or contaminated wetting.It is thus advisable to periodically check the RH Probeaccuracy by using RH 75 or a similar suitable reference kit.These kits contain a saturated Sodium Chloride salt solutionthat creates a nominal 75% relative humidity within themeasuring cell. The precise relative humidity is temperaturedependent. The RH 75 calibration check is available fromthe manufacturer or the supplier of your MRH meter.

For regular on-site assessment of your MRH in moisturemeasurement mode, a calibration-check box is availablefrom the suppliers of your MRH. Should it be found thatreadings are outside the set tolerances, it is recommendedthat the MRH be returned for re-calibration. Calibration

To carry out a calibration check:-1. Remove cell from sealed plastic bag.2. Remove white stopper plug from cell.3. Insert plastic calibration sleeve into cell as shown in photo on left.4. Remove sleeve stopper plug and fully insert RH probe.5. Place cell/probe in a stable, draft free, temperature

environment, e.g., inside a desk drawer, and leave for at least 2 hours.

6. After 2 hours, connect probe to MRH and measure RH value.7. The RH reading should be 75% ± 3%8. If the value is outside this range,

repeat the test after a further 2 hours.9. If the RH value is still outside specification,

return the RH probe to Tramex for investigation.10. When the calibration check test has been

completed, removeRH probe and sleeve from cell.Fit white stopper plug into cell and seal cell inside

the plastic bag.

III

42

adjustments should not be carried out by anyone other thanTramex or their authorised service provider who will issue acalibration certificate on completion.Requirements for quality management and validationprocedures, such as ISO 9001:2008, have increased the needfor regulation and verification of measuring and testinstruments. It is therefore recommended that calibration ofthe MRH should be checked and certified in accordancewith the standards and/or protocols laid down by yourindustry (usually on an annual basis) by an authorized testprovider. The name of your nearest test provider andestimate of cost is available on request.

The MRH will not detect or measure moisture through anyelectrically conductive materials including metal sheeting orcladding, black EPDM rubber or wet surfaces.

Tramex warrants that this instrument will be free fromdefects and faulty workmanship for a period of one yearfrom date of first purchase.If a fault develops during the warranty period, Tramex will,at its absolute discretion, either repair the defective productwithout charge for the parts and labour, or will provide areplacement in exchange for the defective product returnedto Tramex Ltd.This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure ordamage caused by improper use or improper or inadequatemaintenance and care.In no event shall Tramex, its agents or distributors be liableto the customer or any other person, company ororganisation for any special, indirect, or consequential lossor damage of any type whatsoever (including, withoutlimitation, loss of business, revenue, profits, data, savings orgoodwill), whether occasioned by the act, breach, omission,default, or negligence of Tramex Ltd., whether or not

III

43

foreseeable, arising howsoever out of or in connection withthe sale of this product including arising out of breach ofcontract, tort, misrepresentation or arising from statute orindemnity.Without prejudice to the above, all other warranties,representations and conditions whether made orally orimplied by circumstances, custom, contract, equity, statuteor common law are hereby excluded, including all termsimplied by Section 13, 14 and 15 of the Sale of Goods Act1893.Warranty claimsA defective product should be returned shipping pre paid,with full description of defect to your supplier or Tramex ataddress shown below.

It is the policy of Tramex to continually improve and updateall its products.We therefore reserve the right to alter the specification ordesign of this instrument without prior notice.

III

44

Tramex LimitedShankill Business CentreShankillCo. DublinIrelandTel: +353 1 239 3224Fax: +353 1 282 7880

Email: [email protected] Site: www.tramex.ie

USA and Canada Tramexc/o Black Hawk Sales Inc.28 Pin Oak DriveLittletonCO 80127Tel: 303 972 7926Fax: 303 972 7106

Email: [email protected] Site: www.tramexltd.com

U.K. Tramex Ltd., Tel: 0870 735 2870

III

Documents

Non-Destructive Moisture Humidity Meter USER GUIDE · Non-Destructive Moisture & Humidity Meter USER GUIDE MRH0510. MRH III User Guide 2 TRAMEX MOISTURE/HUMIDITY INSTRUMENTS SURVEY