It is important that the appropriate scale is used for the type of material being tested. This ensures that the most accurate and meaningful readings are obtained. The scale descriptions on the instrument show the materials that the meter was calibrated to. This should be used as a guide, ie the least sensitive Scale 5 to be used for the most dense material. Comparative results do not necessarily indicate low, medium or high levels of moisture but indicate the area of the 0-100 comparative scale where the readings lie. It is best practice to find a known acceptably dry area to compare to.
Depth of non-destructive Penetration field of each Scale 1,3,4 and 5:
Depending on the density of the material being tested, these fields penetrate the material under test to approximately 30mm (1 1/4 inches) from the surface. When testing thin materials such as wood veneers it is recommended that they are stacked to at least that thickness.
Depth of Penetration field Scale 2 Shallow Depth:
The shallow depth scale 2, field depth of penetration is reduced to approximately 10mm (0.4 inches) also depending on the density of the material. Use Shallow Depth scale in conjunction with all scales and materials to get a more complete comparative understanding of the moisture distribution at different depths both within the materials, and within and behind the materials.
Scale 1: When testing wood & Wood Products, select Scale 1 and lightly press the rubber electrodes directly to the surface. Read the moisture % from the top line of the analog dial where calibration is marked from 5% to 30%. If readings are in the high range (red) and if the audio is turned on, it will sound when readings go above 18%.
Scale 2: The Shallow Depth scale is calibrated to work in conjunction with all Scales. When using both shallow and regular scales the user can get a comparative of moisture conditions up to a depth of 10mm (0.4 inches) and moisture conditions up to a depth of 30mm (1 1⁄4 inches). Shallow depth scale used on wood will give a %MC at SG 0.40, as Scale 1 does for wood. While the Shallow Depth scale eliminates the influence of any substrate beyond 10mm (0.4 inches), the regular depth does not eliminate the surface coating. The regular depth Scales 3,4 & 5 gives readings from the surface to a depth of up to 30mm (1 1⁄4 inches). This dual-depth feature gives the user more versatility and allows for a better understanding of moisture condi- tions at different depths and ‘within’ / ‘within and behind’ a wide variety of materials.
Scale 3: Scale 3 has a high sensitivity and deep non-destructive penetrating field. The Moisture Encounter ME5 can identify excess moisture within and behind drywall. This scale also allows the user to detect the presence of moisture in built-up roofing systems covered with multi-ply roofing felt, PVC, modified bitumen (torch- on) or other non-conductive membranes. As calibration is not practical on this type of construction, readings should be taken from the comparative bottom line of the meter dial (0 to 100). Scale 2 Shallow Depth can be utilised for Drywall if readings are required whilst reducing the influence of the substrate materials.
Scale 4: Scale 4 has a medium sensitivity and a deep non-destructive penetrating field and can be used to detect the presence of moisture in plastered walls and ceilings. The moisture profile of the surface can be determined
by taking readings across the entire surface. As calibration is not practical on this type of construction, readings should be taken from the comparative bottom line of the meter dial (0-100). The shallow depth scale can be utilised for plaster if readings are required whilst reducing the influence of the substrate materials. The Moisture Encounter 5 will give low readings when the plaster is acceptably dry. Due to the hygroscopic nature of this material, moisture values are affected by ambient humidity and thus can vary according to the climate conditions. We recommend checking what is ‘acceptably dry’ in your area and use the instrument to compare these with readings that are ‘acceptable’ or 'unacceptable'. Scale 4 should be used when detecting the presence of moisture both within and behind the ceramic and porcelain tile substrate material, readings should be taken from the comparative bottom line of the meter dial (0-100). The shallow depth scale can be utilised for tile if readings are required only within the tile, whilst reducing the influence of the substrate materials.
Scale 5: Scale 5 has low sensitivity and deep non-destructive penetrating field and can be used when detecting the presence of moisture within more dense materials such as brick, block and concrete. As calibration is not practical on this type of construction, readings should be taken from the comparative bottom line of the meter dial (0-100). The Moisture Encounter ME5 will give low readings when the brick, block is acceptably dry. Due to the hygroscopic nature of this material, moisture values are affected by ambient humidity and thus can vary according to the climate conditions. We recommend checking what is ‘acceptably dry’ in your area and use the instrument to compare these with readings that are ‘acceptable’ or 'unacceptable'. The Moisture Encounter 5 is not calibrated for concrete.The Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter CME5 or CMEX5 are specifically designed for concrete flooring and recommended where quantitative measurements are required. However, a useful comparative indication of the moisture conditions of the concrete or subfloor can be obtained with the ME5 set on the Masonry Scale 5.