TRAMEX ME5 User Manual
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TRAMEX ME5 User Manual

Moisture encounter
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MOISTURE ENCOUNTER
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ME5
USER GUIDE

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Summary of Contents for TRAMEX ME5

  • Page 1 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER USER GUIDE...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Scale 4 : Plaster (Comparative) .....18 • Scale 4 : Tile (Comparative)......19 • Scale 5 : Masonry (Comparative) ....20 Working with your Moisture Encounter ME5: MATERIALS..................22 • Wood and wood products % M C Scales 1 & 2 ..............22-24 •...
  • Page 3 • Plaster (Comparative) Scale 4......29 • Tile (Comparative) Scale 4........29 • Masonry (Comparative) Scale 5......30 Working with your Moisture Encounter ME5 Readings and SG Tables..............31 • Notes on Specific Gravity (SG)........31 • How to use the Wood SG Tables........32 •...

  • Page 4: Introduction

    INTRODUCTION Hi there! Thank you for trusting our brand and choosing the Moisture Encounter ME5, from Tramex. It is our goal to ensure that you are always happy with what you bought from us, so please let us know if you have any questions and rest assured, we are always here to help.
  • Page 5 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER 5 USER GUIDE Shallow Depth: 10 mm or 0.4 inches Regular Depth: 30mm or 1 1/4 inches As there is a wide variation in the nominal electrical impedance of different material types, the instrument is provided with five selectable scales which are optimized for testing: 1.

  • Page 6: Shallow-Depth Functionality

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER 5 USER GUIDE SHALLOW-DEPTH FUNCTIONALITY: The ME5 incorporates non-destructive dual-depth func- tionality. The regular non-destructive penetration depth is 30mm (1 ¼ inches) when using : Scale 1 - Wood, Timber; Scale 3 - Drywall, Roofing; Scale 4 - Plaster, Tile;...
  • Page 7 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER 5 USER GUIDE Using the Dual-Depth functionality by switching between the appropriate ‘regular depth’ scale and shallow depth scale, allows for a comparative of ‘surface’ versus ‘surface + core’ moisture.  • Shallow Depth reads the surface or top 10mm only.  •...

  • Page 8: Instrument Features

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER 5 USER GUIDE INSTRUMENT FEATURES Your Moisture Encounter ME5 employs advanced analog and digital technology to enable the incorporation of the many features listed below: • There are 2 scales on the meter face. A Wood Scale and Comparative Scale. Refer to the top Wood scale when measuring moisture in wood using Scale 1 - Wood, Timber;...
  • Page 9 Last used scale is memorized at supply timeout and automatically selected next time ON/OFF button is pressed. If Bluetooth was selected prior to the Moisture Encounter ME5 automatically powering off it will be restored next time ON/OFF is selected. •...

  • Page 10: Operating Instructions

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER 5 USER GUIDE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS The instrument face with brief notes on the push button controls and LED indicators is shown below. 85mm 1 = Moving coil meter. 2 = LED Scale Indicators. 3 = Bluetooth ON/OFF 4 = Bluetooth LED 5 = Hold/Audio.

  • Page 11: Scales And Sensitivity

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER 5 USER GUIDE SCALES AND SENSITIVITY Scales 1 and 2, when used with wood, will give a %MC reading. Scales 3, 4 and 5 have a preset sensitivity appropriate to the density of the materials indicated. - Back to Top -...
  • Page 12 To change the scale, press the the Scale Select button until the LED opposite the required scale lights. Hold your Moisture Encounter ME5 directly on the material being tested ensuring the electrodes on the base are fully in contact with the surface.
  • Page 13 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER 5 USER GUIDE The instrument will automatically power-off after five minutes if no button is pressed or if no change in meter reading is detected. If a button is pressed or the meter reading changes, the power-off will be extended for a further five minutes.

  • Page 14: Scales

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER 5 USER GUIDE SCALES - WORKING WITH YOUR MOISTURE ENCOUNTER ME5: Note - Scale Choice, Material density and Scale Sensitivity: 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.
  • Page 15 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER 5 USER GUIDE 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...

  • Page 16: Mc Scale 1: Wood - Timber

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER 5 USER GUIDE SCALES - WORKING WITH YOUR MOISTURE ENCOUNTER ME5 SCALE 1: WOOD - TIMBER (%MC) 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%.

  • Page 17: Scale 2: Shallow Depth

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER 5 USER GUIDE SCALE 2: SHALLOW DEPTH (%MC FOR WOOD OR COMPARATIVE) The Shallow Depth scale is calibrated to work in conjunc- tion with all Scales. When using both shallow and regular scales the user can get a comparative of moisture condi- tions up to a depth of 10mm (0.4 inches) and moisture conditions up to a depth of 30mm (1 1⁄4 inches). ...

  • Page 18: Scale 3: Drywall (Comparative)

    SCALE 3: DRYWALL (COMPARATIVE) Scale 3 has a high sensitivity and deep non-destructive penetrating field. The Moisture Encounter ME5 can iden- tify excess moisture within and behind drywall. As calibra- tion is not practical on this type of construction, readings should be taken from the comparative bottom line of the meter dial (0 to 100).

  • Page 19: Scale 4: Plaster (Comparative)

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER 5 USER GUIDE SCALE 4: PLASTER (COMPARATIVE) 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.

  • Page 20: Scale 4: Tile (Comparative)

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER 5 USER GUIDE SCALE 4: TILE (COMPARATIVE) Due to the medium sensitivity and deep non-destructive penetrating field, this scale should be used when detect- ing the presence of moisture both within and behind the ceramic and porcelain tile substrate material. As calibra- tion is not practical on this type of construction, readings should be taken from the comparative bottom line of the meter dial (0-100).

  • Page 21: Scale 5: Masonry (Comparative)

    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. - Back to Top -...
  • Page 22 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER 5 USER GUIDE Acceptably Dry Brick, Block: 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.

  • Page 23: Materials

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER 5 USER GUIDE MATERIALS - WORKING WITH YOUR MOISTURE ENCOUNTER ME5 WOOD AND WOOD PRODUCTS SCALES 1 & 2 % M C Acceptable levels of moisture content depend on the climate conditions and we advise you check the levels acceptable in your area. The table below...
  • Page 24 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER 5 USER GUIDE • Wood below 10% is generally considered suitable for painting indoors. (Always check coating manu- facturers recommendations). The following moisture content levels are used in the wood industry but as a guide only. Contact industry associations and manufacturers for their specifications.
  • Page 25 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER 5 USER GUIDE When measuring in chemically treated wood, con- sider the effects chemical treatment may have on readings. It may not be possible to consider the read- ings as quantitative measurements, but as qualita- tive comparisons. A known dry sample can be used as the comparative reading to refer to.

  • Page 26: Wood Flooring

    (1 ¼ inches) it is advisable to stack the wood to at least that measurement. The Moisture Encounter ME5 can be used to check, on a qualitative basis, through the floor covering, to identify elevated moisture in the substrate. Scale 2 Shallow Depth will read up to a depth of 10mm (0.4 inches)
  • Page 27 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER 5 USER GUIDE When measuring the %MC of hardwood flooring on sub- strate, use Shallow depth Scale 2, so as to eliminate the influence of the substrate. Take readings from the Wood %MC scale on the meter face. When evaluating the moisture conditions in engineered wood flooring on substrate, use Shallow depth Scale 2, so as to eliminate the influence of the substrate.

  • Page 28: Drywall (Comparative) Scale 3

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER 5 USER GUIDE DRYWALL (COMPARATIVE) SCALE 3 The Moisture Encounter 5 can identify excess Moisture within and behind drywall. 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).

  • Page 29: Roofing (Comparative) Scale 3

    Your ME5 can be used to confirm a new roof has been installed dry. When the waterproofing membrane develops a leak, the water can travel within the built-up-roof structure and enter the building some distance away.

  • Page 30: Plaster (Comparative) Scale 4

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER 5 USER GUIDE PLASTER (COMPARATIVE) SCALE 4 The Moisture Encounter 5 will help identify the dif- ferent levels of moisture, even if not apparent on the surface. Moisture can often be trapped behind the wall coverings. Rising damp and moisture migration from leaks and defective, or non-existent, vapor barriers can be identified and profiled and often its source identi- fied.

  • Page 31: Masonry (Comparative) Scale 5

    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. Acceptably Dry Brick, Block: The Moisture Encounter ME5 will give low readings when the brick, block is acceptably dry.

  • Page 32: Working With Your Moisture Encounter Me5

    Exceptionally Heavy 0.90 or More Note The Moisture Encounter ME5 is calibrated at 0.4 S.G. If you are used to measurements based on 0.5 S.G. calibration, please take note that the adjust- ments can be made with the chart. 0.40 S.G. is cho-...

  • Page 33: How To Use The Wood Sg Tables

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER 5 USER GUIDE HOW TO USE THE WOOD SG TABLES When testing wood, which does not have an SG of 0.40, the meter reading can be adjusted by referring to the ta- bles shown on pages 33 and 34. For example, if the wood being tested has an SG of 0.50 and the meter reading is 17% (top row of table) then the adjusted moisture content reading can be found where the 0.50 SG row...

  • Page 34: Wood Sg Table, 5% To 17% Meter Reading

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER 5 USER GUIDE WOOD SPECIFIC GRAVITY ADJUSTMENT TABLE (5 to 17%) Meter Reading 0.40 Specific ADJUSTED/CORRECTED MOISTURE CONTENT Gravity 0.32 0.34 0.36 0.38 0.42 0.44 0.46 0.48 0.52 0.54 0.56 0.58 0.62 0.64 0.66 0.68 0.72 0.74 0.76 0.78 0.82 0.84...

  • Page 35: Reading

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER 5 USER GUIDE WOOD SPECIFIC GRAVITY ADJUSTMENT TABLE (18 to 30%) Meter Reading O.40 Specific ADJUSTED/CORRECTED MOISTURE CONTENT Gravity 0.32 0.34 0.36 0.38 0.42 0.44 0.46 0.48 0.52 0.54 0.56 0.58 0.62 0.64 0.66 0.68 0.72 0.74 0.76 0.78 0.82 0.84...

  • Page 36: Relative Humidity And Moisture Content

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER 5 USER GUIDE RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND MOISTURE CONTENT The table below shows the approximate relationship between relative humidity and equilibrium moisture content of some woods. (These figures are approximate values at a temperature of 70 ºF, and may vary for dif- ferent species.) Relative Humidity Wood MC %...

  • Page 37: Limitations

    Encounter ME5 be returned for re-calibration. Click here for a Calibration Request. Calibration adjustments should not be carried out by anyone other than Tramex or their authorised service provider who will issue a calibration certificate on completion. Requirements for quality management and validation...

  • Page 38: Warranty

    In no event shall Tramex, its agents or distributors be liable to the customer or any other person, company or organisa- tion for any special, indirect, or consequential loss or...

  • Page 39: Warranty Claims

    Tramex Ltd. PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT It is the policy of Tramex to continually improve and update all its products. We therefore reserve the right to alter the specification or design of this instrument without prior notice.

  • Page 40: Contact Information

    FIND US ON: Tramex Ltd. Unit F, Glencormack Business Park, Kilmacanogue, County Wicklow, Ireland. Email: sales@tramexmeters.com USA (toll free) & Canada: Tel: 1800-234-5849 EU & Rest Of World: Tel: +353 1 681 4450...

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