TRAMEX MEX5 User Manual
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TRAMEX MEX5 User Manual

Moisture encounter
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MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5
- MEX5 -
USER GUIDE

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Summary of Contents for TRAMEX MEX5

  • Page 1 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 - MEX5 - USER GUIDE...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Hygrometer / Psychrometrics mode..........................4 In-Situ Equilibrium Relative Humidity Probe mode....................4 Settings & Advanced Features............................5 How the MEX5 works - Overview Non-destructive testing, Scales and Sensitivity, Shallow-Depth Functionality........6 Pin Probe, Wood, Drywall, WME (Wood Moisture Equivalent)..............6-7 Psychrometrics and Built-in ambient Hygrometer....................7 In-Situ Equilibrium Relative Humidity Probe......................7...
  • Page 3 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS Pin Probe Mode Guide..................................28 Pin Probe Menu Selections ............................28 • Wood Standards................................28 • Wood Species..................................28 • WME......................................28 • Drywall ....................................28 • Calibration Check ................................28 Factors Affecting Moisture Readings In Wood....................29 Pin Moisture Readings and Wood Flooring......................30 Pin Temperature Correction............................30...

  • Page 4: Introduction

    Thank you for trusting our brand and choosing the Moisture Encounter MEX5 from Tramex. It is our goal to ensure that you are always happy with your Tramex products, so please let us know if you have any questions and rest assured, we are always here to help.

  • Page 5: Settings & Advanced Features

    The MEX5 incorporates a number of advanced features such as: ● ‘Baseline’ reference reading for the non-destructive scales is comparable to a ‘known dry reading’ or ‘dry standard reading’ . The MEX5 can be set to show how far or close the readings are to that ‘drying goal’ .

  • Page 6: How The Mex5 Works - Overview

    9mm (⅜ inch), the regular depth does not eliminate the surface coating. In Pin Probe mode the Moisture Encounter MEX5 is a resistance-type pin-meter that works on the principle of DC resistance. When the electrode pins are pressed or driven into the wood, the electrical resistance between the electrodes is measured.

  • Page 7: Psychrometrics And Built-In Ambient Hygrometer

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE Wood - Pin Probe This is a percentage of dry weight moisture content for wood. The MEX5 gives moisture readings from 6% to approx 50%. It should be noted that readings above 27% (nominal value of the fiber saturation point) are indicative only.

  • Page 8: Operating Instructions - Overview

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS - Overview The instrument face with brief notes on the push button controls and LCD is shown below. 85mm 1. Ambient RH Probe 2. Digital display Menu button Hold button Bluetooth ON/OFF 6. Bayonet connection for Wood Probe...

  • Page 9: Quick Start Operating Instructions

    When the Moisture Encounter MEX5 is in HOLD mode, ‘II’ is visible on the top left of the display. If HOLD was selected prior to the Moisture Encounter X5 automatically powering off, the frozen display reading is digitally memorized and restored next time ON is selected.

  • Page 10: Non-Destructive Testing (Ndt)

    Shallow Depth scales for comparative 0-99 REL readings. The Masonry scale does not have a shallow depth scale. Method: Hold your Moisture Encounter MEX5 directly on the material being tested ensuring the electrodes on the base are fully in contact with the surface. The meter should be held by the rubber grips when taking readings.
  • Page 11 The ‘Baseline’ Reference reading can be used as a ‘known dry reading’ or ‘drying goal reading’ . When placing the MEX5 on a known dry area, that reading can be recorded to be the baseline reading, and readings in other areas will be compared to that baseline reading.

  • Page 12: Pin Probe

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE Pin Probe Mode - Operating Instructions This mode is activated automatically by plugging one of the optional Wood Electrodes into the socket at the top of the instrument. For selections with Pin Probe mode, scroll the Pin Probe menu. The last selected Pin Probe options will be the default selection.
  • Page 13 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE Pin Probe Mode - Advanced Features To access the Advanced Features, press to access the Menu, to scroll and select Settings. In Settings press to select Advanced Features. Within Advanced Features choose from the following options relevant to the Pin Probe testing modes.

  • Page 14: Psychrometrics

    (temperature at which condensation is likely to form). Once selected, the MEX5 screen will show the Delta T in the center of the screen, with the ambient conditions listed at the foot of the screen, the surface temperature top left, and the Emissivity value top right of the screen.

  • Page 15: Settings

    The ‘Baseline’ Reference reading can be used as a ‘known dry reading’ or ‘drying goal reading’ . When placing the MEX5 on a known dry area, that reading can be recorded to be the baseline reading, and readings in other areas will be compared to that baseline reading.

  • Page 16: Pin Temperature Correction

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE ● Pin probe temperature correction The Pin Temperature Correction option allows for the meter to make the corrections to the %MC readings depending on the temperature of the wood. When in the Advanced Features menu, use the...

  • Page 17: Non-Destructive Testing Measurement Mode Guide

    Slide Protectors are available to protect the electrodes online at tramexmeters.com (Product Code: MESP). The Moisture Encounter MEX5 enables dual-depth, non-invasive moisture measurement of % Moisture Content in wood, and comparative (REL) readings in wood by-products and a wide range...

  • Page 18: Wood-Timber Scale Guide

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE WOOD-TIMBER SCALE GUIDE Introduction a. When testing wood flooring & wood products, select the Wood-Timber Scale and lightly press the rubber electrodes directly to the surface. b. If possible, always take readings with the length of the instrument parallel to the direction of the wood grain.

  • Page 19: Relative Humidity & Moisture Content

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE Note: Adhesives The presence of different species, treatments, adhesives, etc., within products such as plywood, particleboard, OSB (oriented strand board), laminate and engineered woods will affect measurements. It may not be possible to consider the readings as quantitative measurements, but as qualitative comparisons.

  • Page 20: Specific Gravity

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE Specific Gravity If the SG adjustment is not switched ON in ‘Settings, Advanced Features’ , a default SG of 0.50 is used. The specific gravity (SG) of wood is the ratio of the density of wood to the density of water at a specified temperature (generally 4ºC where the density of water is at its maximum).

  • Page 21: Table Of Wood Specific Gravities (Sg)

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE Table of Wood Specific Gravities (SG) 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...

  • Page 22: Shallow Depth Scale Guide

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE SHALLOW-DEPTH SCALE GUIDE The Shallow Depth Wood scale will read to a depth of up to 9mm (⅜ inch) in the materials under test, giving % moisture content measurements for wood and comparative readings in non-wood materials.

  • Page 23: Flooring With Wood-Timber & Shallow-Depth Scale

    When using the Shallow Depth Wood Scale, in this situation, the Moisture Encounter MEX5 will read up to a depth of 9mm (⅜ inch), thus reducing the influence of the substrate.

  • Page 24: Drywall-Roofing Scale Guide

    Drywall The Moisture Encounter MEX5 can identify excess moisture within and behind drywall. As NDT cali- bration is not practical on this type of construction, readings are comparative or relative (REL). The Shallow Depth scale can be utilized for Drywall if readings are required whilst reducing the influ- ence of the substrate materials.
  • Page 25 In addition moisture can cause considerable damage to the contents and fabric of the buildings as well as heat loss through wet insulation. Your MEX5 can be used to help confirm a new roof has been installed dry.

  • Page 26: Plaster-Tile Scale Guide

    Plaster-Tile scale press the select button. a. The Moisture Encounter MEX5 will help identify the different levels of moisture, even if not apparent on the surface. Moisture can often be trapped behind the wall coverings. b. Rising damp and moisture migration from leaks and defective, or non-existent, vapor barriers can be identified and profiled and often its source identified.

  • Page 27: Masonry Scale Guide

    MEX5 set on the Masonry Scale. Note: Acceptably Dry Brick, Block: The Moisture Encounter MEX5 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 28: Pin Probe Mode Guide

    The MEX5 has 20 pre-programmed wood species. There are an additional selection of 500+ in the Tramex Meters App that can be used in conjunction with the MEX5 in Pin Probe mode. Just select the appropriate species in the menu and the MEX5 will do the species adjustment automatically.

  • Page 29: Factors Affecting Moisture Readings In Wood

    A temperature correction adjustment is needed. In the MEX5 advanced settings, select the temperature correction ON for the correction to be done automatically by the meter.

  • Page 30: Pin Moisture Readings And Wood Flooring

    Your MEX5 in PIN Probe mode can be used to measure the moisture content of the wood floor to ensure it meets specification.

  • Page 31: Humidity And Moisture Content Relationship

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE HUMIDITY AND MOISTURE CONTENT RELATIONSHIP The table below shows the approximate relationship between relative humidity (RH) and equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of some woods. (These figures are approximate values and may vary for different species.) Table 1.

  • Page 32: Psychrometrics Mode Guide

    Choosing Celsius will also change the Humidity Ratio to g/kg and choosing Fahrenheit will also change the Humidity Ratio to GPP. In Psychrometrics mode in the MEX5 main menu you can also select between the following display screens: ●...

  • Page 33: Thermal Hygrometer And Enthalpy

    0.93 to 0.96 Textiles 0.90 ● Thermal Hygrometer: The Moisture Encounter MEX5 uses its built-in hygrometer that measures the ambient relative humidity (RH), ambient temperature (Ta), dew point temperature (Td) and humidity ratio (HR) of the environment as well as the surface temperature and Enthalpy.

  • Page 34: In-Situ Equilibrium Relative Humidity Probe Mode Guide

    A range of Tramex external relative humidity probes can be used with the MEX5. Tramex RH Probe sensors utilize state of the art electronic technology to provide an easy to use and accurate method for measuring relative humidity, humidity ratio, temperature and dew point in a wide range of applications such as: ●...
  • Page 35 ● Tramex recommends that the RH probes are not left in-situ for prolonged periods of time when RH values are above 93%. With the Tramex system it is possible to remove the probe and seal the sleeve for future testing, thus giving a more reliable and accurate test.
  • Page 36 Cut hole liner to match drilled depth. Check cap fits. Connect with Tramex Electronic Interface Use supplied Retrieval tool to position the probe into place. For more information please visit: www.tramexmeters.com Tramex 2014. All right reserved. | HL-INS Ref: 1.2...
  • Page 37 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE HOOD INSTRUCTION Ensure the surface is clean Seal cap to achieve an airtight seal Hygro-i2 probe Hygrohood Seal the Hygrohood to the surface with butyl tape provided Place the probe in the RH hood. Leave the Hygrohood in place...
  • Page 38 MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE (b) On Surface RH tests (RH hood method) The Tramex RH Hood can be used to perform testing to International Standards such as BS 8201, 8203, 5325. The following components are required to perform a RH Hood test: Moisture Encounter X5, a Concrete Moisture Encounter, Insulated hood (RHIH), Hygro-i2 probe and interface.

  • Page 39: Calibration Check Salts

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE CALIBRATION CHECK SALTS A saturated salt solution is the most suitable method for on-site testing of humidity sensors. The advantage of the on-site salt calibration check is that the user can check that the sensors are performing satisfactorily without having the need to send the sensors to a testing laboratory, which can be expensive and time consuming.

  • Page 40: Limitations

    Tramex warrants that this instrument will be free from defects and faulty workmanship for a period of one year from date of first purchase. If a fault develops during the warranty period, Tramex will, at its absolute discretion, either repair the defective product without charge for the parts and labor, or will provide a replacement in exchange for the defective product returned to Tramex Ltd.

  • Page 41: Product Development

    MOISTURE ENCOUNTER MEX5 USER GUIDE 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. SAFETY This Users Guide does not purport to address the safety concerns, if any, associated with this instrument or its use.

  • Page 42: Wood Species Correction Charts

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  • Page 54 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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