Delmhorst BD-10 User manual

WHEN ACCURACY IS THE POINT•™
®
BD-10
o w n e r ’ s m a n u a l
©1999, Delmhorst Instrument Co.
510INS-0005 REV. 01/15
W H E N A C C U RA C Y I S T H E P O I N T •™
®
For more than 65 years
Delmhorst Instrument has been
the leading manufacturer of high
quality, US-made moisture meters
and thermo-hygrometers. Today
we offer a wide range of meters
for applications including water
damage restoration, construction,
flooring, lumber/woodworking,
paper, and agriculture.
TEMPERATURE CORRECTION TABLE
METER READINGS
˚C ˚F 6 7 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 50 60
-20 0 9 11 15 22 31 38 45 53
-10 20 8 10 14 20 28 34 40 47 55
5 40 7 8 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
15 60 6 7 11 16 21 27 32 38 43 54
30 80 6 7 9 14 19 23 28 33 38 47 55
40 100 5 6 8 12 17 21 25 29 34 42 50
50 120 5 5 7 11 15 19 22 26 30 38 44
60 140 4 5 7 10 14 17 20 23 27 34 40
70 160 4 4 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 30 36
80 180 3 4 5 8 11 13 16 19 22 27 33
95 200 3 4 5 7 10 12 14 17 19 24 28
105 220 2 3 4 6 9 11 13 15 17 21 26
Pin correction:
METER READINGS WITH INSULATED PINS (26-ES ELECTRODE)
7 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24
CORRECTED READINGS (TRUE INDICATED MOISTURE CONTENT)
7.3 8.4 10.6 12.8 14.9 17.0 19.2 21.4 23.7 26.0
Moisture content values shown in bold are only qualitative since they are above fiber saturation point (30%MC).
51 Indian ane East
Towaco, NJ 07082
(877)-DELMHORST
(3 3 5 - 6 4 6 7 )
www.delmhor t.com
info@delmhor t.com

WOOD SPECIES CORRECTION TABLE
7 8 9 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24
ALDER 8 9 10 11 13 15 17.5 19.5 21.5 24 27 APITONG 8 9 10 11 13 15 17 20 22 24 27 A PEN 7 8 9 10 11.5 13 15 16.5 18 20 21 ASH, WHITE 6.5 7.5 8 9 11 13 14.5 16 18 19.5 21 BA WOOD 7 8 8 9 10.5 13 15 17 19 20.5 22 BIRCH 8 9 10 11 13 15 17 19 21.5 23.5 25.5 CEDAR, EA T. RED 8 9.5 10.5 12 14 17 19 21 23 25 26 CEDAR, INCENSE 7 8 9.5 10.5 12.5 15 17 19 21 23 25 CHERRY 8 9 10 11 13.5 15.5 18 20 22 24 26 COTTONWOOD 6 7.5 8.5 9.5 12 14 15 17 19.5 21 23 CYPRE 7 8 9 10 12 14 16 18 19.5 21.5 23.5 E M, AMERICAN 7 7.5 8 8.5 10 11.5 13 15 16 18 19 FIR, DOUGLA 7 8 9 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 FIR,RED 7 8 9 10 12.5 15 17 19 21 23 25 FIR, WHITE 8 9 9.5 10.5 12.5 15 17 19 21 23 25 GUM, B ACK 7.5 9 10 11 13 15 16 18 19 20.5 22 GUM, RED 7 8 9 10 12.5 14.5 16.5 19 20.5 22.5 24 HEM OCK, WESTERN 7 8 9 10.5 13 15 17 19 20.5 22 23.5 HACKBERRY 7 8.5 9 9.5 12 13 15 17 18.5 20 22 HICKORY 8 8.5 9 10 11 12.5 14 15.5 17 19 20.5 KERUING 8 9 10 11 13 15 17 20 22 24 27 ARCH 7.5 9 10 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25.5 MAGNOLIA 7.5 9 10 11.5 14 16 17.5 19 21 22.5 24.5
MAHOGANY, AFRICAN 8 9.5 10.5 12 15 17 19.5 22 24 26 28
(A SO KHAYA) MAHOGANY, HOND. 7 8 9 10.5 12.5 14.5 16 18 19.5 21.5 22.5 MAHOGANY, PHI . 6 7 7.5 8 9.5 11 13 14 15.5 17 18 MAPLE, HARD/ OFT 8 9 9.5 10 12 14 16 18 20 22.5 25 MERANTI, DARK RED 8.5 9.5 10.5 11.5 12.5 16 18 20.5 22.5 24.5 26.5 OAK, RED 7 8 9 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 OAK, WHITE 7 8 8.5 9.5 11.5 13.5 15 17 18.5 20 22 PECAN 6.5 8 9.5 11 12.5 14 16 17.5 19 22 24 PINE, ONG EAF 8 8.5 10 11 13 15.5 17.5 19.5 21 23 25 PINE, PONDERO A 7.5 8.5 10 11 13.5 15.5 17.5 19.5 21 23 25.5 PINE, SHORT EAF 7.5 9 10 11 13 15.5 17.5 19.5 21.5 23.5 25 PINE, O. YELLOW* 8 9.5 10.5 12 14.5 16.5 19 21 23 25 28 PINE, SUGAR 7 8 9 10 12 15 17 19 21 23 25 PINE, WHITE 7 8 9 10 13 15 17 19 21 23 25.5 POP AR, YE OW 8 8.5 10 11 13 15.5 17.5 19.5 22 24 26 RAMIN 7 8 9 10 11 13 15 16 18 20 21 RADIATA PINE 10 11 11 12 14 16 18 20 23 25 27 REDWOOD 7 8 9 10 12 13.5 15 17 19 22 24 SPRUCE, SITKA 7 8 9 10 12.5 14.5 17 19 21 23.5 26 PF*▲9 10 11.5 13 15.5 18 20.5 23 25 28 30 SPF/COFI 8 9 10 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 TEAK 7 8 8.5 9 11 12 14 15 17 18.5 20 VIRO A 6.5 7 8 9 11 12.5 14 16 18 18.5 20.5
WALNUT, BLACK 7.5 8.5 9.5 10.5 12.5 14.5 16 18 20 22 23.5
The species correction values shown in this table have been rounded for easy reference.
*Meter readings taken with 26-E 2-pin electrode with insulated pins. Do not apply 2-pin correction.
▲SPF correction is based on USDA/Forintek data and can be used for the following species:
odgepole Pine, Alpine Fir, Eastern White Spruce, Black Spruce, Jack Pine
©1999, Delmhorst Instrument Co.
meter readings with non-insulated pins
METER READING u

TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 BD-10 Features
3 Before You Begin
3 Check Calibration
4 Taking a Reading
4 Testing Wood
5 Paint Failure and Moisture
5 IFS ( xterior Insulation & Finish Systems)
6 Using the 0-100 Reference Scale
6 Testing Concrete Slabs for Flooring
Applications
8 Testing Brick or Concrete for Paint Application
9 Testing Plaster Walls, Sheetrock (Gypsum)
9 Tracing Leaks
10 Detecting Moisture in Insulation
11 Care of Your Meter
11 Service For Your Meter
12 Warranty

%
BD-10 FEATURES
hDesigned to check moisture levels in wood, concrete, IFS,
sheetrock, and other materials
hResistance technology recognized around the world as the
most accurate method for measuring moisture in building
materials
h6%-40% MC range on wood (Douglas Fir ref)
h0 to 100 reference scale for non-wood materials
hasy to read analog meter
hBuilt-in calibration check
hasy one-hand operation
hIncludes (1) 9-Volt Battery
hIncludes sturdy carrying case
hOne-year warranty
#2497A-100 contact pins
with 5/16" penetration
Read Key
Calibration
Check Key
#
%MC
Wood Scale
(6%-40%)
$
0-100 Reference
Scale for Non
Wood Materials
^
Connector
for xternal
lectrode
@
!
2
D E L M H O R S T B D - 1 0

BEFORE YOU BEGIN
The BD-10 features two scales — one marked
“wood” and the other marked “reference”. The
wood scale #is used to measure moisture content
of wood materials over the range of 6% to 40% MC.
The reference scale $provides relative (wet/dry)
readings over a 0-100 range when measuring
moisture levels in building materials such as
plaster, concrete, brick, insulation, IFS, etc.
These 0-100 readings are NOT indications of
%MC. Readings in the low end of the scale indicate
a “drier” condition; readings in the upper end of
the scale indicate a higher moisture level in the
material. The scale is color coded with green,
yellow, and red areas. Readings may be interpret-
ed as green (dry), yellow (borderline), red (wet).
When using the reference scale $, tests should be
made on material samples that are known to be
dry. Such readings can be used as standards or
reference points against which subsequent readings
should be compared.
CHECK CALIBRATION
hPress the calibration check button @. The meter is in cali-
bration if the needle pointer moves to “20” on the wood
scale #. Any reading within the green band on the dial is
acceptable. Make sure the contact pins %are not in con-
tact with anything when checking the calibration.
If you check the calibration and the needle does not read
within the green band, it is likely an indication of a low bat-
tery. If this occurs, change the battery with a Duracell or
verReady 9V immediately. Continued use with a low battery
may cause the meter to go out of calibration. If you have a
fresh battery and the instrument still does not indicate a
proper calibration, return it to D LMHORST for service.
See Service for Your Meter section for details.
3

TAKING A READING
hRemove the protective cover to expose the pins. Check
that the contact pins %are firmly hand tightened.
TESTING WOOD
hAlign contact pins %parallel to the grain pushing to
their full penetration, if possible. If using an external
electrode, attach it to the connector ^and also align
the pins parallel to the grain before driving them
into the wood.
hPress the read key !and read the %MC on the wood
meter scale #.
The color-coded scale is a visual aid to help quickly deter-
mine the moisture level that each reading indicates. Use it as
a guideline. Readings in the "green" indicate a sufficiently dry
moisture level, those in the "yellow" indicate a borderline sit-
uation, and those in the "red" indicate that the material is too
wet for most applications. specific applications may require
different MC thresholds.
If your application requires a higher level of accuracy (ex.
finish flooring, furniture-making) Delmhorst recommends
applying the following corrections:
hTemperature – As wood temperature increases, its
electrical resistance decreases and indicated moisture
content rises. Lower wood temperatures result in lower
indicated moisture content. If the wood temperature,
which is typically the ambient temperature, is between
50°F/10°C and 90°F/32°C, there is no need to apply a
correction. Refer to the temperature correction table at
the end of the manual.
hPin (insulated vs non-insulated) – The reference
calibration of the meter was made with non-insulated
pins that penetrate 5/16 inch. Insulated pins read slightly
lower than noninsulated ones. When using an electrode
with insulated pins, such as the 26- S, refer to the
correction at the end of the manual.
hSpecies – Delmhorst uses Douglas Fir, the USDA
standard, as the basis for all wood calibrations. Because
the electrical characteristics of different species vary, all
species read differently at the same moisture content. For
this reason, a species correction is required. Refer to the
species correction table at the end of the manual.
4

P int F ilure nd Moisture
Moisture is by far the most frequent cause of paint failure.
The key to preventing paint failure is to make certain that
moisture is not absorbed through the wood to the back of the
paint film. In order to insure quality paint jobs, wood must
remain dry after the application of paint.
Outdoor wood can be safely painted without danger of peeling
if the %MC is 15% or less. In drier climates, the maximum
reading should be 10% to 11%. Indoor wood should be
between 7% to 8% prior to painting.
The following conditions may cause high moisture content
in wood:
hLeaky gutters and down spouts
hLeaky pipes or condensation on cold water lines in attic or
hollow walls
hFaulty flashing around windows, doors and where porch
and dormer roofs meet sidings
hnd-grain wood that is not sealed with paint at all joints
around windows, corners, and butt joints
hPorch columns that do not have good drainage and
ventilation where they rest on porch floors
hSiding or any other wood that is in contact with the
ground
hSiding and shingles without sufficient lap so that water is
forced up through cracks by wind pressure
hIce dams
hCondensation of vapor within hollow walls
EIFS (Exterior Insul tion & Finish Systems)*
Moisture intrusion problems in IFS (also know as
synthetic stucco) stem from leaking window frames,
improper use of or lack of sealant, and faulty installation
of flashing.
If you suspect a problem take a visual inspection. Look for
gaps around windows, doors, air conditioning units, light
fixtures, hose bibs, dryer vents and other areas of potential
penetration. Also look for visible signs of water damage. If
you feel a problem exists, use the BD-10 with a #21-
electrode. This electrode includes the #608 insulated pins
that penetrate 3-1/4". Also available - #608-001 insulated
pins with 6" penetration.
5

6
Procedure:
hUsing a drill or the available HP-1 hole punch, make 2
(1/4") holes about 3/4" apart at an upward 45˚ angle.
hPush the #21- lectrode into the holes through the
polystyrene and into the substrate.
hPress read key !and read the moisture content.
*Refer to the wood scale #if the sheathing is plywood.
If gypsum sheathing is used, refer to the reference
scale $.
USING THE 0-100 REFERENCE SCALE
Testing Concrete Sl bs for Flooring
Applic tions
Moisture meters are an effective tool to check comparative
moisture conditions in concrete slabs. They can tell you where
there may be excess moisture and help determine if you need
to conduct further testing, and identify specific areas on
which that testing should be performed. Meters do not
provide quantitave results as a basis for acceptance of a
slab for installation of moisture-sensitive flooring systems.
ASTM Test Method F2170 (RH using in situ probes), F1869
(calcium chloride) provide quantitative information for
determining if moisture levels are within specific limits.
It is important to test both the surface and mid-section of the
slab, especially if the slab is on or below grade. This will help
determine if there is continuous moisture migration toward
the surface. If this condition exists, the moisture movement
may be so slow that once it reaches the surface, moisture
evaporates and causes a “dry” reading when a surface
test is made.
However, if a sub-surface test is made, the meter may read
“wet” indicating the presence of moisture. When the slab is
covered and the upward movement of moisture continues,
moisture will move into a hygroscopic (wood) floor, or
build-up pressure under a non-breathing resilient floor,
causing floor failure.
T king Surf ce Re ding:
hDrive two hardened-steel masonry nails about 3/4”
apart into the finish coat of concrete floor. Drive them
about 1/8” deep so they make firm contact with the
concrete and do not move when touched.
hTouch the nails with the contact pins %.

If the meter still indicates green or “dry” the floor is ready
for covering. Tests should be made at several points,
especially when the slab is thick and air circulation is poor.
Tests should only be made in newly drilled holes, since the
inside surface of the holes can dry out while the rest of the
slab is still wet.
ven readings in the red or “wet” area can indicate
relatively low moisture content in concrete. For example,
readings in the 85-95 range on the reference scale $
indicate approximately 2% to 4% moisture content.
Note: Perform minimum three tests for the first 1000 sq ft
and at least one additional test for each additional
1000 sq ft.
Select test locations to provide information about moisture
distribution across the entire concrete slab, especially
areas of potential high moisture, or if the slab is thick
(>4 in) and air circulation is poor. For slabs on-grade and
below-grade, include a test location within 3 ft of each
exterior wall.
Key F ctors to Consider:
hThe age of the slab. Wait at least 30 days after the slab
is laid before checking moisture content.
7
hPress read key !and read the reference scale $. If
the meter reads in the red or “wet” area, it shows the
floor is not satisfactory for covering. If meter reads in
the green or “dry” area, the surface is dry. However,
subsurface tests should be made to verify if the slab is
dry throughout.
Subsurf ce Test:
hDrill two 1/4” holes, 3/4” apart and 1/2” to 2” deep.
hDrive the masonry nails into the bottom of the holes and
make the tests as described above. Nails must not touch
sides of drilled holes.
➝
➝
➝
➝
➝
6” nails 1/8” into
concrete
Drilled holes 1/4” diameter.
Nails 1/8” into concrete at
bottom of holes.
2-3” approx.
slab
electrode
subsurface

hIs the slab on grade or suspended? If the slab is on
grade, is there an effective vapor barrier under the slab?
hHow thick is the slab?
hWhat is the drainage condition of the ground?
hHistory of other structures in the area
Testing Brick or Concrete for P int Applic tion
Brick, stucco, or concrete surfaces must be dry at the time of
application and must remain dry after paint is applied or failure
of the paint film may occur. These materials are frequently
exposed to unusual moisture conditions that allow them to absorb
moisture through some exposed surface or some structural defect.
This is why it is important to check the moisture content of the
brick or concrete when it has been exposed to conditions that
permit it to absorb moisture.
Procedure:
hDrive two hardened steel masonry nails about 3/4” apart into
the brick or concrete. Drive them about 1/4” deep so they
make firm contact and do not move when touched.
hTouch the nails with the contact pins %.
hPress read key !and read the 0-100 reference scale $.
Normally, dry concrete or brick will read in the green or “dry”
portion of scale, indicating a safe condition to apply paint.
Meter readings should be evaluated in relation to other factors —
knowledge of the structure, type of paint used, expected weather
conditions in the near future, etc. Paint should not be applied if
readings are in the red or “wet” portion of the scale.
Do not be misled by surface appearance of masonry materials.
Short exposure to rain may thoroughly wet the surface while
the interior is still dry. In this instance, we recommend repeating
the test on the masonry below the surface as mentioned above.
Key Are s to Check:
hThe rear side of brick parapet walls — generally are not
waterproof above the flashing line and frequently absorb
moisture during rains.
hPainted concrete floors on ground — subject to peeling as
they absorb moisture from the earth, unless an effective
vapor barrier has been installed.
Tests on these materials should be made a day or so after they
have been exposed to rain or other high moisture conditions to
verify to what extent they absorb moisture.
8

Testing Pl ster W lls, Dryw ll (Gypsum)
Under normal drying conditions and proper application of plaster
(sufficient drying time between coats), surface readings give accurate
results. However, if rapid drying occurs, the surface of the plaster
may be dry, but moisture is still present below the surface and will
eventually affect the paint or wallpaper. This condition occurs when
there is high temperature or exceptionally good air circulation, or
where brown scratch and white coats are applied within a few days.
Take several readings on each wall. Pay special attention near the
base, around doorjambs, electrical and plumbing fixtures, and other
places where the plaster is thicker than normal.
T king Surf ce Re ding:
hDrive the contact pins %into the plaster to their full
penetration, if possible.
hPress read key !and read the reference scale $.
T king Re ding Below the Surf ce:
hDrive a pair of nails into the plaster at least 1/3 of the
total thickness of the plaster. If you are applying plaster
to a material of doubtful dryness, such as brick or con-
crete, drive the nails through the plaster and into the
brick or concrete.
hTouch the heads of the nails with the contact pins %and read
the meter.
The following guidelines may be used to interpret the meter readings
on plaster or sheetrock prior to painting or applying adhesives:
Green or “dry” — < 4% moisture
Red or “wet” — approximately 5%
Yellow — Borderline
Tr cing Le ks
The BD-10 can help trace leaks in masonry material. Normally, dry
plaster, brick, or concrete will contain so little moisture it cannot be
detected by the meter. If the meter indicates the presence of moisture
you can trace the moisture to its origin.
To trace the origin of a leak:
hDrive a nail into an area that is known to be wet and attach an
insulated wire between the nail and one of the contact pins %
9

hApply the other pin to various parts of the wall where you suspect
the leak originates. If the meter indicates red or “wet”, the material
is wet between the points of contact. If the meter reads green or
“dry”, the material along this line is not in the path of a leak.
To confirm if a brick wall is waterproof:
Perform the following procedure after storms to verify if a brick wall
is waterproof, or if waterproofing repairs have been properly performed:
hDrive pairs of nails into the brick wherever it is necessary to
make the tests and leave them in place until after all the tests are
completed.
hTake readings after each storm, and record the readings. The
pattern of these readings will indicate if the brick is gradually
drying out or is moistened again by each storm.
Detecting Moisture in Insul tion:
Use the BD-10 with the #21- lectrode and #608 insulated
pins to detect moisture in insulation. These pins penetrate 3-
1/4" and are insulated, except at the tips. Only the uninsulated
tips make contact with the material, providing information as
to the depth at which moisture is present. Also available -
#608-001 insulated pins with 6" penetration.
Procedure:
hDrill two 3/16” diameter holes, one inch apart through
the siding or drywall.
hUsing the #21- , insert the #608 contact pins into
the holes so that you make contact with the insulation.
hPress the read key !and read the 0-100 reference scale
$. Take readings at various depths of penetration to
determine the location of moisture.
hSeal the holes with an appropriate filler at the conclu-
sion of the test.
Meter readings provide a qualitative indication of the
presence of moisture. Meters are not calibrated to read the
percentage moisture content in the insulation. The meter
may also help identify the pattern of distribution to help
you determine if moisture is due to condensation or
leakage.
The presence of moisture in insulating material greatly
reduces its insulating properties. If the insulating material
absorbs moisture, water will displace the air in the material.
Water also transmits heat at a faster rate than air, thus
reducing the efficiency of the insulation.
10

Side walls and roof insulation pick up moisture because
of leaks in the roof or structural defects in the side walls
which allow storm water to be forced in during high wind.
During periods of cold weather, vapor will condense as it
approaches the colder area near the outside walls, and
resulting moisture will remain trapped in the insulation.
Cork, wood fiber boards, and other cellulose material read
lower than glass wool and other inorganic types of insulation.
CARE OF YOUR METER
To keep your meter in good working order:
hStore your meter in a clean, dry place. The protective
carrying case provided is an ideal storage place when the
meter is not in use.
hChange the 9-Volt battery as needed. Continued use with a
low battery may cause the meter to go out of calibration.
hChange contact pins %as needed. Keep pin retainers
hand tightened.
hClean the meter and contact pins with any biodegradable
cleaner. Use the cleaner sparingly and on external parts
only. Keep cleaner out of the external connector ^.
hRemove the battery if the meter will not be used for one
month or longer.
SERVICE FOR YOUR METER
If your meter is not working properly, replace the battery with
a new one and check the calibration. If this does not resolve
the problem, go to www.delmhorst.com and follow the instruc-
tions under the Support tab.
If you require further assistance please call 877-D LMHORST
(335-6467) or 973-334-2557.
11

12
WARRANTY
Delmhorst Instrument Co., referred to hereafter as
Delmhorst, guarantees its BD-10 meter for one year from
date of purchase and any optional electrodes against defects
in material or workmanship for 90 days. If, within the
warranty period, you find any defect in material or workmanship
return the meter following the instructions in the Service for
Your Meter section. This limited warranty does not cover
abuse, alteration, misuse, damage during shipment, improper
service, unauthorized or unreasonable use of the meter or
electrodes. This warranty does not cover batteries or contact
pins. If the meter or any optional electrodes have been tam-
pered with, the warranty shall be void. At our option we may
replace or repair the meter.
Delmhorst shall not be liable for incidental or consequential
damages for the breach of any express or implied warranty
with respect to this product or its calibration. With proper
care and maintenance the meter should stay in calibration;
follow the instructions in the Care of Your Meter section.
UND R NO CIRCUMSTANC S SHALL D LMHORST B
LIABL FOR ANY INCID NTAL, INDIR CT, SP CIAL,
OR CONS QU NTIAL DAMAG S OF ANY TYP
WHATSO V R, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMIT D
TO, LOST PROFITS OR DOWNTIM ARISING OUT OF
OR R LAT D IN ANY R SP CT TO ITS M T RS OR
L CTROD S AND NO OTH R WARRANTY, WRITT N,
ORAL OR IMPLI D APPLI S. D LMHORST SHALL
IN NO V NT B LIABL FOR ANY BR ACH OF
WARRANTY OR D F CT IN THIS PRODUCT THAT
XC DS TH AMOUNT OF PURCHAS OF
THIS PRODUCT.
The express warranty set forth above constitutes the entire
warranty with respect to Delmhorst meters and electrodes
and no other warranty, written, oral, or implied applies. This
warranty is personal to the customer purchasing the product
and is not transferable.