TRAMEX CME 4 User manual

CME4 MOISTURE
METER
FOR CONCRETE
CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER
www.tramexmeters.com
FEATURES
Clear easy-to-read analog dial.
No need to probe, drill or
mechanically damage the surface.
Instant and precise readings to a
depth of approx. ¾"into the slab.
Non-destructive in operation.
Hold function “freezes” meter
reading when inspecting areas
where the meter face is not visible,
and for easy recording of data.
Reproducible results.
Spring-loaded contact pins
compensate for uneven concrete
and boost signal penetration.
Instant and non-destructive tests per ASTM F2659 with the Tramex CME4, a
non-invasive handheld electronic instrument used for testing moisture condi-
tions in concrete slabs and giving comparative readings in other cementitious
floor screeds. Precise and easy to use, the CME4 allows the user to make
multiple tests over a large area in the shortest possible time.
Screeds and concrete
floors must be dry before
a floor covering is
installed.
Don’t take risks with
excess moisture!
Moisture test before you
install a floor covering.
CME4-US 01/16 REV.1.1
CME4 Calibration check plate CALCRH
Product order code: CME4
ASTM F2659

CME4-EU 07/13
PRODUCT DESIGN HOW IT WORKS
The CME4 Concrete Encounter detects and
evaluates the moisture conditions within the
slab or screed by non-destructively measuring
the electrical impedance. A low frequency
electronic signal is transmitted into the material
under test via the electrodes in the base of the
instrument. The strength of this signal varies in
proportion to the amount of moisture present in
the material. The CME4 determines the strength
of the current and converts this to a moisture
content value for concrete slabs and a compara-
tive value for other cementitious floor screeds,
displayed on a large clear analog dial.
OPERATING PROCEDURE
To carry out tests simply brush any dust from a
smooth area of concrete and also from the
electrodes, switch on the Concrete Encounter
CME4 and place it firmly onto the surface, fully
compressing the spring-loaded, signal-enhancing
contacts on the base. Read the moisture content
from the clear analog dial.
The CME4 is calibrated to give percentage
moisture content readings on clean, bare dust free
concrete floor slabs, with a depth of penetration of
approx. ¾". Readings taken on concrete slabs
through paint, coatings, adhesives or other
materials on the surface should be regarded as
qualitative or comparative and not quantitative.
SPECIFICATIONS
Size: 6" x 3.5" x 1.5" (150mm x 85mm x 38mm)
Weight: 9.84oz (279g)
Construction: ABS Body
Power: 9 volt PP3 Battery (included)
Display: Analog
Depth of penetration: approx. ¾" (20 mm)
MEASURING RANGE
Moisture Content for Concrete 0 to 6%
Comparative for Gypsum floor screed 0 to 10
Reference scale
0 to 100

CME4
concrete encounter07/2016
user guide

USER GUIDE
1
Introduction...........
.................................................. ..2
How it works................ ............................................. 3
Instrument Features..... .......................................... 4-6
Working with the CME 4...................................... 7-8
Drying time for concrete floors and screeds.........7
Pre-test conditioning and preparation. .................. 8
Operating Instruction............................................9-11
Limitations......................... ......... .......................... . ..12
Calibration...............................................................12
Warranty........................ .......................................... 13
Product development.... ........................................ ...14
Safety............................ ........................................ ...14
Notes...................................................................15-16
TABLE OF CONTENTS

USER GUIDE
2
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for selecting the CME4 Concrete Encounter
from Tramex.
The Concrete Encounter utilises “state of the art”
electronic technology to provide the flooring industry with
an accurate and simple to use non-invasive handheld
instrument for nondestructive testing (NDT) of Moisture
Content (MC) in concrete and compartive moisture
readings in gypsum and other floor screeds. It has been
designed for the Flooring, Water Damage Restoration,
Inspection/Surveying and Indoor Air Quality industries.
To get the maximum benefit from the Tramex CME4, it is
suggested that you read this manual to familiarize yourself
with the instrument and its capabilities, before
undertaking any flooring tests.
Why should a test be done ?
When should a test be done ?
New floor slabs and screeds that are insufficiently dry
before flooring is posed, and high moisture content in
existing floor substrates can cause a host of costly flooring
system failures. Testing allows for confidence in a job well
done that meets manufacturer’s recommendations, official
standards and customer satisfaction.
New floor slabs and screeds should be tested regularly
during the drying period, to help evaluate and control the
drying process, and ensure that the substrate has reached
sufficient dryness before the floor covering is installed.
For the purpose of restoration, testing can be done on
existing screeds to evaluate the extent and source of water
damage, as well as controlling the drying process.

USER GUIDE
3
This field penetrates the material under test. A very small
alernating current flows through the field. The CME4
detects this current, determines its amplitude and converts
it to a moisture content value. By simply pressing the
CME4 down on the surface in strategically chosen
locations, instant readings can be taken over a large area.
HOW IT WORKS
The CME4 detects and evaluates the moisture conditions
within the cementitious slab or screed by
non-destructively measuring the electrical impedance,
which varies in proportion to the moisture content in the
material under test. The electrical impedance is measured
by creating a low frequency alternating electric field
between the parallel co-planner electrodes as illustrated in
the diagram below.

USER GUIDE
4
INSTRUMENT FEATURES
A diagram of the instrument face with brief notes on the
push button controls and LED indicators is shown below.
1
2
3
4
5
1 =
Moving coil meter.
2 = Hold – flashing LED.
3 = Power ON Led.
4 = Power ON/OFF button.
5 = Hold button.
154 mm
84mm

USER GUIDE
5
The lower LED illuminates when the ON/OFF
button is pressed and remains on until the CME 4
automatically powers off.
The upper LED flashes when HOLD is selected.
If the battery is nearing the end of its useful life,
both LEDs flash sequentially for 3 seconds at each
power ON to indicate that the battery should be
replaced.
INSTRUMENT FEATURES
Your Concrete Encounter CME 4 employs advanced
analog and digital technology to enable the incorporation
of many new features which greatly extend the capability
of the instrument.
Two simple push button controls, ON/OFF and HOLD.
Concrete moisture readings, 0% to 6%, are displayed
on a clear easy to read moving coil meter with linear
scale.
Comparative or qualitative readings for gypsum and
other floor screeds are shown on a 0 to 10 scale.
A reference scale of 0 to 100 .
To conserve battery life, the instrument automatically
powers OFF after 10 minutes of inactivity.
Power remains on if a change in meter reading is
detected or any button is pressed.
Two LED (light emitting diode) indicators.

USER GUIDE
6
HOLD button freezes needle on moving coil meter, to
facilitate ease of recording readings.
If HOLD was selected prior to the CME4
automatically powering off, the frozen meter reading
is digitally memorized and restored next time
ON/OFF is selected.

USER GUIDE
7
WORKING WITH THE CME4
Drying time for concrete floors and screeds
Concrete floors and screeds must be allowed to dry to an
adequate level before the installation of floor coverings or
application of coatings. Manufacturers of such systems
generally require moisture testing to be performed before
installation or use on a floor slab.
Excessive moisture in a floor slab after the installation of a
floor covering or coating can cause failures such as
condensation, blistering, delaminating, movement and
general deterioration of the finished flooring/coating.
There is also a risk of promoting microbial growth.
No exact period can be specified for the drying of such
floors as this is affected by temperature and humidity
within the building as well as concrete curing times and
other factors. Typically a period of at least 3 to 4 weeks per
1inch (25mm) depth of concrete or sand/cement screed
needs to be allowed. Longer periods may be required in
areas of high humidity or low temperature. During the
drying period and prior to applying the floor covering, the
floor should be regularly checked to monitor moisture
content with the CME4.

USER GUIDE
8
Pre-test conditioning and preparation
For best and most accurate results, to allow for an
accurate reflection of the amount of moisture present and
moisture movement in the slab during normal operating
conditions:
Artificial heating or drying equipment should be
turned off at least 96 hours before final readings are
taken.
Internal conditions of the building should have been
at normal service temperature and humidity for at
least 48 hours.
Prior to testing, the surface should be prepared:
The test area should be clean and free of any foreign
substances, dust, dirt or standing water.
All covering materials, adhesive residue, curing
compound, sealers, paints, etc., should be removed
to expose a test area of clean bare concrete, strictly
observing all the appropriate safety and health
practices.
Removal of covering materials and cleaning if
required should take place a minimum of 48 hours
prior to testing.
Use of water based cleaning methods that could lead
to elevated surface and/or sub-surface moisture
levels in the floor slab are not recommended.

USER GUIDE
9
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Press the ON/OFF button to power up. The lower
LED will light.
If the battery voltage is getting low, the two LEDs
will flash sequentially for a short period. The
instrument will continue to operate for some time but
it is recommended that the PP3 (9 volt) battery be
replaced as soon as convenient.
NOTE
1.
Press your Concrete Encounter CME 4 directly onto
the surface of the material being tested ensuring that
all of the electrode spring loaded pins are fully
compressed.
Reading the CME4 analog dial.
For concrete, read the moisture content from the top,
0% to 6%, scale of the meter dial. Readings on a
concrete floor slab obtained on this scale indicate
moisture content measurement and should not be
confused with lbs emission or any other unit of
measurement obtained by other moisture testing
methods or meters. It should also be noted that there
seems to be no linear correlation between moisture
content measurements and lbs emission
measurements as obtained using calcium chloride
testing methods.
For gypsum and other floor screeds, comparative
or qualitative readings should be taken from the
middle, 0 to 10, scale of the meter dial.
2.
3.

USER GUIDE
10
Alternatively, the lower, 0 to 100, reference scale
can be used for comparative readings. This scale
is not to be interpreted as a measurement of
percentage moisture content, or relative humidity.
It is not a relative humidity reading and it does not
have any linear correlation with Relative
Humidity measurements. This scale should be
regarded as a comparative or qualitative scale
only. This scale is included to facilitate comparative
testing of different areas where direct contact with
the bare concrete surfaces may not be possible
due to some form of thin coating or covering on
the concrete, or additive in the concrete that could
influence the readings. Readings from the reference
or relative scale are comparative only and of
help in identifying areas with moisture problems.
The HOLD function is especially useful when taking
readings in areas where it is difficult to see the analog
dial while it is being pressed onto the surface.
Press the HOLD button once for easy and accurate
readings. The needle freezes on the analog dial. The
upper LED light flashes slowly indicating HOLD is
on.
If the CME4 is powered off while on HOLD, the
frozen reading is digitally memorized and restored
when powered on again.
Press the Hold button again to remove the frozen
reading in order to take further readings.
4.

USER GUIDE
11
Recommendations.
Take a number of tests (3-4) in close proximity to
each other, as the distribution of moisture tends to
become erratic as concrete dries out. Use only the
highest reading.
Avoid testing in locations subject to direct sunlight or
sources of heat.
Include tests in potentially damp areas such as the
center of the slab and within 3 feet (1 meter) of the
walls.
Always refer to the adhesive and/or floor covering
manufacturer’s recommendations for the acceptable
moisture content levels of concrete or floor screeds.
5.
The CME4 is calibrated to give percentage moisture
content readings on a clean, bare dust free concrete
floor slab, therefore readings taken on concrete slabs
through paint, coating, adhesives or other materials
on the surface of the slab should be regarded as
qualitative or comparative and not quantitative.
Power down by pressing ON/OFF. The lower LED
light will go off.
6.
NOTE
NOTE
To conserve battery life, the CME4 automatically
powers OFF after 10 minutes of inactivity, with an
audio alert sounding 10 seconds before powering
OFF.

USER GUIDE
12
LIMITATIONS
CALIBRATION
The CME4 will not detect or measure moisture through
any electrically conductive materials including metal
sheeting or cladding, many types of black EPDM rubber or
wet surfaces. The CME4 is not suited for taking
comparative readings in the concrete substrate through
thick floor coverings such as wood. The Tramex Moisture
Encounter Plus ( MEP ) or MRH III are more suitable for
this purpose. Moisture readings taken with the CME4
indicate the conditions at the time of testing.
For regular on-site assessment of your CME4 in moisture
measurement mode, a calibration-check plate is available
from the suppliers of your CME4. Should it be found that
readings are outside the set tolerances, it is recommended
that the CME4 be returned for re-calibration. Calibration
adjustments should not be carried out by anyone other than
Tramex or their authorized service provider who will issue
a calibration certificate on completion. Requirements for
quality management and validation procedures, such as
ISO 9001, have increased the need for regulation and
verification of measuring and test instruments. It is
therefore recommended that calibration of the CME4
should be checked and certified in accordance with the
standards and/or protocols laid down by your industry
(usually on an annual basis) by an authorized test provider.
The name of your nearest test provider and estimate of cost
is available on request.

USER GUIDE
13
WARRANTY
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 labour, or will provide a replacement in
exchange for the defective product returned to Tramex
Ltd. This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or
damage caused by improper use or improper or inadequate
maintenance and care.
In no event shall Tramex, its agents or distributors be
liable to the customer or any other person, company or
organisation for any special, indirect, or consequential loss
or damage of any type whatsoever (including, without
limitation, loss of business, revenue, profits, data, savings
or goodwill), whether occasioned by the act, breach,
omission, default, or negligence of Tramex Ltd., whether
or not foreseeable, arising howsoever out of or in
connection with the sale of this product including arising
out of breach of contract, tort, misrepresentation or
arising from statute or indemnity. Without prejudice to the
above, all other warranties, representations and conditions
whether made orally or implied by circumstances, custom,
contract, equity, statute or common law are hereby
excluded, including all terms implied by Section 13, 14
and 15 of the Sale of Goods Act 1893.
Warranty claims
A defective product should be returned shipping pre paid,
with full description of defect to your supplier or to
Tramex at address shown on the back of this guide.

USER GUIDE
14
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.
It is the responsibility of the user of this instrument to
establish appropriate safety and health practices and
determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior
to use.

USER GUIDE
15
NOTES

USER GUIDE
16
NOTES

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