TRAMEX CONCRETE MOISTUREENCOUNTER X5 User manual

USER GUIDE
CONCRETE MOISTURE
ENCOUNTER X5
- CMEX5 -

CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction......................................................................................3-4
How it works.....................................................................................5-8
Instrument Features..................................................................9-10
OperatingInstructions....................................................................11
Non-Destructive Measurement Mode .........................12-18
ConcreteMCScale......................................................................12
CM (Carbide Method) Scale ..................................................13
CMAnhydrite/GypsumScale................................................13
Gypsum Ref 0-12 Scale...........................................................13
ReferenceScale...........................................................................13
Calibration ....................................................................................14
Typical Concrete Moisture Encounter X5 Displays..15
Drying time for concrete floors and screeds...............16
Testing moisture content in a floor slab.........................17
Pre-testing guidelines..............................................................17
Guideline non-destructive test procedures as per
International Standards........................................................18
Hygrometer Mode & Ambient RH ...................................19-29
Equilibrium / Ambient Relative Humidity Mode ......19-20
Relative Humidity Measurement........................................21
MoistureTestingGuidelines..........................................22-23
Hole Liner/Hood Instructions.....................................24-27
Calibration Check Salts...................................................28-29
Pin Probe Mode.........................................................................30-42
Pin Probe Menu Selections...................................................31
Factors Affecting Moisture Readings.....................32-33
Wood Flooring .....................................................................34-36
Temperature Adjustment Chart..........................................37
Humidity and Moisture Content Relationship.............38
Species Correction Charts.............................................39-50
Limitations .............................................................................................51
Calibration ...........................................................................................51
Warranty ...................................................................................................52
Product Development....................................................................53
Safety...........................................................................................53

CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE
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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for selecting the new Concrete Moisture
Encounter X5 instrument, from Tramex. This Concrete
Moisture Encounter has 4 measurement modes.
1. Non-destructive test (NDT) mode
The Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter X5 is a
non-destructive digital multi moisture meter for
concrete floors and slabs utilizing state of the art
electronic technology to provide instant and precise
quantitative measurement of moisture content
based on the gravimetric oven testing method. The
CMEX5 also provides Carbide Method equivalent
readings for concrete and other cementitious
substrates as well as comparative readings as per
ASTM F2659.
2. Hygrometer mode
The built-in Ambient Relative Humidity Sensor
measures Ambient Relative Humidity,Temperature,
Dew Point and Humidity Ratio (or Mixing Ratio) of
the environment.
3. Equilibrium/Ambient Relative Humidity mode
(optional plug-in probe)
Using the optional plug-in Hygro-i2 RH probes,
the Concrete Moisture Encounter X5 will measure
Equilibrium Relative Humidity,Temperature, Dew
Point and Humidity Ratio in structural materials. A
structural material such as a concrete slab can be
tested using the in-situ method or RH Hood methods
(International Standards: ASTM F2170 & BS 8201,
8203, 5325). Relative Humidity Probes can also
be used for ambient RH measurements within air
spaces.

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4. PIN Meter mode (optional plug-in probe)
The Concrete Moisture Encounter X5 becomes
a resistance type meter and measures the
percentage moisture content (%MC) of
wood when used with the optional plug-in PIN
meter. International wood standards or pre-
programmed wood species can be selected. PIN
meter mode can also be used for Drywall and
WME (Wood Moisture Equivalent) readings for
other materials.
QUICK TIPS for OPERATION:
●Press to power ON/OFF.
●Shortcut Menu: To choose between scales in Non-
DestructiveTesting (NDT), or Recently Used Wood
scales in Pin-Meter Mode, press , scroll and
press to select and return to main screen.
●Full Menu: Press to access Full Menu, and
to scroll, to select, and to exit menu to
main screen.
●Full Menu is used to choose NDTand Pin Scales
(Wood Standard, Wood Species, WME, Drywall),
Pin Temperature, Language andTemperature Scale
(Cº of Fº).

CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE
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HOW IT WORKS
In non-destructive testing (NDT) mode, the
instrument operates on the principle that the electrical
impedance of a material varies with its moisture
content. The instrument is pressed onto the material
surface with the pins fully compressed to measure/
detect the moisture content. The electrical impedance
is measured by creating a low frequency alternating
electric field between the electrodes as illustrated
below.
This field penetrates the material under test.The very
small alternating current flowing through the field is
inversely proportional to the impedance of the material.
The instrument detects this current, determines its
amplitude and thus derives the moisture value.
Alternating Electric Field
Receive
Electrode
Transmit
Electrode

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Hygrometer mode: The Concrete Moisture Encounter
X5 has a built-in hygrometer that measures the ambient
relative humidity (RH), temperature (T), dew point (DP)
and humidity ratio (HR G/lb) of the environment.These
measurements are permanently shown at the bottom of
the screen regardless of the mode or scale being used.

CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE
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In Equilibrium/Ambient Relative Humidity mode,
the Concrete Moisture Encounter X5 determines
the capacitance of the RH probe sensor which varies
with the relative humidity of the testing environment.
The Concrete Moisture Encounter X5 displays this
capacitance as a percentage relative humidity. It also
measures temperature and displays dew point and
humidity ratio.

CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE
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In PIN Meter mode the Concrete Moisture Encounter X5
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. If the wood is dry, the resistance
is high. If moisture is present in the wood the electrical
resistance between the pins changes.The higher the
moisture content the greater the reduction in resistance.
The level of resistance is accurately measured by the
instrument, which translates it into a moisture value. This
is a percentage of dry weight moisture content for wood.
International wood standards such or pre-programmed
wood species can be selected.
PIN meter mode can also be used for Drywall and WME
(Wood Moisture Equivalent) readings for many other
materials.
PIN meter mode should not be used for concrete or other
cementitious materials.

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INSTRUMENT FEATURES
Your Concrete Moisture Encounter X5 employs
advanced digital technology to enable the incorporation
of the many features listed below.
●4 modes of measurement: Non-destructive
moisture measurement, ambient hygrometer and
optional external in-situ hygrometer and wood pin
probe.
●8 simple membrane keypad controls.
●Moisture readings and scale are displayed on a
large, clear easy-to-read clear digital display:
2.3" x 1.4" (58mm x 35mm).
●5 NDTScales: Concrete MC, CM Concrete
(Carbide Method equivalent for concrete), CM
Anhydrite/Gypsum, Gypsum Ref 0-12 and a
Reference scale.These are selected using the
and keys.
●The built-in Hygrometer probe provides Relative
Humidity (RH) readings, temperature, dew point
temperature and Humidity Ratio.
●Wood pin probe mode is automatically selected
when the probe is plugged into the Concrete
Moisture Encounter X5.
●When the external Relative Humidity (RH) Hygro-i2
probe is connected to the Concrete Moisture
Encounter X5, the instrument automatically
switches to RH mode. Ambient or In-Situ Relative
Humidity readings, probe temperature, dew point
temperature and Humidity Ratio are automatically
displayed (Hygrometer Mode).

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●To conserve battery life, the instrument
automatically powers OFF after 5 minutes of
inactivity or when the key is pressed. If a key is
pressed the 'power off'-time will be extended for
an additional ten minutes.
●Front lit display allows the display to be easily read
in poor light conditions. This is enabled by pressing
the key. The backlight stays on for a period of
time set.
●HOLD freezes reading to facilitate ease of
recording readings. When the Concrete Moisture
Encounter X5 is in HOLD mode, ‘II’ is visible on
the display. If HOLD was selected prior to the
Concrete Moisture Encounter X5 automatically
powering off, the frozen display reading is digitally
memorized and restored next time ON is selected.
●When the battery requires replacement a LOW
BATTERY icon is shown on the display.

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Ambient RH Probe
2. Digital display
3. Menu button
4. Hold button
5. Bluetooth ON/OFF
6. Bayonet connection for Wood Probe
7. Light button
8. SCROLL UP button
9. SELECT button
10. ON/OFF button
11. SCROLL DOWN button
The instrument face with brief notes on the push button
controls and LCD is shown below.
85mm
16
4
7
3
160 mm
2
9
5
8
10
11

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NON-DESTRUCTIVE MEASUREMENT MODE
1. Press the key to power up. With no Hygro-i2
probe or pin probe connected the last used scale
will be displayed on the LCD. Press key again to
power off.
2. To choose between scales in Non-Destructive
Testing (NDT), use theShortcut Menu:press ,
scroll and press to select between Concrete
MC, CM Concrete (Carbide Method equivalent for
concrete), CM Anhydrite/Gypsum, Gypsum Ref
0-12 and Reference scales and return to main
screen.
3. Press your Concrete Moisture Encounter X5
directly onto the surface of the material being
tested ensuring that all the electrode spring-
loaded pins are fully compressed.
The Ambient values are always shown along the bottom
of the display in all NDTmodes.
Concrete MC Scale
When the Concrete scale is selected the quantitative
moisture content (%MC) measurement is shown in
the middle of the display. The moisture content (MC)
is displayed 0 to 6.9% on the Concrete Moisture
Encounter X5 display. Readings on a concrete floor
slab obtained on this scale indicate moisture content
and should not be confused with any other unit of
measurement obtained by other moisture testing
methods or meters.

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CM (Carbide Method) Concrete Scale
The Concrete Moisture Encounter X5 gives readings of
0 to 4.3 on the CM Equivalent Concrete Scale.These are
approximated equivalent readings to the carbide test
method for concrete.
CM Anhydrite/Gypsum Scale
Equivalent reading to Carbide Method (CM) test for
Anhydrite, Hemi-hydrate, Gypsum and Calcium Sulphate
Screeds.
Gypsum Ref 0-12 Scale
Reference readings replicating measurements using
concrete scale on concrete & sand/cement floors/
screeds, for use on Gypsum floors/screeds.
Reference Scale
For the Reference scale the readings are comparative
from 0 to 99. The readings on the Reference scale are
not to be interpreted as a measurement of percentage
moisture content (%MC) or relative humidity (RH%). It
is not a relative humidity reading and it does not have
any linear correlation with Relative Humidity measure-
ments. This scale should be regarded as a comparative
or qualitative scale only. This reference 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 very thin coat-
ing or covering on the concrete, or additive in the con-
crete that could influence the readings. This scale is not
suitable for reading through thicker floor coverings such
as wood laminates etc. Readings from the Reference
scale are comparative only and of help in identifying
areas with moisture problems.

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Calibration
For regular on-site assessment of your Concrete
Moisture Encounter X5 in moisture measurement mode,
a calibration-check plate is available from the suppliers
of your Concrete Moisture Encounter X5. Should it
be found that readings are outside the set tolerances,
it is recommended that the Concrete Moisture
Encounter X5 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 and National Standards,
have increased the need for regulation and verification
of measuring and test instruments. It is therefore
recommended that calibration of the Concrete Moisture
Encounter X5 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
authorised test provider. The name of your nearest test
provider and estimate of costs are available on request.

Ambient Temperature
Ambient Relative Humidity
Dew Point
Humidity Ratio Grams per
Pound/Kg
To change temperature between C and F and the
Humidity Ratio between g/kg and grains/lb, press the
button to go the Main Menu; scroll down and select
'TEMPERATURE SCALE' with the button, scroll and
select with the - button; and press the  button to
return to the main screen.
CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE
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Typical Concrete Moisture Encounter X5 Displays

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Drying time for concrete floors and screeds
Concrete floors and screeds must be allowed to dry
to an adequate level before the installation of sheet
material, tile, wood or coating. Manufacturers of such
systems generally require moisture testing to be
performed before installation on a floor slab. Moisture
content measurement is one such method. Excessive
moisture in or permeating from 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 to reach acceptable moisture content, as this
is affected by temperature and humidity within the
building as well as concrete curing times and other
factors.Typically a period of 1 month per inch (25mm)
depth of concrete or sand/cement screed is often
quoted. 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.

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Testing for moisture content in a floor slab
Pre-test conditioning and preparation
For best and most accurate results, final tests should
be carried out after the internal conditions of the
building in which the slab is located have been at normal
service temperature and humidity for at least 48 hours.
All artificial heating or drying equipment should be
turned off at least 96 hours before final readings are
attempted, otherwise results may not accurately reflect
the amount of moisture present or moisture movement
in the slab during normal operating conditions. If being
used for the final test while artifical heating or drying
equipment is on, the readings should only be considered
as an indicative guideline for monitoring purposes, and
not as the final test. Prior to testing, the actual test area
should be clean and free of foreign substances.
Pre-testing guidelines
Where covered floor slabs are being tested, all covering
materials, adhesive residue, curing compounds, sealers,
paints, etc., shall be removed to expose a test area of
clean bare concrete. For removal of any existing flooring
or adhesives, strictly observe all the appropriate safety
and health practices relevant to cleaning and removal of
these types of materials. 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, and the testing after such treatment
could result in elevated readings. No visible water in
liquid form should be present on the concrete at the time
of testing. Avoid testing in locations subject to direct
sunlight or sources of heat.

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Use of artificial aids for accelerated drying of concrete
is not recommended. If they are being used it is
recommended they should be turned off at least four
days before taking final readings.
Guideline non-destructive test procedures as per
International Standards
1. Remove any dust or foreign matter from the
Concrete Moisture Encounter X5 electrodes
before commencing tests. Make sure that the floor
slab being tested is clean and bare and free from
dust, dirt or standing water.
2. Push the button and press the instrument
directly onto the surface of the material being
tested ensuring that all of the electrode spring
loaded pins are fully compressed. Read the
moisture measurement from the appropriate scale
of the display.
3. On a rough surface, take a number of readings
in close proximity to one another such as 3 to 5
readings within an area of 1 ft2(929cm2) at each
location. If the readings vary, always use the one
with the highest value.
4. Perform at least eight tests for the first 1000ft2
(100m2) and at least five additional tests for each
additional 1000ft2(100m2). Include test locations
in the centre of the floor and within 3ft (1m) of
each exterior wall.

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HYGROMETER MODE
The built-in Ambient Relative Humidity Sensor on the
top of the Concrete Moisture Encounter X5 measures
Ambient Relative Humidity, Temperature, Dew Point and
Humidity Ratio (or Mixing Ratio) of the environment.
These values are always shown along the bottom of the
screen. The values are especially useful to avoid dew
pointissues at the time of application.
To change temperature between C and F and the
Humidity Ratio between g/kg and grains/lb, press the
button to go the Main Menu; scroll down and select
'TEMPERATURE SCALE' with the button, scroll and
select with the button; and press the  button to
return to the main screen.
EQUILIBRIUM  AMBIENT RELATIVE HUMIDITY MODE
The Hygro-i2 Probe utilises 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:
●Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)
systems.
●Environmental and building monitoring.
●Building inspection.
●Flooring (including in-situ method as per and hood
methods as per International Standards: ASTM
F2170 & BS 8201, 8203, 5325)

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A typical Concrete Moisture Encounter X5 display with
the external Hygro-i2 Probe is shown below.
F
C