Triplett MS120 User manual

User Manual
MS120
Pinless Moisture Meter
Introduction
Thank you for selecting the Triplett MS120 Pinless Moisture Meter. The
MS120 sensor performs non-invasive, relative moisture measurements on
wood and building materials such as wallboard, sheet rock, cardboard,
plaster, concrete, and mortar. The MS120 also offers auto power off
(APO), display lock (hold), and self-calibration features.
The MS120 is ideal for building restoration projects and applications
where moisture detection on floors and under carpets is critical. The
MS120 is also a handy tool for analyzing the effects of water leakage
behind walls and in ceilings.

Measurement Considerations
To measure moisture, the MS120 sensor emits and senses low-power
electro-magnetic signals. The displayed reading in percent is an average
of the moisture content measured over the entire sensor’s surface area
(40x40mm [1.6x1.6”]) and the maximum depth of penetration (20mm
[0.8”]). Moisture that is closer to the surface has a greater effect on the
displayed average than the moisture nearer to the maximum depth of
penetration.
Placing the sensor on asurface whose thickness is less than themaximum
depth of penetration may result in unreliable moisture readings; in these
cases, you can stack material on top of the measured surface to increase
the thickness.
The MS120 also produces audible tones and ‘moisture droplet’ display
icons to indicate moisture level. The audible tone rate and number of
droplets increase as the moisture level increases. The MS120 also
produces audible tones and ‘moisture droplet’ display icons to indicate
moisture level. The audible tone rate and number of droplets increase as
the moisture level increases.
Meter Description
1. LCD Display
2. Power button
3. Display Lock/Beeper button
4. Material Select button
5. Sensor (back of meter, directly
behind LCD)

Display Description
1. Moisture Drop icons (one for low moisture, two for medium, and three
for high)
2. Wood mode
3. Building Material mode
4. Beeper active icon
5. Moisture reading
6. Digital reading in % (relative)
7. Display Lock Mode
8. Battery Status
Operation
Powering the Meter and Self-Calibration
Long press the power button to switch the meter on/off. The meter
beeps and displays ON as it powers up. If the meter does not switch on,
please check the battery. The meter emits audible tones and performs a
self-calibration upon start-up. Keep the measurement sensor at least 8 to
10 cm (3 to 4”) from hands and objects during calibration. The calibration
reading must not exceed 0.5. If so, re-calibrate ensuring that hands or
other objects are clear of the sensor. Note: Calibrate the meter whenever
moving from one measurement area to another.
Auto Power OFF
The meter will automatically power OFF if the reading stays 0% for 3
minutes. If the meter detects readings, other than 0%, it will not
automatically power OFF.
Display Hold Lock
Short press the Display Lock button to freeze the displayed
reading. The icon is visible on the display when Display Lock is
active. Press again to return to the normal operating mode.

Beeper ON/OFF
The beeper defaults to ON. To switch the beeper OFF, long press the
Display Lock/Audible Beeper
button . When the beeper is active, the audio display icon will be
visible.
Pinless Moisture Measurements
1. Short press the Material Select button ( ) to toggle the Wood
and Building Material modes. The displayed icons indicate the
selected mode.
2. Position the sensor (located on back of meter, directly behind LCD)
firmly on a flat surface so that it directly touches the measurement
area. The measurement surface area should be larger than the
sensor surface area.
3. Observe the displayed relative readings, view the displayed moisture
droplet icon(s) (more drops indicate higher moisture levels), and
listen for the audible beeping (faster beeping indicates higher
moisture; there are eight intensity levels). As discussed in the
Measurement Considerations section, the displayed reading is an
average of the moisture measured over the entire sensor surface
area to the maximum penetration depth. The section Relative
Moisture Reading Ranges, below, provides measurement and
droplet icon ranges.
Relative Moisture Reading Ranges
WOOD (%)
BUILDING
MATERIAL (%)
TOTAL
RANGE >
0.1 ~ 99.9
0.1 ~ 56.5
LOW
0.1 ~ 29.9
0.1 ~ 13.9
MEDIUM
30.0 ~ 69.9
14.0 ~ 41.9
HIGH
70.0 ~ 99.9
42.0 ~ 56.5

Maintenance
Battery Replacement
When the battery status icon appears empty or flashing, replace the
battery.
1. Remove the rear battery cover by pushing the compartment latch
(bottom, back of meter).
2. Replace the 9V battery observing correct polarity.
3. Replace the battery cover securely.
4. Dispose of battery responsibly and within applicable legal
regulations.
Never dispose of used batteries or rechargeable
batteries in household waste. As consumers, users
are legally required to take used batteries to
appropriate collection sites, the retail store where
the batteries were purchased, or wherever batteries
are sold.
Disposal: Do not dispose of this instrument in household waste. The
user is obligated to take end-of-life devices to a designated collection
point for the disposal of electrical and electronic equipment.
Care and Cleaning
Store the meter in an environmentally stable, dust-free
environment, out of direct sunlight. Remove the battery from the
instrument if the meter is to be stored for long periods or if
the battery power symbol appears empty (or flashing) on the
display.
To clean the meter case, wipe with a damp cloth, do not use solvents or
abrasives.

Specifications
Display LCD with multi-function indicators
Measurement Type Pinless, non-destructive
Measurement Indication Digital relative reading in %, moisture drop
icons (1, 2, or 3 droplets),
audible tone (8 intensity levels) indicating low to high moisture readings
Measurement Ranges:
Wood: Low: 0.1% to 29.9%; Medium: 30.0% to 69.9%; High: 70.0 to
99.9%
Building Materials: Low: 0.1% to 13.9%; Medium: 14.0% to 41.9%;
High: 42.0 to 56.5%
Measurement depth Sensor detects to a depth of 20mm (0.8”)
Resolution 0.1%
Accuracy Relative readings only
Auto Power OFF After approx. three (3) minutes with a 0%
display reading
Power Supply One (1) 9V battery, battery consumption: <
40mA
Low Battery indication < 7.5VDC, approximately
Low Battery APO < 5.5VDC; APO will occur in 20 seconds,
approximately
Operating Conditions 5 ~ 45oC (41 ~ 113oF); 80%RH max.
Storage Conditions 0 ~ 50oC (32 ~ 122oF); 85%RH max.
Dimensions 170 x 65 x 30mm (6.7 x 2.6 x 1.2")
Weight 120g (4.2 oz.) without battery
Warranty
Triplett / Jewell Instruments extends the following warranty to the original purchaser of
these goods for use. Triplett warrants to the original purchaser for use that the products
sold by it will be free from defects in workmanship and material for a period of (1) one
year from the date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to any of our products
which have been repaired or altered by unauthorized persons in any way or purchased
from unauthorized distributors so as, in our sole judgment, to injure their stability or
reliability, or which have been subject to misuse, abuse, misapplication, negligence,
accident or which have had the serial numbers altered, defaced, or removed.
Accessories, including batteries are not covered by this warranty
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www.triplett.com