Trotec BM31 User manual

BM31
OPERATING MANUAL
MOISTURE INDICATOR
EN
TRT-BA-BM31-TC-001-EN

1Operating manual – Moisture indicator BM31 EN
Symbols
Danger!
Warns of a hazard which can lead to injuries.
Caution!
Warns of a hazard which can lead to damage to property.
The current version of the operating manual can be found at:
www.trotec.de
Legal notice
This release replaces all previous versions. No part of this
publication may be reproduced without written permission from
TROTEC®. The same applies for electronically processing,
duplicating or spreading the publication. Subject to technical
changes. All rights reserved. Trademarks are used without
guarantee that they may be used freely and primarily following
the spelling of the manufacturer. Product names are registered.
Changes to construction in the interests of constant
improvements to the product, as well as changes to the shape
and colour are reserved.
The scope of delivery may vary from product images. This
document was created with all due care. TROTEC®accepts no
liability whatsoever for possible mistakes or omissions.
The only party responsible for determining measured results to be
valid, drawing conclusions and deriving actions is the user!
TROTEC®accepts no claims of warranty for the correctness of
the determined measured values or measured results. Further,
TROTEC®accepts no liability whatsoever for possible mistakes or
damage which have been caused by utilising the determined
measured results. © TROTEC®
Description of the device
The dielectric moisture indicator serves the purpose of a quick,
indicative and non-destructive localization of humidity or
moisture distributions.
The measuring device is suited for the preliminary check of the
building materials' readiness for covering for subsequent CM
measurements. The moisture indication allows the localization of
the most significant measuring spots to extract material for the
CM measurement.
Further available for the assessment of the measurements is a
Max/Min function.
The first measurement after switch-on is carried out
automatically and serves for the purpose of calibration.
The measuring device comes equipped with a selectable display
illumination.
When not in use, an automatic switch-off saves the battery.
Device depiction
Table of contents
Notes regarding the operating manual .................................... 1
Information about the device................................................... 1
Technical data ........................................................................ 2
Safety ..................................................................................... 3
Transport and storage............................................................. 3
Measuring principle ................................................................ 4
Operation................................................................................ 5
Maintenance and repair .......................................................... 6
Disposal.................................................................................. 6
Declaration of conformity ........................................................ 6
Notes regarding the operating manual
Information about the device
No. Operating element
1Sensor
2 Battery compartment with cover
3 Operating elements
4Display
1
2
3
4

EN Operating manual – Moisture indicator BM31 2
Operating elements
Display
Scope of delivery
• 1 x moisture indicator BM31
•1x9Vbattery
• 1 x Getting started guide
No. Operating element
5 Lamp button
6 MEAS key
7 Max/Min button
8 On/Off key
No. Display element
9MAXindication
10 MIN indication
11 HOLD indication
12 Measurement value display
13 Battery indication
75
8
6
Hi
Lo
HOLD
MAX
IR TEMP dBA
MIN
12
119
13
10
Technical data
Model: BM31
Weight: 190 g
Dimensions (H x W x D): 190 mm x 55 mm x 32 mm
Measuring range: 0 to 100 digits
Measuring principle: Dielectric
Measuring range resolution: 1 digit
Penetration depth: 5 to 40 mm
Operating temperature: 0 to 40 °C
Storage temperature: -20 to 70 °C
Power supply: 1 x Alkaline 9 V battery
Automatic switch-off of the
device: After approx. 30 seconds of non-use

3Operating manual – Moisture indicator BM31 EN
Carefully read the operating manual before using the device
and keep it within reach!
• Do not use the device in atmospheres containing oil, sulphur,
chlorine or salt.
• Do not operate the device near open electrical wiring.
• Do not operate the device near medical equipment (e.g.
pacemakers).
• Protect the device from permanent direct sunlight.
• Do not remove any safety signs, stickers or labels from the
device. Keep all safety signs, stickers and labels in legible
condition.
• Observe the storage and operating conditions (see chapter
Technical data).
Intended use
Only use the device for moisture measurements at components
within the measuring range specified in the technical data.
To use the device for its intended use, only use accessories and
spare parts which have been approved by TROTEC®.
Improper use
Do not use the device in potentially explosive atmospheres, for
measurements in liquids or at live parts. Do not use the device for
measurements at metal components. TROTEC®accepts no
liability for damages resulting from improper use. In such a case,
entitlements to a warranty are forfeited. Any unauthorised
modifications, alterations or structural changes to the device are
forbidden.
Personnel qualifications
People who use this device must:
• have read and understood the operating manual, especially
the Safety chapter.
Residual risks
Danger!
Do not leave the packaging lying around. Children may
use it as a dangerous toy.
Danger!
The device is not a toy and does not belong in the hands
of children.
Danger!
Dangers can occur at the device when it is used by
untrained people in an unprofessional or improper way.
Observe the personnel qualifications.
Caution!
To prevent damages to the device, do not expose it to
extreme temperatures, extreme humidity or moisture.
Caution!
Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents to clean the
device.
Transport
For transporting the device use a suitable bag to protect it from
external influences.
Storage
When the device is not being used, observe the following storage
conditions:
•dry.
• protected from dust and direct sunlight.
• with a plastic cover to protect it from invasive dust, if
necessary.
• The storage temperature is the same as the range given in
the chapter Technical data.
• When storing the device for a long time, remove the batteries.
Safety
Transport and storage

EN Operating manual – Moisture indicator BM31 4
The measurement is effected according to the dielectric
measuring principle. In the course of the measurement the
dielectric constant of the measured good is determined.
Please note:
• The measurement results are only to be used as reference for
a rough orientation.
• The displayed measured values are so-called unitless digit
values in the range of O-1OO. These do not resemble
moisture data in mass % or volume %.
• The height of the measured value can be calculated from the
determined dielectric constant of the measured material. Dry
air has a constant of 1, water 80. Hence, the more humidity
is contained in the material, the higher will be the displayed
measured value.
• Another important variable influencing the measured value is
the bulk density of the good to be measured. The higher the
bulk density, the higher the measured value.
• Depending on the material's bulk density and degree of
moisture penetration, the device's penetration depth
amounts to 5 to 40 mm. Conclusions regarding zones located
at a lower level cannot be drawn.
Disruptive influences
• Before measuring, the measuring point is to be cleared of any
impurities (e.g. paint residues, dust).
• If the material to be measured contains metal (e.g. nails,
screws, lines, pipes, etc.) and is situated within the sensor's
measuring field, the measured value skyrockets due to
intense reflections.
• When the ball head is held to corners (e.g. window frames),
the measured value is generally higher, because there is
more matter in the measuring head's stray field. Toward a
corner a distance of more than 8 to 10 cm has to be
observed.
• During the measurement always hold the ball head in a
vertical position to the measured material, press it to the
surface and do not tilt it.
• Rough surfaces will always result in a too low measured
value.
• With material thicknesses of less than 2 cm there is a danger
of humidity values from adjacent material layers affecting the
measured value.
• Material aggregates and their concentration, e.g. in screed or
concrete, can also considerably influence the height of the
measured value.
Measuring principle
Comparison chart material moisture
LCD display (digits)
dry normal damp
plaster and anhydrite in
M/CM % (M % = CM %) 0.3 0.5 1.4 2.0 2.5 2.7 %
cement-based
materials in CM % 1.5 2.1 3.0 3.5 4.0 CM %
cement-based
materials in mass % 2.7 3.6 4.5 5.5 6.0 M%
CM % = percentage due to calcium carbide method
M%=mass%
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

5Operating manual – Moisture indicator BM31 EN
Inserting the battery
Caution!
Make certain that the surface of the device is dry and the
device is switched off.
1. Remove the cover (14) from the device by sliding it in the
direction of the arrow.
2. Use the battery clip (15) to connect the new battery with
correct polarity.
3. Slide the cover (14) back on the device.
Switching on
• Press the on/off key (8).
– The display is switched on.
– The device is automatically calibrated.
– The device is ready for operation.
Note:
Note that moving from a cold area to a warm area can lead to
condensation forming on the device's circuit board. This physical
and unavoidable effect can falsify the measurement. In this case,
the display shows either no measured values or they are
incorrect. Wait a few minutes until the device has become
adjusted to the changed conditions before carrying out a
measurement.
Calibrating the measuring device
The device is calibrated anew whenever it is switched on.
1. Hold the measuring device preferably somewhere near the
bottom and in one hand (corrugated rubber coating).
2. Point the measuring device away from the body and any
objects into clear space.
3. Press the MEAS key (6) until the calibration is completed.
– The flashing CAL indication appears on the display.
– After approx. 5 seconds the flashing stops.
– The calibration is then complete.
– The next measurement can be carried out as usual.
Carrying out a measurement
1. Place the measuring device in a vertical position on the
component.
2. Press and hold the MEAS key (6) until the desired
measurement interval is completed.
3. Let go of the MEAS key (6) again.
– The indication HOLD (11) appears on the display.
– The last measured value is displayed.
– To perform a so-called moisture scan, run the device over
the surface to be measured without a break. Keep the
MEAS key (6) pressed uninterruptedly and check the
displayed digit value for possible changes.
MAX/MIN function
1. Press the MAX/MIN button (7) before measuring.
– MAX (9) appears on the display.
2. Press the MAX/MIN button (7) again.
– MIN (10) appears on the display.
3. Carry out the measurement with the desired setting.
Note:
Only the highest or lowest measured value during a measurement
will be displayed.
Switching on the display illumination
1. Switch on the measuring device.
2. Press the Lamp button (5).
– The display illumination goes on.
3. Press the Lamp button (5) again.
– The display illumination switches off.
Switch-off
The measuring device automatically switches off after approx. 30
seconds of non-use.
• Press the on/off key (8).
– The device will be switched off.
Operation
14
15

EN Operating manual – Moisture indicator BM31 6
Battery change
A battery change is required, when the Battery indication (12) can
be seen in the display or the device can no longer be switched on.
See Inserting the battery on page 5.
Cleaning
Clean the device with a soft, damp and lint-free cloth. Ensure that
no moisture enters the housing. Do not use any sprays, solvents,
alcohol-based cleaning agents or abrasive cleaners. Only use
clean water to moisten the cloth.
Repair
Do not modify the device. Never open the device housing or install
any spare parts. For repairs or device testing, contact the
manufacturer.
In the European Union, electronic equipment must not
be treated as domestic waste, but must be disposed of
professionally in accordance with Directive
2002/96/EC of the European Parliament and Council of
27th January 2003 concerning old electrical and electronic
equipment. At the end of its life, please dispose of this instrument
in a manner appropriate to the relevant legal requirements.
in accordance with the EC Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC
and the EC Directive 2004/108/EC about electromagnetic
compatibility.
Herewith, we declare that the moisture indicator BM31 was
developed, constructed and produced in compliance with the
named EC directives.
The marking is found on the rear of the device.
Manufacturer:
Trotec GmbH & Co. KG
Grebbener Straße 7
D-52525 Heinsberg
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Heinsberg, 31/03/2014
Managing Director: Detlef von der Lieck
Maintenance and repair Disposal
Declaration of conformity

Trotec GmbH & Co. KG
Grebbener Str. 7
D-52525 Heinsberg
[phone]
[phone]
[e-mail]
www.trotec.com