
 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
VERSION 08/11
MF-50 MOISTURE METER
ITEM NO.: 12 34 91
INTENDED USE
This non-invasive digital moisture meter is ideal for measuring moisture content in concrete, 
wood and other building materials. This helps to check if the surface is ready for painting or 
covering. The device produces a beeping noise if the moisture level exceeds the threshold 
value. The device is powered by three AAA batteries. 
For safety and approval purposes (CE), you must not rebuild and/or modify this product. If you 
use the product for purposes other than those described above, the product may be damaged. 
In addition, improper use can cause hazards such as short circuiting, re, electric shock etc. 
Read the instructions carefully and keep them. Make this product available to third parties only 
together with its operating instructions.
DELIVERY CONTENT
Moisture meter• 
3 x AAA battery• 
Operating instructions• 
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read the operating instructions carefully and especially observe the safety 
information. If you do not follow the safety instructions and information 
on proper handling in this manual, we assume no liability for any resulting 
personal injury or damage to property. Such cases will invalidate the warranty/
guarantee.
Persons / Producta) 
The device is not a toy. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.• 
Do  not  leave  packaging  material  lying  around  carelessly.  These  may  become • 
dangerous playing material for children.
Protect  the  product  from  extreme  temperatures,  direct  sunlight,  strong  jolts, • 
moisture, ammable gases, vapours and solvents.
Do not place the product under any mechanical stress.• 
If it is no longer possible to operate the product safely, take it out of operation and • 
protect it from any accidental use. Safe operation can no longer be guaranteed if 
the product:
is visibly damaged, -
is no longer working properly, -
has been stored for extended periods in poor ambient conditions or-
has been subjected to any serious transport-related stresses.-
Please handle the product carefully. Jolts, impacts or a fall even from a low height • 
can damage the product.
In schools, training facilities, hobby or self-service workshops, handling of electrical • 
devices must be monitored by trained personnel.
When operating on commercial premises, the relevant accident prevention• 
regulations of workers’ compensation boards for electrical equipment must be 
observed.
Do not switch the measuring instrument on immediately after it has been taken from • 
a cold to a warm environment. The condensation water generated could destroy 
the device. Allow the device to reach room temperature before switching it on.
(Rechargeable) batteriesb) 
Correct polarity must be observed while inserting the (rechargeable) batteries.• 
(Rechargeable)  batteries  should  be  removed  from  the  device  if  it  is  not  used • 
for a long period of time to avoid damage through leaking. Leaking or damaged 
(rechargeable) batteries might cause acid burns when in contact with skin, therefore 
use suitable protective gloves to handle corrupted (rechargeable) batteries.
(Rechargeable)  batteries  must  be  kept  out  of  reach  of  children.  Do  not  leave • 
(rechargeable) batteries lying around, as there is risk, that children or pets swallow 
them.
All (rechargeable) batteries should be replaced at the same time. Mixing old and • 
new  (rechargeable)  batteries  in  the  device  can  lead  to  (rechargeable)  battery 
leakage and device damage. 
(Rechargeable) batteries must not be dismantled, short-circuited or thrown into re. • 
Never recharge non-rechargeable batteries. There is a risk of explosion!
Miscellaneousc) 
Consult  an  expert  when in  doubt  about  operation,  safety  or  connection  of  the • 
device.
Maintenance,  modications  and  repairs  are  to  be  performed  exclusively  by  an • 
expert or at a qualied shop.
If you are not sure about the correct connection or use, or if questions arise which are not 
covered by these operating instructions, please do not hesitate to contact our technical support 
or another qualied specialist.
Voltcraft®, Lindenweg 15, D-92242 Hirschau, Tel. +49 180/586 582 7.
OPERATING ELEMENTS
Humidity sensor (rear side)1. 
LC display2. 
ZERO button3. 
On/off button4. 
DOWN button5. 
MODE button6. 
UP APO button7. 
INSERTING / REPLACING BATTERIES
Unscrew the screw on the rear side with a Phillips screwdriver and take off the cover of the 1. 
battery compartment.
Insert three AAA batteries, observing their correct polarity. Observe the polarity markings in 2. 
the battery compartment.
Close the battery compartment again.3. 
Replace the batteries when the battery icon appears on the display.
OPERATION
General information before measurementa) 
The moisture level is an average value, which is inuenced by the moisture at the exterior 1. 
surface and the interior core of the material. If there is visible surface moisture or water, wipe 
off any excess and let dry for a couple of minutes before measuring.
Other elements may also affect the reading. Before measurement, the measuring surface 2. 
must be cleaned of any residual paint, dust, etc.
Hold the meter as far back as possible to avoid moisture inuence from your hand.3. 
The meter is not designed to measure metal or other materials which are strong conductors. 4. 
If embedded metal (e.g. nails, screws, cables, pipes etc) is within the measuring eld of the 
sensor, the readings will increase signicantly.
To avoid interference, maintain a minimum distance of 8 to 10 cm from other surfaces.5. 
Place the sensor on smooth surfaces, rough surfaces product inaccurate readings.6. 
The penetration depth of the device is 19 mm (3/4”). Depending on the density of the material, 7. 
reading of inner depth is not possible. If the material is less than 19 mm thick, the moisture 
content value may not be as accurate due to inuence from adjacent material. 
The complete sensor must lie at on the surface to be measured. If only part of the sensor 8. 
rests on the surface, incorrect readings will be displayed.
The density of the measured material is an important factor to the measured value. The 9. 
measured value increases with density.
A main eld of application for this  device is for comparative  measurements, comparing 10. 
measured values against a reference value. The reference value is established by measuring 
a similar or identical material at a clearly dry area. If the subsequent measurements are 
much higher than the reference value, it can be deduced that the areas being measured 
are damp. This procedure is well suited for water damage assessment, to detect leaking 
locations and areas of high humidity.