WAGNER Rapid RH 4.0 EX User manual

T
R
he Rapid RH® moisture testing system
should be used on any project where
moisture-sensitive floor coverings or coatings
are to be applied over concrete slabs. Owners,
general contractors, flooring contractors/
installers and testing companies need to be
sure the tests they perform are accurate,
repeatable and available to all who need
to know the current moisture condition of concrete
slabs.
apid RH® significantly improves your
project team’s ability to instantly test and/
or monitor the drying progress of a concrete
slab without adding substantial cost to the
project. The Rapid RH® enables you to take
fast, accurate periodic readings that fully
comply with industry standards. The Rapid
RH® Smart Sensors are factory-calibrated
and use CMOSens® technology to ensure the
sensor’s accuracy and fast equilibration.
2
®
E
X

Step1: Drillthe Hole Step2:Clean the Hole
Correct hole depth and hole diameter are important in complying with the ASTM F2170
standard (see ASTM F2170 Best Practices on page 11). For easy installation of a Smart
Sensor, a uniformly round hole is also important. Drill a hole in the concrete slab to the
required depth using a rotary hammer drill and a ¾”-diameter masonry drill bit. Per the
ASTM F2170 standard, drill the hole to a depth equaling 40% of the slab’s thickness for
slabs that are drying from one side, or 20% depth for a slab drying from two sides. For
proper Rapid RH® 4.0 EX installation, be sure to position the drill perpendicular (90˚) to
the surface being tested.
TIP: If you do not have a depth gauge for your drill, mark or tape-off your drill bit to the
correct depth setting.
Attach the vacuum attachment to the straight extension of a shop vacuum cleaner
hose* and thoroughly vacuum up the dust in and around the hole.
Next, insert the wire bristle brush into the hole. Turn the brush several times to
loosen pulverized concrete from the walls of the hole. Vacuum again. Repeat this
step twice to ensure no loose concrete particles remain in the hole.
IMPORTANT: Correct Diameter and Hole Uniformity: Usethe¾”-diametersection
of the black insertion tool as a diameter and uniformity gauge to ensure a correct
and uniformly round hole. If the ¾”-diameter section of the tool will not go easily into
the hole, the drill bit may be out-of-spec (worn out, etc.) or the hole may not have a
uniform diameter from top to bottom. Not performing this step may cause damage to
a Smart Sensor when attemptinginsertion.
*The vacuum attachment may require an adapter depending on vacuum model.
Brush Clean
Vacuum
3
Drill
4
3/4” Diameter Section

Step3:Insert the Smart Sensor
Directly out of the package, the Smart Sensor is 1.6” in
length or 40% of a 4” thick slab. ASTM F2170-11, Section
10.2 states: “Slab drying from top only (example: slab on
ground with vapor retarder below, or slab on metal deck):
40% depth. Slab drying from top and bottom (example:
elevated structural slab not in metal deck): 20% depth).”
Each Smart Sensor pack includes a number of short (0.4”)
extensionsthatcanbe insertedinto the Smart Sensor barrel
to enable use in thicker slabs. Adding one insert extends
the Smart Sensor barrel length to 2” for testing 5”-thick
slabs to the 40% depth. Keep any unused extensions for
future jobs. If needed, you can use additional extensions
to increase the length of the sensor barrel for thicker slab
applications.
In summary, add one extension insert to a Smart Sensor
barrel for every 1” increase inslab thickness over 4” to meet
the 40% depth requirement. The extension inserts make
the Smart Sensor’s usage flexible for varying thicknesses
of concrete.
Now, for all installations, take the Smart Sensor directly
out of the package, and with no extensions installed, insert
the Smart Sensor into the hole using the insertion tool with
orange cap placed atop for ease in pushing down on the
insertion tool. Push down on the insertion tool with cap to
insert the Smart Sensor down inside the hole, “seating” it at the bottom (review
the IMPORTANT hole diameter and uniformity comment under Step 2). Under
no circumstances should you tap or hammer the insertion tool to attempt to insert
the sensor. Doing so may cause damage to the Smart Sensor and will void any
warranty. At this point, for 1.6” depth holes (40% of 4”), insert a protective cap into
the top of the Smart Sensor base sleeve, and push down to the concrete surface.
Or, if testing in thicker slabs, assemble the proper number of extensions, and with
the protective cap inserted into the topmost extension, push down the extensions
and cap into the hole to the concrete surface, until fully seated on the Smart Sensor,
completing the installation.
Remember: Correct depth of hole is critical to adhere to the ASTM F2170 test
method. See ASTM F2170 Best Practices section on page 11.
Caution: NEVER use your reader device (either the Smart Reader or the Easy
Reader) to install the Smart Sensor.
5
Insert Smart Sensor
Using Insertion Tool
6
Insert Smart Sensor Using Orange Cap

Step 4: TakeReadings
When ready to take readings, remove the orange
protective cap from the Smart Sensor, and ensure no dust
or debris are inside. Insert the Rapid RH® Easy Reader
firmly until it comes fully into contact with the bottom of
the Smart Sensor. Hold the Easy Reader in place until the
first relative humidity reading appears on the screen (about
threeseconds),thenimmediatelyremovetheEasyReader.
The display will toggle back and forth between the relative
humidityvalue(whenthecursoris nexttothe %RH symbol)
and the temperature value (when the cursor is next to the
°F or °C symbol*). Once the Easy Reader is removed from
the Smart Sensor, the readings from that Smart Sensor
will continue to display for approximately 5 minutes or until
the Easy Reader is reinserted into another Smart Sensor.
After removal, wait at least 5 seconds before inserting the
Easy Reader into another Smart Sensor. Replace the Easy
Reader’s plastic end caps when not inuse.
Inmostcases, one hour afterinstallation, the SmartSensor
will generally give a reading within 3-5% RH of the reading
you would see after the ASTM-required 72-hour mark.
Just remember to follow the ASTM F2170 procedures
pertaining to equilibrationtime.
After the initial equilibration has been reached per ASTM F2170 requirements,
subsequent readings can betakeninstantly (see ASTM F2170 Best Practices section
at the end of this manual). If future testing is needed, replace the protective cap by
snapping it back into the SmartSensor.
Record readings on the enclosed report form in the spaces provided for information
required by ASTM F2170, including the date, time, %RH and temperature. The grid
at the bottom of the report form can be used to record test-hole locations. Each Smart
Sensor is serialized on the outside of the Smart Sensor. Extra copies of the report
form andanASTM F2170 checklist can bedownloaded at www.rapidrh.com. Youcan
also visit www.rhspec.com to visit links to various finished flooring manufacturers’
installation guides and their RH thresholds. For any additional questions related
to what RH levels are appropriate, please contact the manufacturer of the
product to be applied to the concreteslab.
*Rapid RH® Easy Readers that display temperature in Celsius can be identified by their blue labels and
blue plastic protective caps.
7
8
Record readings on report form
included with Smart Sensors
Easy Reader
inserted into a
Smart Sensor

If future readings are
no longer needed (for
example, when ready to
apply a floor covering
or coating), place the
stainless steel metal disk
over the Smart Sensor and
skim-coat the hole with
a cementitious patching
compound compatiblewith
the flooringmanufacturer’s
installationinstructions.
Easy Reader LCD display shows “ER”: The Rapid RH® Easy Reader may not be
properly communicating with the Smart Sensor for the following reasons: (1) The Easy
Reader was not in contact with the Smart Sensor long enough. Hold the Easy Reader
in the Smart Sensor until the first relative humidity reading appears on the screen, then
remove. (2) Debris is blocking proper contact. Check the Smart Sensor housing for any
debris.
Replace the batteries: The Easy Reader comes with two AAAA alkaline batteries. If
batteries are low, the display will read “LO.” Replace batteries immediately. To replace
the batteries, open up the battery cover by removing the one battery cover screw with
a jeweler’s Phillips screwdriver. DO NOT OPEN UP THE FULL BODY OF THE EASY
READER ATANYTIME.
UseConditions
The Rapid RH® 4.0 EX is intended for interior use only. It is imperative that the interior application area
be protected from weather elements such as rain and snow to prevent water intrusion. The Rapid RH®
4.0 EX is not to be used in concrete less than 28 days old (see ASTM F2170 Best Practices section
on page 11). Follow ASTM F2170, Standard Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in
Concrete Floor Slabs using in situ Probes1.
NIST2 traceable accuracy:
Readings at +/- 1.8% RH from 10% to 90%
Readings at +/- 3% RH from 90% to 95%
Avoid severe cold or hot storage environments (i.e. vehicles)
1Available from ASTM International, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, www.astm.org
2National Institute of Standards and Technology
Step5:Encapsulate Smart Sensor
Troubleshooting
9
10
Place metal disk over Smart
Sensor before encapsulating
Apply cementitious
patching compound

ASTMF2170BestPractices
New concrete slabs should be allowed to cure
and dry as long as possible before performing
any type of moisture testing. Even though
some methods state to wait at least 28 days
after a concrete pour before setting up test
instruments, it is often prudent to wait much
longer*. Minimizing the amount of time between
initiating any moisture testing on a slab and
obtaining the final results per testing standards
increases the chance that the test results will
more accurately indicate the condition of the
concrete around the test location.
On all slabs (new and old), it is recommended
to do test sampling, prior to complete testing,
according to the ASTM F2170 standard’s
requirement, in regards to the number of test
sites. It is good practice to initially only setup a
portion of the test locations ultimately required
and use those few locations as a means to
indicate when the rest of the tests should be
performed. If extended periods of time have
elapsed between initially setting up test locations and obtaining the final results per
testing standards, then it is good practice to set a few new tests to confirm and
validate what the older test locations are currently indicating.
Additionally, it is good practice to let the sensors lay on the slab for about 10 minutes
or so prior to installation, until they reach temperature equilibrium with the slab to
prevent any dew point issues that might cause condensation on or around the sensor
(NOTE: Wagner has not heard of any reports where this has actually been an issue,
but it is still a best usepractice).
For more information on relative humidity in concrete floors and moisture testing,
go to www.cement.org to order the book “Concrete Floors and Moisture” by Howard
Kanare.
*The drying rate of standard Portland cement-based concrete slabs has been studied extensively. For
slabs drying from one side, a very ‘general’ rule-of-thumb as a drying rate is approximately 30 days of
drying time for each inch thickness of the slab for the relative humidity level to reach somewhere in the
85%-90% range. This is only a very rough approximate guideline, and drying times can, and often are,
much longer if good drying conditions (closed-in space, environmental controls on, etc) are not present.
Additionally, other factors such as the densifying of a slab surface from heavy power-troweling, additional
water added to the concrete at time of pour, rain or construction water sitting on a slab, etc, can drastically
affect the drying time of a concreteslab.
11
12

Wagner Meters Limited Warranty
Wagner Meters warrants the Rapid RH® 4.0 EX Smart Sensor and Rapid RH® Easy Reader products
against defects in material and workmanship for one (1) year from the date of purchase, subject to the
following terms and conditions:
Wagner Meters’ liability under this warranty shall be limited, at Wagner Meters’ option, to the repair or
replacement of products or any part thereof, which are demonstrated to be defective. To exercise this
warranty, customer must send product back with a copy of the proof of purchase date, the reason for
return and, if Wagner determines it is under warranty, Wagner will replace the customer’s product. This
limited warranty does not apply if the product has been damaged by accident, negligent handling, misuse,
alteration, damage during shipment or improper service. Wagner Meters shall in no event be liable for any
breachof warrantyor defectinthis product, whichexceeds theamount ofpurchase priceofthe product.
Relative humidity is one of many factors necessary for construction decisions. Wagner Meters does not
assume responsibility for any particular construction decision based on the readings of this instrument and
doesnotguaranteeanyspecificconstructionresults.
The method of use of this instrument and the interpretation of the readings are beyond the control of the
manufacturer.WagnerMeterscannotacceptresponsibilityforanyloss,consequentialorotherwise,resulting
from the use of the Rapid RH® 4.0EX and its accessories.
The Rapid RH® 4.0 EX Smart Sensor should be used before the specified expiration date included in the
certificate of calibration. IIf the Smart Reader/Easy Reader does not appear to function properly for any
reason, contact Wagner Meters for remedy.
Thiswarrantyisinlieuofallotherwarranties,whetheroralorwritten,expressorimplied.Anyimplied
warranties, including implied warranties ofmerchantability and fitness for aparticular purpose, are
excluded. Ifthisproductis notingoodworkingorderas warrantedabove,thecustomer’s soleremedyshall
berepair orreplacementas providedabove.
Thiswarrantyis personaltothecustomerpurchasingtheproductfromWagnerMetersorfromitsauthorized
distributorsandis nottransferable.
The agents and employees of Wagner Meters are not authorized to make modifications of this warranty or
additionalwarrantiesbindingonWagnerMeters.Accordingly,additionalstatements,whetheroralor written,
except written statements from anofficer of Wagner Meters, donot constitute warranties and shouldnot be
relied upon by the customer.
13