TRAMEX CONCRETE MOISTURE
ENCOUNTER X5 User Manual
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CONCRETE MOISTURE
ENCOUNTER X5
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CMEX5
USER GUIDE

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Summary of Contents for TRAMEX CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5

  • Page 1 CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 CMEX5 USER GUIDE...
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction..................3-4 How it works..................5-8 Instrument Features..............9-10 Operating Instructions..............11 Non-Destructive Measurement Mode ......12-18 Concrete MC Scale..............12 CM (Carbide Method) Scale ..........13 CM Anhydrite/Gypsum Scale..........13 Gypsum Ref 0-12 Scale............13 Reference Scale................13 Calibration ..................14 Typical Concrete Moisture Encounter X5 Displays..15 Drying time for concrete floors and...
  • Page 3: Introduction

    Encounter X5 instrument, from Tramex. This Concrete Moisture Encounter has 4 measurement modes. 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...
  • Page 4 CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE 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.
  • Page 5: How It Works

    CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE 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.
  • Page 6 CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE 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.
  • Page 7 CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE 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.
  • Page 8 CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE 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.
  • Page 9: Instrument Features

    CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE 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.
  • Page 10 CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE ● 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. ●...
  • Page 11: Operating Instructions

    CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS The instrument face with brief notes on the push button controls and LCD is shown below. 85mm Ambient RH Probe Digital display Menu button Hold button Bluetooth ON/OFF Bayonet connection for Wood Probe Light button SCROLL UP button SELECT button...
  • Page 12: Non-Destructive Measurement Mode

    CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE NON-DESTRUCTIVE MEASUREMENT MODE 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. To choose between scales in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), use the Shortcut Menu: press scroll and press to select between Concrete...
  • Page 13: Cm (Carbide Method) Scale

    CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE 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...
  • Page 14: Calibration

    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...
  • Page 15: Typical Concrete Moisture Encounter X5 Displays

    CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE Typical Concrete Moisture Encounter X5 Displays 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;...
  • Page 16: Drying Time For Concrete Floors And Screeds

    CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE 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.
  • Page 17: Testing Moisture Content In A Floor Slab

    CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE 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.
  • Page 18: Guideline Non-Destructive Test Procedures As Per International Standards

    CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE 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 Remove any dust or foreign matter from the Concrete Moisture Encounter X5 electrodes...
  • Page 19: Hygrometer Mode & Ambient Rh

    CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE 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.
  • Page 20 CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE A typical Concrete Moisture Encounter X5 display with the external Hygro-i2 Probe is shown below. F C...
  • Page 21: Relative Humidity Measurement

    CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE RELATIVE HUMIDITY MEASUREMENT There are two International Standard methods of relative humidity measurement in flooring that can be carried out with the Concrete Moisture Encounter X5 with the external Hygro-i2 probe attached: (a) In-situ (below the surface of the slab) ASTM F2170 &...
  • Page 22: Moisture Testing Guidelines

    MOISTURE TESTING GUIDELINES When performing moisture testing of concrete it is important to get the most accurate and most useful data from the tests. For this reason Tramex recommend a two-pronged approach. • The first step is to carry out a non-invasive moisture test with the Tramex CME5 or Concrete Moisture Encounter X5.
  • Page 23 CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE Equilibration Time: Allow at least 30 minutes for probe to reach temperature equilibrium before measuring relative humidity. It is vitally important that the concrete is at the same temperature as the probe. Even a slight difference in temperature will produce a significant error in relative humidity measurement.
  • Page 24: Hole Liner/Hood Instructions

    Cut hole liner to match drilled depth. Check cap fits. Connect with Tramex Electronic Interface Use supplied Retrieval tool to position the probe into place. For more information please visit: www.tramexmeters.com Tramex 2014. All right reserved. | HL-INS Ref: 1.2...
  • Page 25 Leave the Hygrohood in place Press down the cap for the period of time to seal specified by the standard being followed. A probe calibration check, is Connect your recommended within Tramex Meter 30 days of testing to take readings...
  • Page 26 CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE (b) On surface RH tests (RH hood method) The Tramex RH Hood can be used to perform testing to International Standards such as BS 8201, 8203, 5325. The following components are required to perform a RH Hood test: Concrete Moisture Encounter X5, Insulated hood (RHIH), Hygro-i2 probe and interface.
  • Page 27 CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE Please refer to the period of time as specified by the standard being followed for the duration of the test. The user should always refer to national standard guidelines for definitive and current procedures and specifications. When the time period has elapsed, check that meter readings do not drift by more than 1% RH over a 5 min period.
  • Page 28: Calibration Check Salts

    CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE CALIBRATION CHECK SALTS A saturated salt solution is the most suitable method for on-site testing of humidity sensors. The advantage of the on-site salt calibration check is that the user can check that the sensors are performing satisfactorily without having the need to send the sensors to a testing laboratory, which can be expensive and time consuming.
  • Page 29 CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE The test can be ended when RH% readings do not drift by more than 1% RH over a 5 minute period within the acceptable +/- 2% tolerance of the nominal 75% relative humidity. A temperature difference of +/- 1°C (1.8°F) can cause an error of up to +/-3 to 5% at 50% RH and +/-6% at 97% RH readings.
  • Page 30: Pin Probe Mode

    CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE PIN PROBE MODE This mode is automatically activated by plugging one of the optional Wood Electrodes into the bayonet socket at the top of the Concrete Moisture Encounter X5. In pin probe mode the Concrete Moisture Encounter X5 works on the principle of electrical resistance.
  • Page 31: Pin Probe Menu Selections

    CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE PIN PROBE MENU SELECTIONS Shortcut Menu: The Shortcut menu is used to choose from recently used wood species scales. To choose between Recently Used Wood scales in Pin-Meter Mode, press scroll and press to select and return to main screen. Full Menu: The Full Menu is used to choose Pin Scales (Wood Standard, Wood Species, WME, Drywall) and select Pin...
  • Page 32: Factors Affecting Moisture Readings

    CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE Factors Affecting Moisture Readings The readings of all moisture meters are influenced by the characteristics of different species of wood as well as temperature and other factors listed below: Species Different species of wood can vary in density and conductivity, which can have an effect on the electri- cal resistance of the wood.
  • Page 33 CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE Chemical Treatment Or Contamination Readings may be affected by certain flame retardants, preservatives, aluminium paint and by contamination by salt water. Treat all readings on such wood as indicative readings only. Surface Moisture Surface moisture due to wetting or condensation can affect readings when uninsulated pins are used.
  • Page 34: Wood Flooring

    CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE WOOD FLOORING Excess moisture in wood flooring can cause major problems. For instance, if installed with excess moisture, the wood can subsequently shrink, leading to job failure. If a wood floor (solid or engineered) is installed above wet concrete the wood can absorb moisture emitting from the concrete, causing the wood to swell and buckle and even cause structural damage to...
  • Page 35 CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE • Wood Species - a selection of most common wood species • WME scale is a Wood Moisture Equivalent scale for comparative pin readings in many building materials. • Drywall scale is a comparative scale for use in drywall To access these, press button to access Menu;...
  • Page 36 CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE Avoid taking readings on wood from the top of a stack stored outside as these may be affected by surface moisture from recent rain. When taking readings in chemically treated wood, it is advisable to allow for possible effects that the treatment may have on readings.
  • Page 37: Temperature Adjustment Chart

    CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE Temperature Adjustment Chart The Pin Probe has been calibrated on wood at an ambient temperature of 20°C ( 68°F). When measuring moisture in wood at a different temperature , the following temperature adjustment needs to be applied. (Figures rounded to the nearest whole number) Example 1: meter...
  • Page 38: Humidity And Moisture Content Relationship

    CONCRETE MOISTURE ENCOUNTER X5 USER GUIDE Humidity And Moisture Content Relationship The table below shows the approximate relationship between relative humidity (RH) and equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of some woods. (These figures are approximate values and may vary for different species.) Table 1.
  • Page 39: Species Correction Charts

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  • Page 51: Limitations

    Concrete Moisture Encounter X5 be returned for re-calibration. Calibration adjustments should not be carried out by anyone other than Tramex or their authorised service provider who will issue a calibration certificate on completion. Requirements for quality management and...
  • Page 52: Warranty

    In no event shall Tramex, its agents or distributors be liable to the customer or any other person, company or organisation for any special, indirect, or consequential...
  • Page 53: Product Development

    A defective product should be returned shipping pre paid, with full description of defect to your supplier or to Tramex at address shown on the back of this guide. PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT It is the policy of Tramex to continually improve and update all its products.
  • Page 54 FIND US ON: Tramex Ltd. Unit F, Glencormack Business Park, Kilmacanogue, County Wicklow, Ireland. Email: sales@tramexmeters.com USA (toll free) & Canada: Tel: 1800-234-5849 EU & Rest Of World: Tel: +353 1 681 4450...

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