Commonly utilised by building surveyors for checking the building structures, the Protimeter Mini can measure both the surface and sub-surface moisture. Featuring two pins at the top of the instrument for reading surface damp readings, whilst deep wall probes can be utilised to measure the sub-surface readings.
Taking the readings
The display is a collection of 60 LEDs divided into color-coded zones signify moisture readings of the material under investigation. The green, yellow, and red color-coded zones indicate the following:
• Material in the green zone is in a safe air-dry condition.
• In the yellow zone, moisture levels are higher than normal but not critical; further investigation is recommended.
• The red zone represents excessive moisture levels. If sustained, red zone moisture levels will lead to decay in organic materials.
When reading off the damp measurement, the scale runs from 6% to 90% WMC (wood moisture content). Depending upon the moisture reading, one of the LEDs will light up allowing the surveyor to read of the moisture reading.
The WME value is the theoretical moisture level that would be attained by wood that is in moisture equilibrium with the material being tested.
Simply hold the instrument with the pins touching the material’s surface and read the moisture level from the LED scale.
A low or no reading will occur if the pins are placed onto a painted or varnished surface. Similarly a covering like vinyl will not hold moisture and provide a low reading.
Be careful not to push the pins into a surface which can be damaged or marked.
When determining the sub-surface moisture readings, the surveyors can utilise a set of deep wall probes which connect to the Protimeter Mini through the external auxiliary port.
To use the Deep Wall Probe, drill two clearance holes 1/4 in. (6 mm) in diameter and approximately 1 1/2 in. (40 mm) apart to the required depth.
Connect the Deep Wall Probes to the instrument and push the two probe rods into the clearance holes. Hold the rods firmly against the base of the holes while taking the reading (see photograph at right).
If you would like to read the full operators instructions, please follow this link
If you would like to read more information on the Protimeter Mini, please follow this link
