User Manual - Carpet Maintenance Supply
Contents
1. When using the MMS to measure the conditions in air the Hygrostick probe is normally connected directly to the instrument When it is impractical or awkward to use the instrument in this way the Hygrostick extension lead may be used to connect the Hygrostick to the instrument Typically the extension lead will be used when taking readings from Hygrostick probes that have been embedded in structures such as walls and floors 4 Condensator Mode The Condensator mode enables the user to assess the risk of condensation occurring on surfaces or to confirm whether or not condensation is present on a surface To use the MMS as a Condensator connect the Hygrostick probe directly into and connect the Surface Temperature Sensor either the standard direct contact type or the optional infrared remote type into EC2 Turn the MMS on by pressing button 1 Select the Condensator mode by pressing successively until the word CONDENSATOR is visible in the top centre of the LCD Then press to select relative humidity rh ambient temperature dew point temperature Tow surface temperature Ts or temperature difference Tor as required Ts and Torr measurements can only be obtained if Surface Temperature Sensor is connected to the instrument and held against the surface of interest Temperature values be displayed in C or F see section 5 for setup is a useful function w2. 1 at a time the moisture profile through the wall can be established Item 2 Condensation related moisture problems are arguably the most prevalent When assessing the risk of condensation or confirming its existence the proximity of the actual temperature of the surface under investigation to the dew point must be established The measurement in CONDENSATOR mode tells the user how many degrees the temperature of a surface is above or below the dew point As many condensation situations are transient Torr readings should be taken in a methodical and regular manner similar to moisture meter readings in materials Ambient RH and temperature values should also be taken to assess the moisture condition of the room as a whole Dwellings and working environments generally have an RH of between 40 to 60 so there may be cause to investigate environments that register RH values outside this range Item 3 Two hygroscopic salts chlorides and nitrates may build up on the surface of walls where rising dampness occurs As groundwater moves through the wall and migrates to the surface salts tend to accumulate where the rate of evaporation of this water is greatest The salts themselves are non conductive but when mixed with a small amount of moisture a highly conductive solution is formed The presence or absence of such salts should therefore be established when rising dampness is suspected by using the Protimeter MMS in Measure mode as
3. gt PROTIMETER Moisture Meamrement System Instruction Manual Protimeter MMS Protimeter MMS Plus So CONTENTS Introduction 1 0 Product Familiarisation 1 1 Switching the MMS On and Off 1 2 Optional Accessories 2 0 Moisture Meter Modes 2 1 Search Mode 2 2 0 Measure Mode 2 2 1 Using Auxiliary Moisture Probes in Measure Mode 2 2 2 Detecting hygroscopic salts Hygrometer Mode Condensator Mode Setup Mode Hold and Logging Mode Diagnostic Procedure Guidelines Calibration Checking ON QO CO Care and Maintenance 10 Technical Specification Appendix 1 Guidance notes for measuring in floors Appendix 2 MMS Plus BLD5800 LH Additional functions DN AA aa KR KR CO C R WY NY Introduction The Protimeter Moisture Measurement System MMS is a powerful and versatile instrument for measuring and diagnosing dampness in buildings and building materials This product enables building surveyors and other practitioners to measure moisture levels of building elements such as walls floors and building environments simply by switching between the three different modes of operation In this way a detailed understanding of the moisture condition of the property can be obtained 1 0 Product Familiarisation The Protimeter MMS kit comprises a carry case containing the MMS instrument and a range of standard accessories as detailed in table 1 Description Part Number Protimeter M
4. 9 30 21 2 10 5 123456 CONDENSATOR rh yr mm dd hr min rh Tar Hygrostick serial no example 00 01 07 09 30 52 5 21 2 123456 CONDENSATOR yr mm dd hr min Tas Hygrostick serial no example 00 01 07 09 30 21 2 123456 CONDENSATOR yr mm dd hr min Tas Toew Hygrostick serial no example 00 01 07 09 30 21 2 10 5 123456 CONDENSATOR Ts yr mm dd hr min Ts example 00 01 07 09 30 18 6 CONDENSATOR Tor yr mm dd hr min Tar Toew Hygrostick serial no example 00 01 07 09 30 8 1 21 2 10 5 123456 Table 6 7 0 Diagnostic Procedure Guidelines When diagnosing dampness in buildings there are three key criteria that must be considered as outlined in table 7 Criteria 1 Is a wall or other building element in a safe air dry condition 2 5 the surface temperature of a wall or other building element above or below dew point 3 Is a wall surface or other building element contaminated with hygroscopic salts or other conductive materials Notes Air dry is the moisture content that is normal and safe from moisture related deterioration or decay in buildings When the Protimeter MMS moisture meter modes are selected measured values are identified as DRY AT RISK or WET Dew point is the temperature at which a given quantity of air becomes saturated 100 RH and forms dew or condensation If a surface is colder than dew point condensation occ
5. MS MMS Plus BLD5800 BLD5800LH Comprising Protimeter MMS instrument POL5800 POLS5800LH Hygrostick hygrometer probe POL4750 Hygrostick extension lead BLD5802 Moisture probe BLD5060 Deep wall probes length 140mm BLD5018 Surface temperature sensor direct contact BLD5804 Carry case POUS5800 01 Calibration check device for BLD5086 Instruction manual INS5800 Table 1 POUS800 01 POL5800 BLD5802 BLD5804 BLD5018 750 BLD5060 The MMS instrument is a battery powered handheld unit that has cluster of four buttons and a large liquid crystal display LCD The bulge at the top of the instrument houses a sensor for detecting moisture within solid materials Edge connection is for use with a Hygrostick probe The jack socket JC is for use with a moisture probe deep wall probes or hammer electrode EC2 is for use with the Direct Contact Surface Temperature Sensor and for connection to a PC when using the optional MMS logging softwa re The Hygrostick probe measures relative humidity rh and ambient air temperature Tar in rooms or materials It can be connected directly to the MMS instrument or by means of the Hygrostick extension lead The surface temperature sensor is used Ts when investigating condensation situations The moisture probe is used to obtain percent moisture content values in wood or wood moisture equivalent WME values in other non conductive materials Deep wa
6. cturers they cannot accept responsibility for any loss consequential or otherwise resulting from its use Protimeter amp and Hygrostick are registered Trade Marks of Protimeter plc 55 PROTIMETER GE PROTIMETER plc Meter House Marlow Bucks 517 England Tel 44 0 1628 472722 Fax 44 0 1628 474312 E mail protimeter ge com Web Site www protimeter com GE Protimeter North America Tel 1 800 321 4878 GE Protimeter GmbH Tel 49 0 2129 37530 GE Protimeter Nordic Tel 46 0 8718 3245 O Protimeter plc 1 55800 Jan 04
7. described When required the Protimeter Salts Analysis Kit part number BLD4900 can be used to identify the relative concentrations of nitrates and chlorides In summary effective dampness diagnosis is a process that draws on the knowledge and expertise of the surveyor The Protimeter MMS kit enables the practitioner to investigate moisture levels in materials and environments from various perspectives that in turn enables him her to make more thorough and reliable judgements as to the cause of dampness related problems 11 8 0 Calibration Checking Check the Moisture meter Measure mode by holding the pins of the Moisture Probe across the exposed wires of the calibration check device Calcheck The WME value of correctly calibrated instruments is between 17 19 Instruments that register values outside this range should be returned to Protimeter or an official Protimeter distributor for servicing There is no facility to check the calibration of the Search mode Working Hygrostick probes can be checked against reference Hygrostick probes or against known humidities Protimeter plc recommend those Hygrostick probes that have drifted by more than 5 are discarded and replaced New Hygrostick probes are available from Protimeter plc or official Protimeter distributors 9 Care and Maintenance The Protimeter MMS is a precision built piece of electronic equipment that will provide many years of reliable service if the following poin
8. f the LCD Then press to select the Measure mode indicated by the LCD Connect the Moisture Probe or other electrodes such as Deep Wall Probes or Hammer Electrode see section 2 2 1 to the MMS Instrument using socket JC The instrument can now be used to take actual MC readings in wood and WME readings in non conductive solid materials other than wood by pushing the Moisture Probe pins into the surface The measured value is displayed and the progress bar indicates whether the material is in a DRY AT RISK or WET condition as summarised in table 2 2 MC wood only or WME value Instrument display in MOISTURE Measure Mode lt 8 denotes out of range inactive progress bar gt 8 but lt 17 or ZWME value DRY active progress bar 17 but lt 20 MC or WME value AT RISK active progress bar 20 but lt 28 or value WET active progress bar 28 to 100 Relative value only active progress bar Table 2 2 2 2 1 Using Auxiliary Moisture Probes in Measure Mode When sub surface readings are required in masonry the Deep Wall Probes should be used instead of the standard Moisture Probe To use drill two 6mm clearance holes 50 75mm apart to the required depth Push the two Wall Probes into the holes and press and hold the tips firmly against the bottom of the holes Ensure that the probes are connected to socket JC and mea
9. hen investigating condensation as it tells the user how many degrees a surface is above or below the prevailing dew point temperature When a surface is more than C above dew point is displayed with the message NO CONDENSATION When the surface temperature is C or less above dew point is displayed with the message AT RISK NO CONDENSATION When the surface temperature is equal to or lower than the dew point a negative is displayed with the message CONDENSATION The progress bar is activated when Torr is less than 14 C above dew point It moves from left to right to signify the increasing risk of and degree of condensation Table 4 summarises this functionality Temperature of Surface Instrument display in CONDENSATOR Tor Mode gt 149 above dew point NO CONDENSATION inactive progress bar lt 14 C but gt 3 C above Tor NO CONDENSATION active progress bar dew point lt 3 C above dew point Tor AT RISK NO CONDENSATION active progress bar lt dew point Torr CONDENSATION active progress bar Table 4 5 Setup Mode The Protimeter MMS instrument has a range of features that can be selected by the user as listed in table 5 Setup Setup selection Code S1 Displays temperature values in C S2 Displays temperature values F 53 Activates LCD back light S4 Deactivates LCD back light S5 Activates bleeper S6 Deactivates bleeper DEF Default se
10. ll probes are used to obtain WME values at depth in solid structures such as walls and floors 1 1 Switching the MMS On and Off Prior to initial use ensure that two LR batteries are correctly inserted in the battery compartment Note that low battery power is indicated by i on the display when this appears replace the batteries Switch the MMS on by pressing momentarily The MMS will switch off automatically after 1 minute unless the default setup is changed see section 5 Alternatively switch off by pressing 1 and holding for 3 seconds or more Once 1 has been depressed for 3 seconds all text information blocks appear on the display these disappear when D is released and the unit switches off 1 2 Optional Accessories A range of optional accessories may be used with the Protimeter MMS and MMS Plus These include Hammer Electrodes memory access software and deep wall probes For more information please contact GE Protimeter or your official Protimeter supplier 2 0 Moisture Meter Modes The MMS can be used to detect and measure moisture in non conductive solid materials such as wood and masonry Two modes of operation are available the Search mode for qualitative measurements and the Measure mode for precise and localised moisture content measurements in wood or WME values in materials other than wood 2 1 Search Mode Selection and Use Turn the MMS by pressing 1 Select the moisture meter mode by pressing gt
11. operating modes or leave for three seconds The instrument would now switch off automatically after five minutes 8 6 Holding and Logging Mode Moisture temperature and RH values can be held by pressing and holding 1 If the button is held down for less than three seconds the instrument reverts to the mode of measurement that had been selected previously If held down for more than three seconds the instrument switches off when 1 is released see section 1 1 Readings can be logged in the MMS memory minimum of 300 line entries by pressing 4 1 Table 6 details what information is logged when using this facility in the operational modes Contents of the memory can be downloaded to a PC running Microsoft Windows 95 or later and loaded with Protimeter MMS Logging Software For further information please refer to the MMS LOGGING HELP DOCUMENT 558001 supplied with the Protimeter Logging Software CD Mode Display Information stored by pressing button lt 4 MOISTURE meter REL yr mm dd hr min relative value example 00 01 07 09 30 530 MOISTURE meter 9 WMEE yr mm dd hr min WME value example 00 01 07 09 30 12 5 HYGROMETER rh yr mm dd hr min rh Tar Hygrostick serial no example 00 01 07 09 30 52 5 21 2 123456 HYGROMETER Tar yr mm dd hr min Tar Hygrostick serial no example 00 01 07 09 30 21 2 123456 HYGROMETER Tow yr mm dd hr min Tar Tow Hygrostick serial no example 00 01 07 0
12. re If required measured values can be stored in the MMS Plus memory for downloading to a PC Please refer to Section 6 for details Only software version 2 04 and above should be used with the MMS Plus Instructions on using the Low Humidity Range Probe BLD5812 The optional Low Humidity Range probe measures humidity in the nominal range 0 40 rh It can only be used with the Protimeter MMS Plus instrument as follows Select Hygrometer mode of operation as detailed in Section 3 Ensure that the Hygrostick is not plugged into the connection on the top of the instrument Plug the LHR probe to the connection on the right hand side of the MMS Press to display rh temperature dewpoint Mixing Ratio or Specific Humidity as required PANS Caution Be aware that the relative humidity of many environments exceeds 40 rh When the LHR probe is connected in environments that exceed 40 rh the MMS instrument diplays o denoting out of range The LHR probe must not be plugged into the socket on the top of the MMS instrument Be aware that this could damage the instrument BLD5812 Low Humidity Range Probe Specifications Nominal measurement range 0 40 rh Uncertainty 2 0 rh 20 C 0 40 C Uncertainty 0 3 C The information contained in this manual is given in good faith As the method of use of the instrument and its accessories and the interpretation of the readings are beyond the control of the manufa
13. successively until the word MOISTURE is visible in the top right corner of the LCD Then press to select the Search mode indicated by REL on the LCD The instrument can now be used to take relative moisture readings in solid homogenous materials such as walls and floors by holding the leading edge of the sensor bulge against the surface as illustrated at an angle ranging from 20 50 Relative readings ranging from 0 1000 are given on the LCD together with a progress bar that indicates if the material is in a DRY AT RISK or WET condition As reliable readings will only be obtained if the leading edge of the sensor bulge is in direct contact with the surface the Search mode is not suitable for surveying textured finishes The nominal depth of penetration is up to 10mm in dense homogenous materials Readings taken through low density coverings carpets polystyrene tiles etc will not be representative of the moisture level in the substrate itself When using the MMS in Search mode it is recommended that no attachments i e Hygrostick probe Surface Temperature Sensor or Moisture probe are connected This practice will minimise reading errors and the potential for electromagnetic interference with other electronic equipment 2 2 0 Measure Mode Selection and Use Turn the MMS on by pressing 1 Select the moisture meter mode by pressing gt successively until the word MOISTURE is visible in the top right corner o
14. sure the WME value as described in section 2 2 The most convenient way to take sub surface readings in wood is by using an optional Hammer Electrode 2 2 2 Detecting Hygroscopic Salts The MMS instrument can be used as a basic salts detector when used with the Moisture Probe filter papers and distilled water not included Moisten the filter paper with the water and take a reference reading across it with the Moisture Probe Then place the moistened filter paper against the surface of interest and hold in place for 30 seconds Remove the paper and place the pins of the Moisture Probe across the paper again and observe the reading and compare with the original reference reading If the difference is more than 20 points there is significant salts contamination that may warrant further investigation 3 Hygrometer Mode Selection and Use To use the MMS as a hygrometer connect the Hygrostick probe directly into EC1 or indirectly by means of the Hygrostick extension lead Turn the MMS on by pressing 1 Select the hygrometer mode by pressing gt successively until the word HYGROMETER is visible in the top left corner of the LCD Then press to select relative humidity rh ambient temperature Tar or dew point temperature Tow as required Temperature values can be displayed in C or F see section 5 for setup rh and Tar measurements are made by the Hygrostick sensor and the MMS instrument uses these values to calculate
15. tions or placed at the POM for at least 24 hours prior to taking ERH readings APPENDIX 2 BLD5800LH MMS Plus Additional Functions The Protimeter MMS Plus is a derivative of the standard Protimeter MMS that has additional functionality as follows In Hygrometer mode it can display the Mixing Ratio Specific Humidity of moisture vapour in either grains lb or g kg of dry air It can be used with an optional low humidity range sensor Protimeter Part No BLD5812 Instructions to Display Mixing Ratio or Specific Humidity The Mixing Ratio or Specific Humidity as it is also known is the mass of water vapour per unit mass of dry air This figure can be displayed in the Hygrometer mode of operation as detailed in section 3 By Pressing repeatedly in Hygrometer mode the following measurements are displayed in succession rh relative humidity Tar air temperature in either C or dewpoint in either C or F g Lb Specific Humidity expressed as grains lb when the MMS is set up to measure temperature in F AbS Mixing ratio expressed as g kg when the MMS is set up to measure temperature in C The Mixing Ratio AbS or Specific Humidity g Lb displays are accompanied by a momentary beep to draw attention to the unit of measurement before displaying the value itself To change from C to F temperature measurement and vice versa please refer to section 5 BLD5800LH Logging Softwa
16. to connect the Hygrostick to the MMS instrument having previously removed the protective yellow Hygrostick cap if fitted v Select the Hygrometer Mode of operation as detailed in section 3 of the MMS instruction manual vi Measure the rh in the hole this is the ERH value of the floor slab 2 2 Sub surface ERH Test Procedure using Protimeter Humidity Sleeves Protimeter Humidity Sleeves are convenient optional accessories for use with Protimeter Hygrosticks Clearance holes are drilled at the required POMs and the Humidity Sleeves are inserted As each Humidity Sleeve has its own sealing cap it is not necessary to plug or cover the drilled holes Having placed the Humidity Sleeves in the floor slab ideally 24 hours before ERH measurements are to be taken remove the cap and follow the procedure as given above from 2 1 ii 2 3 Surface ERH Test Procedure using Surface Humidity Box If it is impractical or undesirable to take sub surface ERH readings the best technique for determining the actual moisture condition of the slab the Hygrostick can be used in combination with a Humidity Box placed on the surface Typically Humidity Boxes are used on floors with embedded heating pipe work or when a contractor is working to standards that specify surface ERH techniques e g BS 8203 1996 A Protimeter Humidity Box Part No BLD4711 is available as an optional accessory It should be used in accordance with applicable standard recommenda
17. ts are observed i When not in use keep the MMS instrument in its pouch together with its accessories Store the kit in a stable dust free environment and out of direct sunlight i Remove the batteries from the instrument if it is to be stored for periods of more than four weeks or when the low battery power symbol appears on the display iii When using the MMS in Search mode do not slide the bulge across surfaces as this may lead to rapid instrument case wear The instrument should be lifted and placed in position to prevent erosion of the instrument case iv Check the condition of accessories used with the MMS instrument on a regular basis and replace them if they become worn or damaged v To preserve calibration characteristics Hygrostick probes should not be exposed to saturated environments If this is unavoidable Hygrostick probes should be replaced on a regular basis and their calibration should be checked at frequent intervals 10 Technical Specification Dimensions amp Weights Protimeter MMS Kit BLD5800 230 x 190 x 90mm 1 2kg Protimeter MMS instrument POL5800 180 x 70 x 45mm mox values 300g Hygrostick probe POL4750 length 50mm 8mm Optimal clearance hole 12mm when used with compression sleeve to measure ERH in solid material Power x2 1 6 batteries Measurement Ranges Moisture Meter Search mode 0 1000 relative scale nominal depth of measurement 15mm tolerance 10 relative scale Moist
18. ttings C activated back light activated bleeper 1 minute auto switch off 0 00 Real time clock adjustable only through IrdA comm port with Protimeter software T1 Auto switch off adjustment from 1minute to 6 minutes Table 5 To enter the Setup mode switch the instrument on and disconnect any attachments that may be connected When the display shows three horizontal dashes press I momentarily the word SETUP then appears in the bottom left hand corner of the LCD together with the code S1 in the centre of the display Within three seconds press successively to scroll through the setup codes as detailed in table 5 Press to set the selected setup option Example 1 deactivate back light and change temperature readings from C to F Enter Setup mode by pressing button 1 momentarily when display shows Scroll to 5 4 by pressing pp Press button p to select the deactivated backlight option Scroll to 5 2 by pressing pp Press p to select the F display option Press l momentarily to return to operating modes or leave for three seconds The instrument would now display temperatures in F without any backlighting Example 2 change the default auto switch off from 1 minute to 5 minutes Enter Setup mode by pressing 1 momentarily when display shows Scroll 1 pressing pp Press four times in succession display now shows t 5 Press 1 momentarily to return to
19. umidity Measurements in Solid Floors Primary Reference Section 3 of MMS Instruction Manual In Hygrometer Mode the MMS can be used to measure the equilibrium relative humidity ERH value of solid floor slabs In essence this procedure measures the relative humidity rh of a pocket of air that is deemed to be in moisture equilibrium with the material under investigation Slabs that have an ERH value of 75 or lower are considered to be in a safe air dry condition Slabs that have an ERH value of 80 or greater are generally considered being in a damp condition Caution moisture sensitive coverings that are laid onto damp floors may fail in service 2 1 Sub surface ERH Test Procedure without using Protimeter Humidity Sleeves i Drill 12mm 0 5 diameter clearance holes to a nominal depth of 50mm 2 at the required points of measurement POMs and plug or cover with suitable impervious material Ideally holes should be drilled 24 hours iie measurements are to be taken ii Remove the Hygrostick sensor and conical plastic sleeve from the MMS pouch push the Hygrostick through the sleeve so that the tip of the Hygrostick protrudes fully from the narrow end of the sleeve as shown 14 ili Push the Hygrostick Sleeve assembly into the pre drilled hole and twist firmly to seal as shown Ideally leave the Hygrostick in the hole for 60 minutes before taking a reading iv Use extension lead supplied in MMS pouch
20. ure Meter Measure mode 8 29 30 100 relative scale in saturated material Hygrostick probe Measurement range 30 100 rh 10 to 50 C Tolerance 30 40 rh 2 5 rh 20 C AO 98 rh 2 rh 20 C 10 to 50 C 0 3 C Surface temperature sensor 10 to 50 C 0 3 C By pressing while switching on using l the following information is displayed on the screen in sequence Information Example Firmware version 2 02 Instrument part no BLD5800 rh Calibration curve d2 5 Firmware date yy mm dd Hygrostick serial no when connected 123456 APPENDIX 1 Guidance Notes for Measuring Moisture in Floors using the Protimeter MMS 1 Rapid Moisture Level Assessment of Solid Floors Primary Reference Section 2 1 of MMS Instruction Manual In Search Mode the MMS can be used to assess the moisture level of solid floor slabs in relative terms and to identify areas of concern that may warrant a more detailed investigation Having selected the Search Mode as detailed in section 2 1 of the MMS instruction manual hold the bulge of the instrument against the floor slab and note the value on the LCD Slabs that register a value of 200 or less are generally considered to be in a safe air dry condition If values of more than 200 are recorded we recommend that the actual moisture level of the slab is quantified by alternative test procedures prior to laying decorative floor coverings 2 Equilibrium Relative H
21. urs When the Protimeter MMS Condensator mode is selected to measure Tor the proximity of surface to dew point the instrument identifies if there is NO CONDENSATION an AT RISK condition or CONDENSATION occurring Artificially high moisture meter readings may be obtained in material that i has been heavily contaminated by hygroscopic salts or ii in materials that are conductive by nature The presence or otherwise of nitrates and chlorides should be established when investigating suspected rising dampness situations in particular Table 7 Item 1 The Search and Measure modes should be used in conjunction to i map out the extent of a moisture problem and ii to distinguish between surface and sub surface moisture The profile of readings obtained will give insight into the potential cause e g condensation lateral ingress or rising dampness of a moisture related problem 10 Far greater insight will be obtained from moisture readings taken in a methodical manner those taken a random manner When testing walls the user 15 recommended to commence by taking readings at the skirting board level and move up the wall in regular steps of 10 15 cm When high sub surface relative readings are obtained in the Search mode the user is strongly recommended to quantify these values WME terms by using the Deep Wall Probes in the Measure mode If the depth of clearance holes is increased incrementally by a nominal
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