Moisture Meter Comparison Guide

Comparison Summary

Overview

Both the MR176 and MR160 from FLIR are powerful moisture meters with built-in thermal imaging capabilities. Coming from FLIR, you can be confident that the thermal imaging capabilities of these tools will help you easily investigate moisture issues and troubleshoot faster than ever before. In addition to infrared capability, each meter has a range of moisture measurement capabilities as well as capabilities for measuring other variables. However, in this area there are numerous differences between the two tools – read on for an in-depth comparison.

The major feature of these moisture meters is that they both include FLIR thermal imaging technology. Each meter has the same infrared specifications – each has an 80x60 thermal sensor, 150mK thermal sensitivity, and a 9Hz refresh rate. However, one big difference here is that the MR176 includes 4 thermal color palettes while the MR160 only has 1 palette option. Both cameras include the FLIR Tools software which allows you to review images and generate professional reports.

With specs like these, each of these meters pack a lot of infrared imaging power into a small package. This can be a huge time-saver when on the job – being able to see heat can help you quickly locate cooler areas where there may be moisture damage under the surface. You can then switch to the moisture measurement functions of these meters to further address moisture damage issues.

Both the MR176 and MR160 support pin and pinless moisture measurement. Each includes a built-in pinless sensor and each comes with an included external pin probe. That, however, is where the similarities end in this area. The MR176 has much wider capability when it comes to measuring physical properties – in addition to pin and pinless moisture, this meter can also measure dew point, ambient temperature, relative humidity, vapor pressure, and temperature.

With the MR176, you can customize your thermal images with any of the meter’s multiple physical property measurements. You can integrate these measurements into your images for extra data and clarity when reporting. Another benefit of the MR176 is that its temperature/relative humidity sensor can be replaced in the field. Simply remove the sensor from meter and exchange it when needed so you can continue to work and reduce downtime.

Conclusion

Both the MR176 and MR160 provide powerful thermal imaging as well as accurate pin and pinless moisture measurement capabilities. That said, the MR176 has much wider capability and a greater range of features which can help make your job easier. More physical property measurement capabilities, more thermal palettes, and a field-replaceable sensor help save you time and eliminate the need for additional meters on the job. The MR160, while still powerful with FLIR thermal imaging capability, is a more basic meter with only pin and pinless moisture measurement capabilities.

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