The Tramex PTM Professional is a hand-held, digital, pin-type resistance moisture meter designed to take precise measurements of moisture content in wood, wood by-products and other building materials.

MATERIAL:
Wood. Various other building materials (comparative readings)

THE IMPORTANCE OF DETERMINING MOISTURE CONTENT OF WOOD

When wood and wood by-products are installed at the correct moisture content for the environment in which they will be used, the risk of swelling or shrinkage is minimized. If it is installed too wet and dries in service the result will be shrinkage and distortion. If it is installed too dry it could gain moisture, which could result in swelling. Using a good quality moisture meter is the most practical way of ensuring the wood is at the correct moisture level for its intended use. Knowing the actual moisture level also enables efficient processing to be carried out, such as milling, machining, gluing, laminating, spraying and hand painting. The Professional Moisture Meter will fulfill all these requirements.

HOW IT WORKS

The Professional Moisture Meter 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 and indicated on the digital display. If the wood is dry, the resistance is high. If moisture is present in the wood the electrical resistance between the pins changes. The higher the moisture content the greater the reduction in resistance. The level of resistance is accurately measured by the instrument, which translates it into percentage of dry weight moisture content. The professional gives moisture readings from 7% to 40%. It should be noted that readings above 27% (nominal value of the fibre saturation point) are indicative only. Readings are given to the nearest 0.1%.