Moisture measurement: The guide to choosing the right moisture meter

Measuring moisture is essential in many areas: from protecting against mould growth to assessing building materials and optimising the indoor climate.

In the following, we highlight the methods, advantages and areas of application of five different measuring devices so that you are ideally equipped to measure moisture.

Each device is suitable for specific purposes and therefore has different advantages and modes of operation. This guide will help you choose the right moisture analyser.

Choosing the right moisture analyser depends heavily on the area of application. Whether for checking the indoor climate, for construction projects or for material testing - the devices presented here offer the right solution for every need.

In construction projects and manufacturing processes, when storing sensitive materials and with regard to the general feel-good climate and the health of people depending on it, determining the relative humidity is particularly important, as it should not be too high, too low or fluctuate significantly on a permanent basis.

Humidity meter #1

Thermohygrometer BC21

Record a wide range of climate data easily and accurately

The BC21 thermo-hygrometer is a handy, pocket-sized device that measures relative humidity, air temperature, dew point and wet bulb temperature thanks to its precise sensor technology. With its robust stainless steel probe, it is ideal for use in mould prevention or for monitoring the comfortable climate in the home or in technical applications.

The BC21 is a versatile measuring device that records the most important parameters for the indoor climate.

Advantages and technical features:

• Relative humidity: Indicates the percentage of the maximum possible humidity that the air can absorb at the current temperature
  • Measuring range: 5 %-95 % relative humidity (RH) Accuracy
  • ±2 % RH at 25 °C and 5 % RH to 95 % RH.
• Air temperature: A basic parameter which, in combination with humidity, helps to determine the comfortable climate
  • Measuring range: -30 °C to 100 °C
  • Accuracy: ±1 °C
• Dew point temperature: The temperature at which the air is saturated and water vapour begins to condense. This is important to prevent mould formation
  • Measuring range: -30 °C to 100 °C
  • Accuracy: ±1 °C
• Wet bulb temperature (cooling limit temperature): A measure of the cooling effect due to evaporation - often used in industrial applications
  • Measuring range: 0 °C to 80 °C
  • Accuracy: ±1 °C

The device works with a highly sensitive sensor and shows the measured values on an easy-to-read, illuminated display. The hold function makes it possible to record values during the measurement, while minimum and maximum displays help to detect fluctuations.

Advantages:

• Fast response time and intuitive operation
• Backlit display for easy reading
• Practical functions such as minimum, maximum and hold values

Particularly suitable for

• Monitoring living spaces to prevent mould growth
• Climate control in warehouses
• Supporting renovation projects with precise data

View the product.

Humidity meter #2

Thermohygrometer BC21WP

Mobile, networked and versatile

The BC21WP extends the functionality of the BC21 by integrating it into the free MultiMeasure Mobile app, thus combining precise measurement sensors with modern smartphone technology. This app turns the device into a digital multi-tool.

In conjunction with the mobile app, measured values are transmitted to the mobile device in real time and can be analysed and documented directly. The thermohygrometer makes it possible to measure a wide range of climate data with just one device: relative humidity, air temperature, dew point and wet bulb temperature.

Advantages and technical features:

• Logging function and data export for further analyses
• Flexible use as part of a comprehensive system with other app sensors
• Networked analysis: The app makes it possible to monitor, graphically display and document measured values in real time. The BC21WP works wirelessly and connects to the smartphone via Bluetooth 4.0. This offers maximum flexibility, especially when measurements need to be taken in places that are difficult to access.
• In addition to dew point and wet bulb temperature, the device can calculate absolute humidity (g/m³) - an important measure for industrial and laboratory applications.
• Logging: Measured values can be saved and exported, which improves traceability for professional reports.
• Air temperatureMeasuring range
  • -20 °C to 60 °C
  • Accuracy:
    • ±0.8 °C (at -20 °C to 0 °C)
    • ±0.5 °C (at 0 °C to 60 °C)
• Humidity
  • Measuring range: 5%r.H. to 95%r.H.
  • Accuracy:
    • ±3.5%r.H. (at 20%r.H. to 80%r.F.)
    • ±5%r.H. (at 0%r.H. to 20%r.H.)
    • ±5%r.H. (at 80%r.H. to 100%r.H.)

These functions make the BC21WP ideal for anyone who wants to analyse their humidity measurements professionally.

Particularly suitable for:

• Use in energy consulting to identify weak points in building physics
• Air quality control in offices or production facilities etc.
• Creation of meaningful reports for customers

View the product.

Moisture analyser #3

CM material moisture analysers

Precise moisture determination in building materials

The CM material moisture analysers are indispensable aids in the construction industry, especially for determining the residual moisture in building materials such as screed or concrete - a decisive factor in preventing structural damage. The CM material moisture analysers are often used to prevent damage to interior floor coverings caused by damp substrates.

Whether for building approval or damage prevention, these devices are indispensable tools for every construction professional. The devices are available in the Classic and Businessversions.

Advantages and technical features:

• Robust design and direct moisture display
• Optional log printer for legally compliant documentation(business version)
• Avoidance of laboratory tests thanks to precise on-site results
• Accuracy class pressure gauge
  • Classic: 1.0
  • Business: 0.1
• Measuring range:
  • Classic: max. 2.5 bar
  • Business: -1 to 2 bar
• Max. Error
  • Classic: ± 25 mbar
  • Business: ± 2 mbar
• Serial interface
  • Classic: -
  • Business: RS485

Measuring method:

The device uses the carbide method (CM measurement). A sample of the material is mixed with calcium carbide in a pressurised container. The chemical reaction produces acetylene gas, the pressure of which is proportional to the moisture in the material.

The carbide method is one of the most precise methods of moisture measurement and provides immediate results. Trotec CM devices are also equipped with a surface thermometer that displays the bottle temperature. This allows any temperature errors to be recognised.

Particularly suitable for:

• Testing the readiness of screed for covering before laying the floor
• Checking the dryness of building site materials
• Expert assessments of water damage

View CM Business.

View CM Classic.

Moisture analyser #4

Material moisture meter BM22WP

Networked precision for wood and building materials, flexibility for craftsmen

The BM22WP is an electronic moisture meter that measures both wood and building moisture using the MultiMeasure Mobile app. Its robust design and interchangeable penetration measuring pins make it ideal for a wide range of materials.

The BM22WP is particularly interesting for craftsmen who need quick and precise results. It is a very compact device for measuring wood and building moisture. It works with a puncture method in which measuring pins are inserted into the material.

The sensors measure the electrical resistance in the material, which is proportional to the moisture content.

Advantages and technical features:

• The exchangeable insertion steel measuring pins ensure a solid connection with the test material.
• Integration into the MultiMeasure Mobile app enables extended data analysis and logging as well as data export.
• Flexible electrode selection thanks to optionally available adapter cap. The adapter cap is simply fitted in place of the protective cap and thus offers universal connection options for resistance measuring electrodes (see illustration).
• Alarm function: The user is notified if a certain humidity value is exceeded.
• Automatic battery check and automatic switch-off.
• Measuring principle: Resistance method
• Wood moisture:
  • Measuring range 6 % to 50 %
  • Accuracy approx. ±2% 
  • Resolution 1 %
• Building moisture:
  • Measuring range approx. 0.2 % to 2.4 %
  • Accuracy approx. ±0.2 %
  • Resolution 0.05 %
• Ambient conditions: -20 °C to 60 °C (at < 80 % r.h.)
• Data interface: Bluetooth 4.0

Particularly suitable for e.g:

• Checking the residual moisture of firewood
• Checking the moisture content of wood before processing
• Assessment of building moisture during renovation work and water damage repairs

View the product.

Moisture analyser #5

Moisture indicator BM31

Non-destructive detection of moisture problems

The BM31 is characterised by the non-destructive detection of moisture distributions in areas close to the surface. With a measuring range of 5 to 40 mm, it is ideal for the preliminary testing of building materials or the detection of moisture sources.

This device is perfect for quickly localising moisture without damaging the material. No electrodes or probes need to be inserted into the material to be measured.

The BM31 works with capacitive measurement technology, which makes it possible to detect moisture indicatively and completely non-destructively up to 40 mm below the surface.

The device measures the dielectric parameters of the material to be tested, which change as a result of the moisture it contains.

Advantages and technical features:

• Minimum and maximum value function
• Easy to read, illuminated display
• Optimum price-performance ratio
• Fast results: Ideal for preliminary tests or localising moisture sources.
• Wide range of applications: From masonry and wood to drywall.
• Measuring principle: dielectric/capacitive
• Measuring range: 0 digit to 100 digit
• Resolution: 1 digit
• Penetration depth: up to 40 mm

Particularly suitable for:

• Detecting leaks in wall and floor structures
• Preliminary testing of building materials before detailed analyses
• Inspection of remediation work after water damage

View the product.

Moisture measuring devices are no longer just simple tools, but highly developed technologies that offer specific functions depending on requirements. Whether non-destructive measurement, app-supported analysis or precise laboratory procedures - the variety of devices makes it possible to measure moisture efficiently and recognise problems at an early stage that may require the use of dehumidifiers.

If you would like to find out more about the moisture measurement devices, please go to the product pages using the above links or download  the catalogue pages here.

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