GUIDANCE NOTES

WOOD REFERENCE TABLE

ETI moisture meters measure the electrical resistance of a material and provide an
indication of the moisture content of wood and the Wood-Moisture-Equivalent (WME) in
materials other than wood. Readings indicate a dampness condition of approximately the
same significance in wood, plaster, brick etc., even though the actual moisture content
will be different. A change from green to red on the scale shows that further tests are
appropriate. Problems arise from the 'structure' of the material being tested, the presence
of other conductive material that may affect the reading, and also the correct method of
testing. Factors that may effect readings include:
4 Density of the material - this is important when interpreting the moisture content that
is acceptable in a particular material. Even the 'same' material will be variable in
composition from one example to another.
4 Ability to absorb moisture - materials will have different capabilities to hold moisture
in a satisfactory state.
4 Conductivity of substance - most materials have an inherent conductivity even if this
may be negligible. Conductivity may be affected by carbonaceous or ferrous material
content.
4 Purity of free water - the conductivity of water varies with it's purity.
4 Surface treatment - certain surface treatments may be conductive. Residues may
contain carbonaceous material or have a misleadingly high moisture content. Wood
treatments of a salts based liquid will also effect conductivity.
4 Temperature - the electrical resistance at any given moisture content increases as the
temperature decreases.
4 Timber grain - due to the cellular structure of timber, readings will be less accurate
taken in the end grain.
4 Timber adhesive - composite materials such as plywood will give artificially high
readings due to adhesive content.

Wood 1
Wood 2
Afara Ayan
Ash; European, Japanese
Beech; European
Balsa
Blackbutt
Banga Wanga
Camphorwood
Boxwood
Cedar; Western Red
Cyprus Chestnut
Dahoma Danta
Fir; Grand
Greenheart
Gum; American Red, Spotted
Hemlock
Gurjun Jarra
Kapur
Larch; European, Japanese
Kuroka Missanda
Maple; Pacific, Rock, Sugar
Niangon
Myrtle
Oak; Tasmanian
Oak; American Red & White
Pine; American Long Leaf
Oak; European, Japanese
Pine; Sugar, Pitch
Padang Sapele
Pine; Scots, Yellow
Spruce
Poplar; Black
Walnut; European
Redwood; European
Whitewood
Walnut; American
Yew

Operating Instructions
for
Portable Moisture Meters

For a more extensive list of timbers and average moisture %age correction,
please contact the ETI Sales Office.

4 Homogeneity - different densities in a material, such as knots in wood will produce

erroneous results.
4 Electrical contact - it is important to maintain good contact between the pins and the
measured substance. Hard surfaces may require 1.2 mm diameter holes to be drilled.

4 Moisture gradient - the moisture content of a material may vary across it's section due
to various factors.

As a general rule of good practice, results should be obtained from different areas of
the material. If in any doubt then the (Oven Dry) test method should be used. A linear
scale is provided for relative measurement, therefore, facilitating the comparison of
unknown moisture measurements against known standards obtained by the (Oven Dry)
test method, i.e.:

Original Weight - Oven Dry Weight

Oven Dry Weight

x 100 = %age Moisture Content = U

Serial No._______________________________________________

Testing and calibration of ETI moisture meters is carried out using electrical resistance as
the basis for measurement. Standard resistance values are verified by empirical testing
in accordance with OIML R 92. Wood moisture meters - verification methods and
equipment: general provisions, issued by Organisation Internationale De Mtrologie
Lgale, - 1989.
In conclusion, it must be reiterated that the meter reading is only a guide as to the
'dampness' of the material under test. Knowing the actual moisture content does not
indicate whether that material is 'dry' or 'wet'.
Ref: 545-113 - 20.4.10

ETI 7000
ETI 7150
ETI 7200

Tested by________________________________________________
manufactured by

Electronic Temperature Instruments Ltd

tel: 01903 202151 e-mail: sales@etiltd.com www.etiltd.com

Date____________________________________________________

ETI 7000 GENERAL PURPOSE MOISTURE METER

ETI 7150 TIMBER MOISTURE METER

ETI 7200 BUILDING MOISTURE METER

INSTRUMENT OPERATION

INSTRUMENT OPERATION

INSTRUMENT OPERATION

Connect a probe via the BNC socket located on the top of the
instrument and switch the instrument on by using the rocker switch.
Check that the green LED is illuminated, you are now ready to measure
moisture. Apply the probe firmly to the surface to be measured.

INTERPRETATION OF READINGS

The instrument measures free water in a material, closely indicating

the relative dampness of different materials. Although not measuring
relative humidity, the instrument gives readings that are comparable.
Therefore, any high readings (in the absence of contaminating salts or
carbonaceous materials) indicate a damp condition of approximately
equal significance in wood, brick, plaster or wallboard, regardless of
their different moisture contents. The 7000 moisture meter is scaled
with this in mind so that it can be used to measure moisture in a variety
of materials. The meter is scaled as follows:
Wood 1
14 % to 30 %

Wood 2
15 % to 30 %
Plaster
18 % to 20 %
Concrete
15 % to 14 %

GENERAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

PROBES

This instrument should only be used with ETI moisture probes.

Standard replacement pins are available in packs of 50, part
number 602-530, alternatively harder pins are available in packs
of 50, part number 602-535. These are fitted by turning the
hexagon collar anti-clockwise using the integral spanner in the
probe cover, remove broken pin and replace with new pin. Refit
collar turning clockwise until tight. Clean area in between probe
pins regularly with a clean cloth.

Connect a probe via the BNC socket located on the top of the
instrument and switch the instrument on by using the ON/OFF/ON
rocker switch located on the side of the instrument. Switch up to
measure using scale 1, switch down to measure using scale 2, switch
back to the centre position to turn the instrument off. Check that the
green LED is illuminated, you are now ready to measure moisture.
Apply the probe firmly and perpendicularly to the grain of the wood.
Values, which correspond to the cross sectional oven dry test, are
obtained when the measurement depth is equal to one third of the
sample to be measured. Take readings as soon as you can, prolonged
measurement periods may lead to inaccurate results due to possible
chemical reactions within the timber.

Connect a probe via the BNC socket located on the top of the
instrument. The instrument is switched on by using the rocker switch
located on the side of the instrument. Check that the green LED is
illuminated, you are now ready to measure moisture.

INTERPRETATION OF READINGS

The 7150 works on the principle that the drier the timber, the greater
the resistance to the passage of electrical current, therefore, measuring
the water content of timber. The scales are calibrated to give moisture
content readings in a variety of timbers, see ETI wood reference tables
for guidance.

Scale 1
15 % to 30 %
Wood 1

Scale 2
16 % to 16 %
Figures for wood species in table, Wood 2 can be obtained by adding
2 % to the measured value.

The instrument measures wood moisture equivalent in building

materials other than wood. Wood moisture equivalent 'WME' is
the moisture level in any building materials (as if in close contact
and in moisture equilibrium with wood) expressed as an equivalent
% moisture content of wood. The relevant readings of the 7200
measure water content of the material, therefore, the 7200 closely
indicates the relative dampness of different materials. Warning: false
readings can be obtained when measuring a surface which has salt
contamination or has a covering e.g. wallpaper etc. which may have
a high carbonaceous content. Sample readings taken over as large
an area as possible, should show up any areas which may be suspect.
Note: Carbonaceous materials are present in some breeze blocks.
The scale is colour coded to aid measurement
i.e. Green = OK/Safe

Red
= May need further investigation

Full scale = Danger, immediate action necessary
The Plaster scale ranges from 8 % to 20 %
The Concrete scale ranges from 5 % to 14 %

BATTERY REPLACEMENT

PRODUCT WARRANTY & GUARANTEE

INTERPRETATION OF READINGS

Replace the battery immediately the green LED fails to illuminate, using
a PP3 or a direct 9 volt equivalent. The battery is located under the
sliding cover at the rear of the instrument on the 7100 and 7200 and
below the meter movement on the 7000.

EMC/RFI

Readings may be affected if the unit is operated within a radio frequency

electromagnetic field strength of approximately 3 volts per metre, but
the performance of the instrument will not be permanently affected.

This instrument carries a two-year warranty and guarantee against defects in

either components or workmanship. During this period, products that prove
to be defective will, at the discretion of ETI, be either repaired or replaced
without charge. The product warranty does not cover damage caused by fair
wear and tear, abnormal storage conditions, incorrect use, accidental misuse,
abuse, neglect, misapplication or modification. No warranty of fitness for a
particular purpose is offered and the user assumes the entire risk of using the
product. Any liability by ETI is limited only to the replacement of defective
materials or workmanship, and ETI accepts no responsibility for consequential
loss. Full details of liability are available within ETI's Terms & Conditions of Sale,
available by request. In line with our policy of continuous development, we
reserve the right to amend our product specification without prior notice.