Delmhorst Accuscan User Manual

Accuscan™o w n e r s m a n u a lW H E N A C C U R A C Y I S T H E P O I N T.®TMTABLE OF CONTENTS2 Accuscan Features3 Introduction3 Two Scales4 Button Functions4 Installing/Replacing a Battery5 Meter/Battery Check5 Taking a Reading6 Application Notes6 Using 6-40% Wood Scale6 Testing Wood Flooring6 Paint Failure and Moisture6 Helpful Hints When Using Accuscan to Measure Wood7 Using the 0-100 Reference Scale7 Testing Concrete Slabs for FlooringApplications8 Key Factors to Consider8 Using Accuscan in a Water Restorationor Mold Remediation Job9 Testing EIFS9 Helpful Hints When Using Accuscan to Measure Non-Wood Building Materials10 Care of Your Meter10 Service For Your Meter11 Accreditations12 Warranty#ACCUSCAN FEATUREShDesigned to check moisture levels in wood, concrete, EIFS,sheetrock and other materialshIdeal for the Flooring Professional, Restoration Contractor,IAQ and Mold Remediation Specialist, Woodworker, HomeInspector, and General ContractorhAnalog readouthMeasures %MC in wood over the range of 6%–40%h0–100 color-coded reference scale for non-wood buildingmaterialshBuilt-in meter check hIncludes (1) 9-volt batteryhIncludes a sturdy carrying casehOne-year warrantyhOver 56 years of proven quality, accuracy and service Check ButtonStay On ButtonReference ScaleButton@ Wood ScaleButton$D E L M H O R S T A C C U S C A N2Green/Red LEDINTRODUCTIONAccuscan is a multi-purpose meter, which can be used in manyapplications, such as flooring, water restoration/IAQ,woodworking and home inspection. It is a fast, effective wayto identify moisture problems and determine if further actionmust be taken.Accuscan is a capacitance-type moisture meter, using therelationship between the moisture content and the dielectricproperties of the material under test. When the meter is placedon wood or other building material, an electro-magnetic fieldpenetrates approximately 3/4” into the material. The MCnearest to the sensor has the greatest effect on the reading. Theindicated reading represents a biased average MC without takinginto account the moisture distribution. If you require a more complete evaluation of moistureconditions, or need to penetrate through flooring, check behindsheetrock, or test lumber over 1-1/2” thick, we recommend usingAccuscan in conjunction with one of our Delmhorst pin-typemoisture meters.Two ScalesWood Scale: 6%-40% moisture content range for wood(Douglas Fir). Use when testing wood materials, such as flooring,trim, exterior siding. Reference Scale: 0-100 reference scale for non-woodmaterials. The numbers on this scale are relative or qualitativeindications of moisture levels – not % moisture content. Usewhen testing building materials such as plaster, sheetrock,concrete, insulation, EIFS, etc. Readings in the low end of thescale usually indicate a drier condition; readings in the upperend of the scale usually indicate a higher moisture level in thematerial. To establish a benchmark for the material you are measuring,first take readings in areas that you know are dry, or acceptable.Then take readings on areas that are wet. These “dry to wet”readings, regardless of within which colored area they fall on themeter’s scale, should be used as the reference points againstwhich subsequent readings are compared.One should not expect that the reference scales for meters ofdifferent makes and types (resistance/capacitance) will read alikeon the same material. The benchmark may be different frommeter to meter because a given meter’s response depends on thematerial used for calibration and on the meter’s range. 3BEFORE YOU BEGINButton Functions STAY ON BUTTON - Turns the meter “on.”Also keeps the meter “on” continuously ifpressed and held.@ REFERENCE SCALE BUTTON - Selectsreference scale and turns the meter “on.” Alsoperforms an auto calibration. The LED blinksred when this button is pressed.# CHECK BUTTON - Verifies that the meter isfunctioning properly and that the batteryvoltage is sufficient.$ WOOD SCALE BUTTON - Selects wood scaleand turns the meter “on.” Also performs anauto calibration. The LED blinks green whenthis button is pressed.INSTALLING/REPLACING A BATTERYDelmhorst Instrument Co. ships ACCUSCAN with a 9-Vbattery stored in the carrying case. When installing thebattery, the LED will go through the following sequence:hGreen light will flash 1 time, then the red light will flash 1time, followed by the green light 2 times again.hAfter this flashing sequence is complete, the unit isoperational and ready to use.To replace a low batteryhRemove the battery door and unsnap the battery from theclip.hWait 20-30 seconds before installing the new battery.hInsert the new battery. The LED will follow the sameblinking sequence as noted above.hDo not depress any buttons on the face of the meter whileinstalling a new battery.4METER/BATTERY CHECKhHold the meter in the air and away from any object. Yourfingers must not make contact with the sensor plate whileperforming this function.hPress and hold the check button (3) until the green lightstops blinking.hThe battery voltage is sufficient if the needle pointermoves to within the green band (20%) on the woodscale. Any reading within this green band on the dial isacceptable. Make sure the sensor pad is not makingcontact with anything when checking the meter.hIf the needle does not read “20” it is likely an indicationof a low battery. If this occurs, change the battery (9-Volt) immediately. Continued use with a low batterymay cause the meter to go out of calibration. If you havea fresh battery and the instrument still does not indicatea proper reading, return it to DELMHORST for service.See “Service for Your Meter” section for details.***A low battery indication is also provided during the readcycle. If, while taking a reading, the LED blinks, thebattery voltage is below 6%.TAKING A READINGhSelect the appropriate scale by pressing and releasing eitherthe Reference Scale or the Wood Scale button. Hold themeter in the air and away from any object when making thescale selection.hThe meter will turn on, and the LED will flash severaltimes. This action also performs an auto calibration, whichensures that meter readings will be stable, repeatable, andvirtually unaffected by environmental conditions.hWhen the LED stops blinking, the unit is ready to take areading.hPlace the meter on the surface to be tested.hHold the outer sides of the unit and apply slight forwardpressure on the meter to minimize the amount of airbetween the sensor plate and the material being tested. hIf you want to read continuously, press and HOLD the StayOn button (1) to keep the unit ON. If you release the Stay Onbutton, the meter will turn off after 2 minutes 30 seconds. hTo turn the meter “ON” after 2 minutes 30 seconds, hold itin the air and away from any object. Press the Stay Onbutton or appropriate scale button again. 56APPLICATION NOTESUSING THE 6-40% WOODSCALETesting Wood Flooring hBefore installing a floor, make sure that the moisturecontent of the sub floor and the flooring are within 2%-4%of each other. Most flooring manufacturers also recommendthat the installer allow the floor to acclimate in itsenvironment for several days before installation. During thisperiod, check both the floor and the sub floor to ensure thatmoisture levels of both materials remain stable.Paint Failure and MoisturehMoisture is by far the most frequent cause of paint failure.The key to preventing paint failure is to make certain thatmoisture is not absorbed through the wood to the back ofthe paint film. So, in order to insure quality paint jobs,wood must remain dry after the application of paint.hOutdoor wood can be safely painted without danger ofpeeling if the %MC is 15% or less. In drier climates, themaximum reading should be 10% to 11%. Indoor woodshould be between 7% to 8% prior to painting. Helpful Hints When UsingACCUSCAN to Measure WoodhThe entire sensor plate should be in contact with the surfaceof the board. The sensor plate measures 2-1/2” x 3-1/2”. hReadings obtained with Accuscan, like pinless moisturemeters in general, are affected by the amount of pressurethe sensor plate makes with the material under test.Therefore, it is critical to apply and maintain uniform,forward pressure to the meter when taking readings. hThe sensor’s signal penetrates up to 3/4”. When measuringthinner material, keep in mind that the material underneaththe wood may influence the readings. If possible, place apiece of glass, rubber or styrofoam under the sample toavoid false readings.hThe meter works best on smooth lumber. Rough, uneven orcupped boards yield low readings due to the air pocketsbetween the sensor plate and the surface. Disregardreadings on knots or splits.7hSurface moisture increases the readings. Depending on theapplication, we recommend using a Delmhorst pin meterwith insulated pins to determine if a normal gradient (wetcore to drier outer surface) is present or if surfacemoisture has just soaked into the board.USING THE 0-100REFERENCE SCALE: read thesection on page 3 again beforeproceedingTesting Concrete Slabs forFlooring ApplicationshMoisture meters are an effective tool to check moisture inconcrete.They can tell you where there may be excessmoisture and help determine if you need to conduct furthertesting.hFor best results, we recommend using ACCUSCAN inconjunction with a pin type meter for concrete flooringapplications. ACCUSCAN will allow you to scan a largearea quickly and easily, while the pin type meter will allowyou to conduct a sub surface test. hIf you have determined that you must use a pin-typemoisture meter, test both the surface and mid-section ofthe slab, especially if the slab is on or below grade. Thiswill help determine if there is continuous moisturemigration toward the surface. If this condition exists, themoisture movement may be so slow that once it reaches thesurface, moisture evaporates and causes a “dry” readingwhen a surface test is made. However, if a sub-surface testis made, the meter may read “wet” indicating the presenceof moisture. When the slab is covered and the upwardmovement of moisture continues, moisture will move into ahygroscopic (wood) floor, or build-up pressure under a non-breathing synthetic floor, causing delamination. hIf the meter still indicates “dry” reading in the greensection of the scale, the floor is ready for covering.Perform tests in several areas, especially when the slab isthick and air circulation is poor. hIf more precise testing is required, use the Delmhorst TotalCheck 3-in-1 meter to measure the % relative humidity ina slab, in accordance with ASTM standard F2170.Key Factors to ConsiderhThe age of the slab. National Wood Flooring Associationguidelines specify to wait at least 30 days after the slab islaid before checking moisture content. ***hIs the slab on grade or suspended? If the slab is on grade,is there an effective vapor barrier under the slab?hHow thick is the slab?hWhat is the drainage condition of the ground?hHistory of other structures in the area***Taken from Section V Appendix AA “Moisture Testing Procedures for Concrete Slabs” – NWFA Using ACCUSCAN in a WaterRestoration or MoldRemediation JobhACCUSCAN is a useful tool in identifying moisture inwalls, ceilings and floors in a water restoration or moldremediation.hIn order to establish pre-loss conditions, find an area of thebuilding that was not damaged and take several readingson various materials. This will provide you with a targetmoisture level to reach when drying damaged areas.hTake several readings on each wall. Pay special attentionnear the base, around doorjambs, electrical and plumbingfixtures, and other places where water may have entered.hUse the meter continuously during the drying process tomonitor drying progress. 8Testing EIFS (ExteriorInsulation & Finish Systems)hMoisture intrusion problems in EIFS (also known assynthetic stucco) stem from leaking window and doorframes, improper use of or lack of sealant, and faultyinstallation of flashing.hIf you suspect a problem take a visual inspection. Look forgaps around windows, doors, air conditioning units, lightfixtures, hose bibs, dryer vents and other areas of potentialpenetration. Also look for visible signs of water damage. Ifyou believe a problem exists, use ACCUSCAN as a quickscanning method to determine the general location of themoisture. Then use a pin type meter to better identify exactproblem areas and depth of moisture intrusion.Helpful Hints When UsingACCUSCAN to Measure Non-Wood Building MaterialshThe 0-100 “reference scale” is for relative wet/dryindications only. These numbers do not represent %MC.hThe meter works best on smooth surfaces that are free ofloose debris and dust.hReadings in concrete can be affected by rebar andaggregate composition.hThe entire sensor plate should be in contact with the surfaceof the board. The sensor plate measures 2-1/2” x 3-1/2”.hReadings obtained with ACCUSCAN, like pinless moisturemeters in general, are affected by the amount of pressurethe sensor plate makes with the material under test.Therefore, it is critical to apply and maintain uniform,forward pressure to the meter when taking readings. hThe sensor’s signal penetrates up to 3/4”. Keep in mindthat the material underneath or behind the material beingtested may influence the readings. 9CARE FOR YOUR METERTo keep your meter in good working order:h Store meter in a clean, dry place. The protective carryingcase provided is an ideal storage place when the meter isnot in use.h Change the 9-Volt battery as needed. Continued use with alow battery may cause the meter to go out of calibration.hClean the meter with any biodegradable cleaner. Use thecleaner sparingly and on external parts only. h Remove the battery if the meter will not to be used for onemonth or longer.SERVICE FOR YOUR METERh Pack your meter securely. Enclose a purchase order orletter with a brief description of the problem.h There is no need to call us for a return authorizationnumber if you are within the U.S. Customers outside theU.S. must contact us for more specific instructions prior toreturning a meter. Include your name, address, daytimephone and fax numbers or e-mail address. If you believe themeter is under warranty, please provide the original salesslip or invoice.h Ship via UPS, Express Mail, Priority Mail or anyovernight courier who provides prompt service. Do not usestandard parcel post. hInsure your instrument for its full value and ship prepaid.We are not responsible for damage in transit.hWe do not accept COD shipments or cover any incomingfreight or duty charges on returned merchandise.h Turnaround time on repairs is approximately two weeks.h We will call you with an estimate if you specifically requestone, or if we determine that the meter may be too costly torepair.hNon-warranty repairs will be returned via UPS/COD unlessyou have already established other payment terms. There isno COD service outside the U.S. To pay by credit card,include the card number and expiration date with yourrepair. We accept Visa/MasterCard, and American Express.10hWarranty repairs will be returned at no charge if shippedwithin the U.S. via UPS Ground Service. Freight chargesfor expedited services (i.e., Federal Express, UPS/2 Day,UPS/1 Day, etc.) are the customer’s responsibility and willbe charged as per the above terms.ACCREDITATIONSACCUSCAN complies with:FCCPart 18 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to thefollowing two conditions:1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.CANADIANThis ISM Device complies with Canadian ICES-001.Cet appareil ISM est conforme a la norme NMB-001 duCanada. CEComplies with relevant directives. Please contact DelmhorstInstrument Co. if you require a formal Declaration ofConformity.11WARRANTYDelmhorst Instrument Co., referred to hereafter asDelmhorst, guarantees its ACCUSCAN meter for one yearfrom date of purchase. If, within the warranty period of theACCUSCAN, you find any defect in material or workmanshipreturn the meter following the instructions in the Service forYour Meter section. This limited warranty does not coverabuse, alteration, misuse, damage during shipment, improperservice, unauthorized or unreasonable use of the meter orelectrodes. This warranty does not cover batteries. If themeter has been tampered with, the warranty shall be void. Atour option we may replace or repair the meter.Delmhorst shall not be liable for incidental or consequentialdamages for the breach of any express or implied warrantywith respect to this product or its calibration. With propercare and maintenance the meter should stay in calibration;follow the instructions in the Care of Your Meter section. Under no circumstances shall Delmhorst be liable for anyincidental, indirect, special, or consequential damages of anytype whatsoever, including, but not limited to, lost profits ordowntime arising out of or related in any respect to its metersor electrodes and no other warranty, written, oral or impliedapplies. Delmhorst shall in no event be liable for any breachof warranty or defect in this product that exceeds the amountof purchase of this product.The express warranty set forth above constitutes the entirewarranty with respect to Delmhorst meters and electrodes andno other warranty, written, oral, or implied applies. Thiswarranty is personal to the customer purchasing the productand is not transferable.1251 Indian Lane EastTowaco, NJ 07082(877)-DELMHORSTwww.delmhorst.come-mail - info@delmhorst.com©2003, Delmhorst Instrument Co.510INS-0018 REV. 11/06 W H E N A C C U R A C Y I S T H E P O I N T.®TMFor 60 years Delmhorst has beenthe leading manufacturer of highquality moisture meters and thermo-hygrometers. Today we offer theinnovative KIL-MO-TROL® in-kilnmonitoring system. We also offer awide range of meters for a varietyof applications including wood-working/lumber, agriculture, con-struction, paper, restoration, IAQand flooring.