C555 Handheld Concrete Moisture Meter Kit

FAQs

How does a concrete moisture meter work?
A concrete moisture meter sends a signal from the sensor pad down into the concrete. The meter reports the moisture level based on a capacitance equation calibrated specifically to measure within concrete materials. Concrete moisture meters are non-destructive and do not require drilling or driving pins into the concrete. However, they are not designed to be used to determine the moisture condition of a concrete slab when flooring material will be installed over it. The C555 complies with ASTM F2659 to provide a preliminary evaluation of comparative moisture conditions of concrete, gypsum cement, or other floor slabs and screeds. It can be used to identify pockets of high moisture levels to determine the optimum placement of Rapid RH® L6 Smart Sensors.

When are moisture meters useful for concrete?
The only moisture meters that provide accurate readings of moisture levels in concrete will be labeled “Concrete Moisture Meter.” They are distinguished from other moisture meters by internal circuitry that is calibrated exclusively to read the moisture level in concrete or similar materials by sending an electromagnetic wave field into the concrete and interpreting the capacitance signal received by the sensor pad. A concrete moisture meter that complies fully with ASTM F2659, like Wagner’s C555, can be used to determine higher or lower concentrations of moisture within a concrete slab. Concrete moisture meters should never be used to determine the moisture condition of a concrete slab at the time when flooring materials will be applied.

What is a normal reading on a concrete moisture meter?
Normal is relative when using a concrete moisture meter. Concrete will always have varying mixtures, differing aggregate concentrations, and diverse water-to-cement ratios. You’re not necessarily looking for a “normal” reading as much as you are comparing the results of multiple readings to get an idea of where the more extreme levels of moisture and dryness reside within a single concrete slab. For flooring installation, ASTM F2659 recognizes compliant concrete moisture meters like Wagner’s C555 as a means to perform a “…preliminary evaluation of the moisture condition of concrete, gypsum cement, or other floor slabs and screeds…” In this capacity, the C555 Concrete Moisture Meter could be used used to determine an average or “mean” moisture content within the concrete slab to assist in determining the optimum location for placement of Rapid RH® L6 Smart Sensors.