Four incorrect usage behaviors of moisture measuring instruments
1: Do not leave the instrument in the movable kiln
Kiln drying is an important part of the woodworking process. By drying wood in a kiln, woodworking can ensure that excessive moisture does not cause unsightly warping or other defects in the final product.
A moisture meter is a very useful tool to ensure that kiln dried wood is actually dry. However, it is important to be careful not to leave the hygrometer in the hot kiln. Extreme temperatures can cause damage to sensitive electronic devices, and hygrometers are no exception. Even if there are no external signs of damage or carbonization, the internal circuits of the instrument will still be damaged.
It is important to pay attention to short-term exposure, such as what happens when you enter the kiln for quick reading, which should not usually be a problem with a well made hygrometer. Real problems occur when the instrument is left in the hot kiln.
There are some humidity meters used to monitor the humidity conditions inside the active kiln, although these humidity meters are actually inserted with sensors integrated from the outside into the kiln.
2: Do not immerse the instrument in water
Although hygrometers are designed to detect moisture, they do not necessarily mean they are actually submerged in water. When water enters the interior of the device, whether it is a needle type, needle free type, or a temperature and humidity meter, it can damage the circuit board inside the device, causing it to short-circuit like any other electronic device.
This may sound like an obvious suggestion, but you may be surprised that the cause of moisture damage is due to a faulty hygrometer.
For pinless and needle type instruments, excessive moisture on the reading element (contact pins of needle type needles, scanning boards without needles) can cause corrosion if left alone for too long. Solve this problem by cleaning the reading element after use. This can extend the service life of the instrument and maintain its accuracy.
3: Don't take your instrument apart
Many manufacturers recommend that you do not disassemble electronic devices to try to solve the problem yourself. There is actually a good reason to follow this suggestion: simply trying to open it can cause more damage inside the device.
Most humidity meters are designed to be sealed. Opening the device in a non sterile environment can expose the PC board to pollutants that may cause its degradation. We recommend that you avoid attempting to move or modify internal components of the device.
On the contrary, try calling the manufacturer's hygrometer support hotline or checking their website for FAQs to see if there is a solution to the problem you are experiencing, without involving opening the casing. If not, please send the equipment for repair. The manufacturer should be able to solve the problem, and if not, they can replace it. Of course, this assumes that the hygrometer is still under warranty (and most warranties are invalid by opening the device's casing).
4: Don't throw your instrument to others
You will be surprised to find how many meters (or even other sensitive electronic devices) have been sent for repair due to someone taking the device and clamping it onto another person's body. Usually, the person at the receiving end cannot grasp it, and the device eventually collides with a wall or concrete that is slightly too hard.
This impact can cause the casing to crack, the circuit to become loose or damaged. Damage to the casing may allow pollutants to enter the instrument, while circuit damage may cause the instrument to malfunction or not function at all.
In addition, for instruments with integrated pins, the pins are usually very sturdy and sharp (after all, they mean penetrating solid wood). Due to their strength and sharpness, these pins can easily cause harm to those attempting to grasp them. You won't pass knives and saw blades through the room to others, the same rule should apply to your hygrometer.
It is worth spending an additional 3-6 seconds walking through the room and handing the instrument to another person, rather than throwing it into the room, risking damage to the instrument or causing harm to others.
Maintain instrument operation for longer periods of time
Buying sturdy and reliable equipment is a great help in extending the lifespan of the hygrometer as much as possible, but this is only the beginning. Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the user manual, learn more about the care and use of the hygrometer, and learn how to extend the lifespan of the device.
