How to choose the right moisture meter electrode?
To test the distribution of moisture in wood and other building materials, few tools are as effective as a pin-type moisture meter. These handy little devices can test very quickly with incredible precision and accuracy.
However, for wood, concrete or other building materials, the basic pin that comes with a given moisture meter may not always be sufficient for the given job. This is where the use of specialised electrodes comes in.
What is an electrode?
With regards to hygrometers, electrodes are accessories to a hygrometer that can be used to enhance the functionality of said meter. Some electrodes are made for specific tasks while others can be used for a variety of tasks.
There are many different types of electrodes available from every hygrometer manufacturer on the market. Today, we'll offer some tips on choosing the right electrode for your situation or job:
Tip #1: Verify Compatibility with the Manufacturer
One of the biggest problems some hygrometer users encounter when looking for the right electrode is matching the electrode to the hygrometer in the first place. For some manufacturers, not every electrode is compatible with every hygrometer. Using the hygrometer manufacturer to check the recommended hygrometer/electrode combinations can help minimise this particular difficulty.
As an aside, Delmhorst hygrometers and electrodes are designed with universal connectors, so any Delmhorst electrode can be used with any Delmhorst hygrometer that has an electrode connector.
Tip #2: Use a Meter/Electrode Combination Calibrated for the Material to be Tested
Even though the electrodes can be connected to the meter you want to use, it is important to make sure that the meter itself is calibrated to measure moisture in the type of material you are testing.
For example, electrodes designed to check moisture in hay will produce more reliable results when connected to a moisture meter that has been calibrated for hay, rather than a meter calibrated for wood. If a meter calibrated for wood is connected to a hay sensor, the readings will be well qualitative rather than quantitative.
Tip #3: Consider the Durability of the Electrode
It's likely that you plan to use an electrode, and you'll want to use it for your work. Choosing hygrometer electrodes that are designed for durability can help prevent headaches.
When choosing durability, also consider the design of the electrode. Electrodes with longer pins, such as the 1235/18 18-inch-long hay Electrodes are often designed to penetrate more loosely packed materials, such as hay. Although tough, this type of electrode is not suitable for wood because the tip is blunt and the shaft of the electrode will be subjected to greater force.
For penetrating hardwoods, electrodes with sharp contact needles (e.g., 26-ES electrodes) are generally better and more durable.
Tip #4: Consider the design of the electrode
Some electrodes are built for very specific uses. As a result, these electrodes may have design features that are very different from the standard.
For example, the 19-E/STC electrode looks very different from a standard electrode. Where most other electrodes very have two or more small, sharp pins, the 19-E / STC has two 5-inch long blades with a 35° angular bend near the midpoint. The reason for the difference in shape from standard is that the blades of this electrode can more easily get between the wall and the substrate to check for moisture, thus minimising the need to remove the base moulding product.
