Delmhorst Accuscan User Manual

Accuscan

™

owners manual

WHEN ACCURACY IS THE POINT.

®

TM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 Accuscan Features
3 Introduction
3 Two Scales
4 Button Functions
4 Installing/Replacing a Battery
5 Meter/Battery Check
5 Taking a Reading
6 Application Notes
6 Using 6-40% Wood Scale
6 Testing Wood Flooring
6 Paint Failure and Moisture
6 Helpful Hints When Using Accuscan

to Measure Wood
7 Using the 0-100 Reference Scale
7 Testing Concrete Slabs for Flooring

Applications
8 Key Factors to Consider
8 Using Accuscan in a Water Restoration

or Mold Remediation Job
9 Testing EIFS
9 Helpful Hints When Using Accuscan to

Measure Non-Wood Building Materials

10 Care of Your Meter
10 Service For Your Meter
11 Accreditations
12 Warranty

#

ACCUSCAN FEATURES

hDesigned to check moisture levels in wood, concrete, EIFS,

sheetrock and other materials

hIdeal for the Flooring Professional, Restoration Contractor,

IAQ and Mold Remediation Specialist, Woodworker, Home
Inspector, and General Contractor

hAnalog readout
hMeasures %MC in wood over the range of 6%–40%
h0–100 color-coded reference scale for non-wood building

materials

hBuilt-in meter check
hIncludes (1) 9-volt battery
hIncludes a sturdy carrying case
hOne-year warranty
hOver 56 years of proven quality, accuracy and service

Check Button

Stay On Button

Reference Scale
Button

@

Wood Scale
Button

$

!

DELMHORST ACCUSCAN

2

Green/Red LED

INTRODUCTION

Accuscan is a multi-purpose meter, which can be used in many
applications, such as flooring, water restoration/IAQ,
woodworking and home inspection. It is a fast, effective way
to identify moisture problems and determine if further action
must be taken.

Accuscan is a capacitance-type moisture meter, using the
relationship between the moisture content and the dielectric
properties of the material under test. When the meter is placed
on wood or other building material, an electro-magnetic field
penetrates approximately 3/4” into the material. The MC
nearest to the sensor has the greatest effect on the reading. The
indicated reading represents a biased average MC without taking
into account the moisture distribution.

If you require a more complete evaluation of moisture
conditions, or need to penetrate through flooring, check behind
sheetrock, or test lumber over 1-1/2” thick, we recommend using
Accuscan in conjunction with one of our Delmhorst pin-type
moisture meters.

Two Scales

Wood 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-wood
materials. The numbers on this scale are relative or qualitative

indications of moisture levels – not % moisture content.

Use
when testing building materials such as plaster, sheetrock,
concrete, insulation, EIFS, etc. Readings in the low end of the
scale usually indicate a drier condition; readings in the upper
end of the scale usually indicate a higher moisture level in the
material.

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 the
meter’s scale, should be used as the reference points against
which subsequent readings are compared.

One should not expect that the reference scales for meters of
different makes and types (resistance/capacitance) will read alike
on the same material. The benchmark may be different from
meter to meter because a given meter’s response depends on the
material used for calibration and on the meter’s range.

3

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Button Functions

! STAY ON BUTTON - Turns the meter “on.”

Also keeps the meter “on” continuously if
pressed and held.

@ REFERENCE SCALE BUTTON - Selects

reference scale and turns the meter “on.” Also
performs an auto calibration. The LED blinks
red when this button is pressed.

# CHECK BUTTON - Verifies that the meter is

functioning properly and that the battery
voltage is sufficient.

$ WOOD SCALE BUTTON - Selects wood scale

and turns the meter “on.” Also performs an
auto calibration. The LED blinks

green when

this button is pressed.

INSTALLING/REPLACING
A BATTERY

Delmhorst Instrument Co. ships ACCUSCAN with a 9-V
battery stored in the carrying case. When installing the
battery, the LED will go through the following sequence:

hGreen light will flash 1 time, then the red light will flash 1

time, followed by the green light 2 times again.

hAfter this flashing sequence is complete, the unit is

operational and ready to use.

To replace a low battery

hRemove the battery door and unsnap the battery from the

clip.

hWait 20-30 seconds before installing the new battery.
hInsert the new battery. The LED will follow the same

blinking sequence as noted above.

hDo not depress any buttons on the face of the meter while

installing a new battery.

4

METER/BATTERY CHECK

hHold the meter in the air and away from any object. Your

fingers must not make contact with the sensor plate while
performing this function.

hPress and hold the check button (3) until the green light

stops blinking.

hThe battery voltage is sufficient if the needle pointer

moves to within the green band (20%) on the wood
scale. Any reading within this green band on the dial is
acceptable. Make sure the sensor pad is not making
contact with anything when checking the meter.

hIf the needle does not read “20” it is likely an indication

of a low battery. If this occurs, change the battery
(9-Volt) immediately. Continued use with a low battery
may cause the meter to go out of calibration. If you have
a fresh battery and the instrument still does not indicate
a 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 read

cycle. If, while taking a reading, the LED blinks, the
battery voltage is below 6%.

TAKING A READING

hSelect the appropriate scale by pressing and releasing either

the Reference Scale or the Wood Scale button.

Hold the
meter in the air and away from any object when making the
scale selection.

hThe meter will turn on, and the LED will flash several

times. This action also performs an auto calibration, which
ensures that meter readings will be stable, repeatable, and
virtually unaffected by environmental conditions.

hWhen the LED stops blinking, the unit is ready to take a

reading.

hPlace the meter on the surface to be tested.
hHold the outer sides of the unit and apply slight forward

pressure on the meter to minimize the amount of air
between the sensor plate and the material being tested.

hIf you want to read continuously, press and HOLD the Stay

On button (1) to keep the unit ON. If you release the Stay On
button, the meter will turn off after 2 minutes 30 seconds.

hTo turn the meter “ON” after 2 minutes 30 seconds, hold it

in the air and away from any object. Press the Stay On
button or appropriate scale button again.

5

6

APPLICATION NOTES

USING THE 6-40% WOOD
SCALE

Testing Wood Flooring

hBefore installing a floor, make sure that the moisture

content of the sub floor and the flooring are within 2%-4%
of each other. Most flooring manufacturers also recommend
that the installer allow the floor to acclimate in its
environment for several days before installation. During this
period, check both the floor and the sub floor to ensure that
moisture levels of both materials remain stable.

Paint Failure and Moisture

hMoisture is by far the most frequent cause of paint failure.

The key to preventing paint failure is to make certain that
moisture is not absorbed through the wood to the back of
the 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 of

peeling if the %MC is 15% or less. In drier climates, the
maximum reading should be 10% to 11%. Indoor wood
should be between 7% to 8% prior to painting.

Helpful Hints When Using
ACCUSCAN to Measure Wood

hThe entire sensor plate should be in contact with the surface

of the board. The sensor plate measures 2-1/2” x 3-1/2”.

hReadings obtained with Accuscan, like pinless moisture

meters in general, are affected by the amount of pressure
the 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 measuring

thinner material, keep in mind that the material underneath
the wood may influence the readings. If possible, place a
piece of glass, rubber or styrofoam under the sample to
avoid false readings.

hThe meter works best on smooth lumber. Rough, uneven or

cupped boards yield low readings due to the air pockets
between the sensor plate and the surface. Disregard
readings on knots or splits.

7

hSurface moisture increases the readings. Depending on the

application, we recommend using a Delmhorst pin meter
with insulated pins to determine if a normal gradient (wet
core to drier outer surface) is present or if surface
moisture has just soaked into the board.

USING THE 0-100
REFERENCE SCALE:

read the
section on page 3 again before
proceeding

Testing Concrete Slabs for
Flooring Applications

hMoisture meters are an effective tool to check moisture in

concrete.They can tell you where there may be excess
moisture and help determine if you need to conduct further
testing.

hFor best results, we recommend using ACCUSCAN in

conjunction with a pin type meter for concrete flooring
applications. ACCUSCAN will allow you to scan a large
area quickly and easily, while the pin type meter will allow
you to conduct a sub surface test.

hIf you have determined that you must use a pin-type

moisture meter, test both the surface and mid-section of
the slab, especially if the slab is on or below grade. This
will help determine if there is continuous moisture
migration toward the surface. If this condition exists, the
moisture movement may be so slow that once it reaches the
surface, moisture evaporates and causes a “dry” reading
when a surface test is made. However, if a sub-surface test
is made, the meter may read “wet” indicating the presence
of moisture. When the slab is covered and the upward
movement of moisture continues, moisture will move into a
hygroscopic (wood) floor, or build-up pressure under a non­breathing synthetic floor, causing delamination.

hIf the meter still indicates “dry” reading in the green

section of the scale, the floor is ready for covering.
Perform tests in several areas, especially when the slab is
thick and air circulation is poor.

hIf more precise testing is required, use the Delmhorst Total

Check 3-in-1 meter to measure the % relative humidity in
a slab, in accordance with ASTM standard F2170.

Key Factors to Consider

hThe age of the slab. National Wood Flooring Association

guidelines specify to wait at least 30 days after the slab is
laid 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 Water
Restoration or Mold
Remediation Job

hACCUSCAN is a useful tool in identifying moisture in

walls, ceilings and floors in a water restoration or mold
remediation.

hIn order to establish pre-loss conditions, find an area of the

building that was not damaged and take several readings
on various materials. This will provide you with a target
moisture level to reach when drying damaged areas.

hTake several readings on each wall. Pay special attention

near the base, around doorjambs, electrical and plumbing
fixtures, and other places where water may have entered.

hUse the meter continuously during the drying process to

monitor drying progress.

8

Testing EIFS (Exterior
Insulation & Finish Systems)

hMoisture intrusion problems in EIFS (also known as

synthetic stucco) stem from leaking window and door
frames, improper use of or lack of sealant, and faulty
installation of flashing.

hIf you suspect a problem take a visual inspection. Look for

gaps around windows, doors, air conditioning units, light
fixtures, hose bibs, dryer vents and other areas of potential
penetration. Also look for visible signs of water damage. If
you believe a problem exists, use ACCUSCAN as a quick
scanning method to determine the general location of the
moisture. Then use a pin type meter to better identify exact
problem areas and depth of moisture intrusion.

Helpful Hints When Using
ACCUSCAN to Measure
Non-Wood Building Materials

hThe 0-100 “reference scale” is for relative wet/dry

indications only. These numbers do not represent %MC.

hThe meter works best on smooth surfaces that are free of

loose debris and dust.

hReadings in concrete can be affected by rebar and

aggregate composition.

hThe entire sensor plate should be in contact with the surface

of the board. The sensor plate measures 2-1/2” x 3-1/2”.

hReadings obtained with ACCUSCAN, like pinless moisture

meters in general, are affected by the amount of pressure
the 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 mind

that the material underneath or behind the material being
tested may influence the readings.

9

CARE FOR YOUR METER

To keep your meter in good working order:

h Store meter in a clean, dry place. The protective carrying

case provided is an ideal storage place when the meter is
not in use.

h Change the 9-Volt battery as needed. Continued use with a

low battery may cause the meter to go out of calibration.

hClean the meter with any biodegradable cleaner. Use the

cleaner sparingly and on external parts only.

h Remove the battery if the meter will not to be used for one

month or longer.

SERVICE FOR YOUR METER

h Pack your meter securely. Enclose a purchase order or

letter with a brief description of the problem.

h There is no need to call us for a return authorization

number if you are within the U.S. Customers outside the
U.S. must contact us for more specific instructions prior to
returning a meter. Include your name, address, daytime
phone and fax numbers or e-mail address. If you believe the
meter is under warranty, please provide the original sales
slip or invoice.

h Ship via UPS, Express Mail, Priority Mail or any

overnight courier who provides prompt service. Do not use
standard 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 incoming

freight 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 request

one, or if we determine that the meter may be too costly to
repair.

hNon-warranty repairs will be returned via UPS/COD unless

you have already established other payment terms. There is
no COD service outside the U.S. To pay by credit card,
include the card number and expiration date with your
repair. We accept Visa/MasterCard, and American Express.

10

hWarranty repairs will be returned at no charge if shipped

within the U.S. via UPS Ground Service. Freight charges
for expedited services (i.e., Federal Express, UPS/2 Day,
UPS/1 Day, etc.) are the customer’s responsibility and will
be charged as per the above terms.

ACCREDITATIONS

ACCUSCAN complies with:

FCC

Part 18 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and

2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.

CANADIAN

This ISM Device complies with Canadian ICES-001.

Cet appareil ISM est conforme a la norme NMB-001 du
Canada.

CE

Complies with relevant directives. Please contact Delmhorst
Instrument Co. if you require a formal Declaration of
Conformity.

11

WARRANTY

Delmhorst Instrument Co., referred to hereafter as
Delmhorst, guarantees its ACCUSCAN meter for one year
from date of purchase. If, within the warranty period of the
ACCUSCAN, you find any defect in material or workmanship
return the meter following the instructions in the

Service for

Your Meter

section. This limited warranty does not cover
abuse, alteration, misuse, damage during shipment, improper
service, unauthorized or unreasonable use of the meter or
electrodes. This warranty does not cover batteries. If the
meter has been tampered with, the warranty shall be void. At
our option we may replace or repair the meter.

Delmhorst shall not be liable for incidental or consequential
damages for the breach of any express or implied warranty
with respect to this product or its calibration. With proper
care 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 any
incidental, indirect, special, or consequential damages of any
type whatsoever, including, but not limited to, lost profits or
downtime arising out of or related in any respect to its meters
or electrodes and no other warranty, written, oral or implied
applies. Delmhorst shall in no event be liable for any breach
of warranty or defect in this product that exceeds the amount
of purchase of this product.

The express warranty set forth above constitutes the entire
warranty with respect to Delmhorst meters and electrodes and
no other warranty, written, oral, or implied applies. This
warranty is personal to the customer purchasing the product
and is not transferable.

12

51 Indian Lane East

Towaco, NJ 07082

(877)-DELMHORST

www.delmhorst.com

e-mail - [e-mail]

©2003, Delmhorst Instrument Co.

510INS-0018 REV. 11/06

WHEN ACCURACY IS THE POINT.

®

TM

For 60 years Delmhorst has been
the leading manufacturer of high

quality moisture meters and thermo-

hygrometers. Today we offer the

innovative KIL-MO-TROL

®

in-kiln

monitoring system. We also offer a

wide range of meters for a variety

of applications including wood­working/lumber, agriculture, con­struction, paper, restoration, IAQ

and flooring.