Page 1
GE GE Protimeter Mini
Sensing User Instructions
Introduction
The GE Protimeter Mini BLD2000 is used to measure the
moisture content of wood and the wood moisture equivalent
(WME) value of other non-conductive materials.
1 Procedure for Using the Protimeter Mini BLD2000
To use the Protimeter Mini BLD2000, do the following:
1. Remove the cap to expose the needle electrodes.
2. Switch the instrument ON by pressing and releasing the
button. Ensure that the battery symbol is illuminated (if it is
flashing, the battery should be replaced).
3. Push the pins into the surface of the material to be tested and
observe the reading.
4. Alternatively, take moisture readings by using optional electrodes connected via the
socket on the right-hand side of the instrument.
5. After use, replace the cap and switch the meter OFF by pressing and holding the
button, or allow the instrument to switch OFF automatically.
Note: While the button is pressed, the current reading is held on the display; after 3
seconds it will flash to signify that the instrument will switch OFF when released.
®
2 Automatic Switch-Off Adjustment
Note: To maximize battery life, the instrument is programmed to switch off automatically
after one minute. If desired, the auto switch-off can be set at longer time periods, but
this reduces the working life of the battery.
To change the auto switch-off, do the following:
1. Press and hold the button for three seconds until the LED adjacent to 6 %WME starts
flashing.
2. As soon as the LED starts to flash, release the button and then press repeatedly to
select the desired auto switch-off time, as listed in Table 1 below.
Table 1: Auto Switch Off Time
WME Scale Value Auto Switch Off Time WME Scale Value Auto Switch Off Time
6 60 seconds 18 180 seconds
9 90 seconds 21 210 seconds
12 120 seconds 24 240 seconds
15 150 seconds
INS2000, Rev. A
January 2006
Page 2
3 Measurement Range and Interpretation
In wood, the Protimeter Mini BLD2000 measures the moisture content from 6 – 28%, the
level at which the fibers are saturated. In other non-conductive materials, the instrument
measures the WME value up to 28%.
The WME value is the theoretical moisture level that would be attained by wood that is in
moisture equilibrium with the material being tested. The full measurement range is from
6 – 90, but values over 28 are relative; they indicate increasingly high levels of moisture
rather than actual moisture content.
The color-coded zones signify the moisture condition of the material under investigation.
The green, yellow, and red color-coded zones indicate the following:
• Material in the green zone is in a safe air-dry condition.
• In the yellow zone, moisture levels are higher than normal but not critical; further
investigation is recommended.
• The red zone represents excessive moisture levels. If sustained, red zone moisture levels
will lead to decay in organic materials.
4Battery
The Protimeter Mini BLD2000 is powered by one 6F22 9V battery. Replace it when the low
battery symbol flashes by removing the cover on the back of the instrument. Ensure correct
polarity when inserting the new battery.
5 Calibration Check
Check the calibration of the Protimeter Mini BLD2000 in accordance with your quality
control procedures by holding the electrode needles across the exposed wires of the
Protimeter “Calcheck” device.
Correctly calibrated instruments will register a value of 17 – 19. Instruments that register a
value outside this range should be returned to GE Sensing or to an authorized GE Protimeter
distributor for servicing.
6 Care and Maintenance
Store the instrument in a dry and stable environment. Remove the battery if the instrument is
not in regular use.
The information contained in this leaflet is given in good faith. As the method of use of the
instrument (and its accessories) and the interpretation of the readings are beyond the control of
the manufacturers, they cannot accept responsibility for any loss, consequential or otherwise,
resulting from its use.
USA
1100 Technology Park Drive
Billerica, MA 01821-4111
Web: www.gesensing.com/protimeterproducts
Ireland
Shannon Industrial Estate
Shannon, County Clare
Web: www.gesensing.com/protimeterproducts
Protimeter Mini® is a registered trademark of GE
Page 2 GE Protimeter Mini
Loading...