should be used on any project where
moisture-sensitive floor coverings or coatings
are to be applied over concrete slabs. Owners,
general contractors, flooring contractors/
installers, and testing companies need to be
sure the tests they perform are accurate,
repeatable, and available to all who need
to know the current moisture condition of
concrete slabs.
apid RH® significantly improves your
R
project team’s ability to instantly test and/
or monitor the drying progress of a concrete
slab without adding substantial cost to the
project. The Rapid RH® enables you to take
fast, accurate periodic readings that fully
comply with industry standards. The Rapid
RH® Smart Sensors are factory-calibrated
and use CMOSens® technology to ensure the
sensor’s accuracy and fast equilibration.
Page 4
Step 1: Drill the Hole
Step 2: Clean the Hole
Correct hole depth and hole diameter are important in complying with the ASTM
F2170 standard (see RH Testing Best Practices section on page 24). For easy
installation of a Smart Sensor and/or Base Sleeve, a uniformly round hole is important.
Drill a hole in the concrete slab to the required depth using a rotary hammer drill and a
¾”-diameter masonry drill bit. Per the ASTM F2170 standard, drill the hole to a depth
equaling 40% of the slab’s thickness for slabs that are drying from one side, or 20%
depth for a slab drying from two sides. For proper Rapid RH® 5.0 installation, be sure
to position the drill perpendicular (90˚) to the surface being tested.
TIP: If you do not have a depth gauge for your drill, mark or tape-off your drill bit to the
correct depth setting.
Drill
45
Attach the vacuum attachment to the straight extension of a shop vacuum cleaner
hose* and thoroughly vacuum up the dust in and around the hole.
Next, insert the wire bristle brush into the hole. Turn the brush several times to loosen
pulverized concrete from the walls of the hole. Vacuum again. Repeat this step twice
to ensure no loose concrete particles remain in the hole.
IMPORTANT: Correct Diameter and Hole Uniformity: Use the ¾”-diameter section
of the black insertion tool as a diameter and uniformity gauge to ensure a correct and
uniformly round hole. If the ¾”-diameter section of the tool will not go easily into the
hole, the drill bit may be out-of-spec (worn out, etc.) or the hole may not have a uniform
diameter from top to bottom. Not performing this step may cause damage to a Smart
Sensor and/or Base Sleeve when attempting insertion.
*The vacuum attachment may require an adapter depending on vacuum model.
Vacuum
Brush Clean3/4” Diameter Section
Page 5
Step 2: Clean the Hole (Cont.)
Step 3: Insert Smart Sensor/Base Sleeve
Directly out of the package, the Smart Sensor/Base Sleeve combination is 1.6” in length
or 40% of a 4” thick slab. ASTM F2170, Section 10.2 states: “Slab drying from top only
(example: slab on ground with vapor retarder below, or slab on metal deck): 40%
depth. Slab drying from top and bottom (example: elevated structural slab not in metal
deck): 20% depth.” Each Smart Sensor/Base Sleeve pack includes a number of short
(0.4”) extensions that can be inserted into the Base Sleeve to enable use in thicker
slabs. Adding one extension increases the Base Sleeve length to 2” for testing 5” thick
slabs to the 40% depth. Keep any unused extensions for future jobs. If needed, you
can use additional extensions to increase the length
of the Base Sleeve for thicker slab applications.
In summary, add one extension insert to a Base
Sleeve for every 1” increase in slab thickness over 4”
to meet the 40% depth requirement. The extension
inserts make the Base Sleeve’s usage exible for
varying thicknesses of concrete.
If this is the rst time you will be using your
5.0 system, take a Smart Sensor/Base Sleeve
combination directly out of the package, and with no
extensions installed, insert it into the hole using the
insertion tool with red cap placed atop for ease in
pushing down on the insertion tool. Push down on
the insertion tool with cap to insert the Smart Sensor/
Base Sleeve combination into the hole, “seating” it at
the bottom (review the IMPORTANT hole diameter and uniformity comment under Step 2). Under
no circumstances should you tap or hammer the
insertion tool during insertion. Doing so may cause
damage and will void any warranty.
Insert Extensions Using Red Cap
67
At this point, for 1.6” depth holes (40% of 4”), insert a
Insert Smart Sensor and/or
Base Sleeve Combination
Using Insertion Tool
Page 6
Step 3: Insert Smart Sensor/Base Sleeve (Cont.)
Step 4: Take Readings
protective cap into the top of the Base Sleeve, and push the cap down to the concrete
surface. Or, if testing in thicker slabs, assemble the proper number of extensions, and
with the protective cap inserted into the top most extension, push down the extensions
and cap into the hole to the concrete surface, until fully seated on the Base Sleeve,
completing the installation. At this point, if you have installed the Smart Sensor and
the Base Sleeve, remove the protective cap and, utilizing the Sensor Extraction Tool,
remove the Smart Sensor from the Base Sleeve, replacing the cap into the Base
Sleeve. (More details in Step 5: Remove the Smart Sensors, page 17.)
Remember: Correct depth of the hole is critical to adhere to the ASTM F2170 test
method. (See the RH Testing Best Practices section on page 24.)
Caution: NEVER use your reader device (either the Smart Reader or the Easy
Reader) to install the Smart Sensor and/or Base Sleeve.
Sensor Extraction Tool removes the Smart Sensor from the Base Sleeve
89
The standard Rapid RH® Easy Reader (with LCD display) or
the Rapid RH® Smart Reader with Bluetooth® (in conjunction
with the DataMaster™ app available for Apple and Android
devices) can be used.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Rapid RH® 5.0 version allows for reuse
of the 5.0 Smart Sensors from job to job. Using the standard Easy
Reader or the Smart Reader (in conjunction with the DataMaster™
app), you can obtain readings, move sensors from one test hole
to another, and manually document and provide your own F2170compliant reports (Rapid RH® sensor packs and kits come with
location grid documents and report templates to make it easy to
manually document your testing. Additional copies can be obtained
at rapidrh.com).
Using the Smart Reader and DataMaster™ app, you have the ability
on a job to store each sensor’s readings and/or upload them to
Wagner’s f2170reports.com website for more automated and easier
generating of compliant reports.
“Leapfrogging” of a sensor from location to location on a job can be
time-consuming. You are encouraged to have enough 5.0 Smart
Sensors to cover the quantity of test holes required for your largest
jobs. If you have a very large project requiring far more 5.0 sensors
Easy Reader inserted into
Base Sleeve with Smart
Sensor installed
Page 7
Step 4: Take Readings (Cont.)
than you have, consider using the Rapid RH® 4.0 single use sensors to make the remainder of
the required tests.
After proper acclimation of the capped off environment within the Base Sleeve (currently
at least now 24 hours per the ASTM F2170 standard) return to the jobsite, remove the
protective cap from the Base Sleeve and reinstall the Smart Sensor utilizing the Sensor
Extraction tool. Once you have rmly seated the Smart Sensor at the bottom of the
Base Sleeve, replace the cap, and after one hour you can begin to periodically (every 15
minutes or so) take readings, until you have assurance that the Smart Sensor has fully
equilibrated, and is providing stable relative humidity and temperature values. NOTE:
This time is a general guideline. Please refer to the ASTM standard for specics.
and temperature values will continue to toggle back and forth on the display for
approximately 5 minutes or until the Easy Reader is reinserted into another Smart
Sensor. NOTE: During the toggling of the readings, when the cursor is next to the
%RH symbol, the value shown is the in-hole relative humidity reading; when the
cursor is next to the °F or °C symbol*, the value shown is the in-hole temperature.
• After taking a reading with the Easy Reader and wait at least 5 seconds before
trying to obtain another reading. Replace the reader’s plastic end caps when not
in use.
*Rapid RH® Easy Readers that display temperature in Celsius can be identied by their blue labels and blue plastic
protective caps.
When ready to take readings, remove the protective cap from the Base Sleeve, and
ensure no dust or debris is inside. NOTE: DO NOT vacuum out the Smart Sensor, as
this may inadvertently extract the sensor brain module out of the Base Sleeve. It is
Record readings on report form
included with Smart Sensors
preferred that you use a bulb-type suction device.
Regardless of the type of reader you are using, insert rmly into Base Sleeve until it
comes fully into contact with the Smart Sensor:
• If using the Easy Reader, hold it in place until the rst relative humidity reading
appears (about 3 seconds) on the LCD display, and then immediately remove the
reader.
• Once the Easy Reader is removed from the Smart Sensor, the relative humidity
1011
Page 8
Step 4: Take Readings (Cont.)
• If using the Smart Reader with the DataMaster™ app, the in-hole ambient relative
humidity and temperature readings will appear on the screen of your Apple or Android
device within approximately two seconds. Immediately remove the Smart Reader.
The Rapid RH® Smart Sensor’s patented design equilibrates (acclimates) faster than any
other concrete relative humidity sensing device. Project scheduling decisions regarding
the slab can usually be made one hour after installation. Just remember to follow the
ASTM F2170 procedures pertaining to minimum equilibration time for correct and required
reporting of the test results.
On a job, if a Smart Sensor is moved and inserted into another fully-equilibrated (24
NOTE: The DataMaster™ app can be downloaded from Google Play or iTunes.
hours minimum) test hole with the Base Sleeve and nned-base section already
installed with protective cap, after one hour you can begin to periodically (every 15
Smart Reader with
Bluetooth
®
minutes or so) take readings, until you have assurance that the Smart Sensor has fully
equilibrated, and is providing stable relative humidity and temperature values.
If future additional testing is needed on any test hole, remove the Smart Sensor with
the Smart Sensor Extraction Tool, and place the protective cap back into the Base
Sleeve. When you are ready to retest, refer to the above paragraph for testing a fullyequilibrated test hole.
1213
Page 9
Step 4: Take Readings (Cont.)
If using the standard Easy Reader, or the Smart Reader with the DataMaster™ app,
manually record readings on the enclosed report form in the spaces provided for
information required by ASTM F2170, including the date, time, %RH, and temperature.
If using the Smart Reader with the Rapid RH® DataMaster™ app, as mentioned earlier,
sensors’ readings will be stored in the app and can be uploaded to the f2170reports.
com website.
The grid at the bottom of the report form can be used to record test hole locations.
Extra copies of the report form and an ASTM F2170 checklist can be downloaded at
rapidrh.com. You can also visit rhspec.com to visit links to various nished ooring
manufacturers’ installation guides and their RH thresholds. For any additional
questions related to what RH levels are appropriate, please contact the manufacturer
of the product to be applied to the concrete slab.
AN IMPORTANT COMMENT ON SENSOR SERIAL NUMBERS:
Whether it is a 5.0 (reusable) or 4.0 (single use) device, every Rapid RH® Smart
Sensor has a barcode serial number label on the outside of the Base Sleeve when you
rst pull it out of the factory packaging. ASTM F2170 documentation has stipulations
for documenting sensor serial numbers for moisture testing on your jobs, so keeping
track of sensor serial numbers is important for report documentation and verication
Smart Reader with Bluetooth
DataMaster™ App &
of calibration. With your 5.0 reusable sensor packages, additional blank serial number
®
labels are included if an original barcode serial number label or original Base Sleeve
gets damaged.
NOTE: Fresh out of the factory packaging, a 5.0 Smart Sensor assembly consists of
three discrete parts: 1. Base Sleeve (with barcode serial number); 2. A nned-base
section, and; 3. The actual Smart Sensor that has already been inserted at the factory
into the Base Sleeve, and therefore associated with that serial number label on its
original Base Sleeve.
The actual Smart Sensors can be removed from their original Base Sleeves (if the
sleeve gets damaged from use, etc.), but attempt to keep the original Base Sleeve
1415
Page 10
Step 4: Take Readings (Cont.)
Step 5: Remove the Smart Sensors
number with its original Smart Sensor; whether it’s a replacement Base Sleeve or
not. The key point is keeping track of your serial numbers. If you do happen to lose
this serial number connection between a Smart Sensor and the original Base Sleeve,
contact Wagner at (844) 786-8643 for assistance.
NOTE: You can remove a sensor brain module out of its base sleeve by gently pushing on the
sensor brain module from the bottom, which will loosen it from the base sleeve, allowing you to
drop it through the base sleeve into your hand.
1617
The Rapid RH® 5.0 system was primarily
and intelligently designed to allow the
reuse of the Smart Sensors. Special
polytetrauoroethylene (PTFE) ltering
of the sensors and EasyCare CalCheck®
salt solution chambers are two of the
key points that allow for reuse (checking
calibration and caring for these sensors
is discussed in the EasyCare CalCheck®
section beginning on page 19). This
particular section is dedicated to correct
procedures for extracting a Smart Sensor
for later reuse, on the same job, or on
another job.
To extract the Smart Sensor only, simply
insert the metal end of the Smart Sensor
Extraction Tool into the Base Sleeve until
it touches the top of the Smart Sensor.
Slowly turn the tool counterclockwise
until it drops into the “slots” of the Smart
Sensor then turn tool counterclockwise
until it stops. At this point, gently turn
Smart Sensor Extraction Tool
Page 11
Step 5: Remove the Smart Sensor (Cont.)
EasyCare CalCheck
®
the tool counterclockwise while pulling up. If you are
going to be doing future testing of this hole, make sure
you put a protective cap on the sleeve. When ready to
obtain additional readings, you can just reverse the above
removal process to reinstall the Smart Sensor into the
Base Sleeve.
Using the convenient hooked extraction tool, you will be
The EasyCare CalCheck : Checking Calibration
The revolutionary and patented EasyCare CalCheck® saturated salt solution calibration
references were designed to make it easy to meet the ASTM F2170 requirement for
verifying calibration of your Rapid RH® 5.0 Smart Sensors.
Each EasyCare CalCheck® is comprised of a top and bottom chamber, and two rubber
caps. The top chamber is the actual saturated salt solution chamber with a white PTFE
®
extracting the Base Sleeve and sensor brain module (as
mentioned earlier, the lower nned-base is used once, and
stays in the hole). To extract the Base Sleeve with Smart
Sensor, put the hooked extraction tool down into the Base
Sleeve, seat the hook into the inside of the sleeve and pull
Smart Sensor assembled
with upper chamber
stored in rubber cap
up quickly and rmly.
On the other hand, if future readings are no longer needed,
Upper chamber
skim-coat the hole with a cementitious patching compound
compatible with the ooring manufacturer’s installation
instructions.
Upper chamber
stored in rubber caps
NOTE: The inexpensive, short nned-base section remains
in the hole, and therefore is not recovered for future testing
of other holes. Additional nned-base sections can be
purchased separately from Wagner.
1819
EasyCare CalCheck
®
Lower chamber
Page 12
EasyCare CalCheck® (Cont.)
lter on top; you will see traces of a sodium chloride salt tablet in this upper chamber.
The bottom chamber is rellable.* When a Base Sleeve - with inserted Smart Sensor
- is attached to the top section of the EasyCare CalCheck®, a tightly-sealed, 75%
relative humidity environment is created between the top of the EasyCare CalCheck®
and the bottom of the actual Smart Sensor.
IMPORTANT: Always keep the red rubber
EasyCare CalCheck® equilibrating
covered by red rubber caps
caps on the top sections of the EasyCare
CalChecks® when they are not being used
for checking sensor calibration or when a
Smart Sensor is not being stored on top.
Also, once the EasyCare CalCheck® is
fully charged, make sure to separate the
top chamber from the bottom chamber.
Store the bottom chamber for future recharging and insert the top chamber into one of
the rubber caps provided.
CHECKING THE CALIBRATION OF YOUR SENSORS: The EasyCare CalCheck®
used to verify calibration of your Rapid RH® 5.0 Smart Sensors. The ASTM F2170
test standard calls for checking sensor (probe) calibration 30 days before use.
Storage tray for
EasyCare CalCheck
®
(refer to Rapid RH® 5.0 Best Practices and Charging of EasyCare CalChecks®
document). Regardless of what particular reader device you use, with a Base Sleeve
and Smart Sensor combination already installed on top of the EasyCare CalCheck®
for at least a few hours, insert the reader rmly into the Base Sleeve until it comes
into contact with the Smart Sensor. If using the Smart Reader/DataMaster™ app
combination, the Smart Sensor data will show on your Apple or Android device while
running the DataMaster™ app.
It is recommended that you plan your routine
calibration checks such that you always have
veried sensors before you go on a job to do
testing.
NOTE: For best precision in this calibrationcheck process, it is highly recommended that
you use the Smart Reader/DataMaster™ app
combination to check calibration. Manual
checks can be done with the Easy Reader or
Smart Reader/DataMaster™ app combination,
but some manual correction may be necessary
If a message comes up on the DataMaster™ app indicating that a Smart Sensor is not
*An EasyCare CalCheck® chamber can be recharged when necessary with ordinary potable water, rather
than having to use distilled water. Filling/recharging is detailed in Rapid RH® 5.0 Best Practices and
Charging of EasyCare CalChecks® document that came with your 5.0 kit, also available at rapidrh.com.
2021
within calibration, or a manual check against ASTM E104 tables indicates the sensor is
not within calibration, do not be immediately alarmed. It is probably, in most cases, that
Page 13
EasyCare CalCheck® (Cont.)
Troubleshooting
the sensor is OK, but that the EasyCare CalChecks® and/or sensor is just not currently
equilibrated. A few more hours of time should be allowed to pass to allow for this. As a
reminder, it is highly recommended that you review the Rapid RH® 5.0 Best Practices
and Charging of EasyCare CalChecks® document.
Calibration check data for your Smart Sensors is stored in the DataMaster™ app.
After one year of usage, all 5.0 sensors will need to be replaced with new smart sensors
that have current NIST-certied calibration certicates to ensure compliance with ASTM
F2170. Replacement sensors can be ordered by calling (844) 786-8643.
Calibration check data for your Smart
Sensors is stored in the DataMaster™ app.
2223
Easy Reader LCD display shows “ER”: The
Rapid RH® Easy Reader may not be properly
communicating with the Smart Sensor for the
following reasons:
1. The Easy Reader was not in contact with
the Smart Sensor long enough. Hold the
Easy Reader in the Smart Sensor until
the rst relative humidity reading appears
on the screen, then remove.
2. Debris is blocking proper contact. Check
the Smart Sensor housing for any debris.
Replace the batteries: The Easy Reader
comes with two AAAA alkaline batteries.
To replace the batteries, open up the battery
cover by removing the one battery cover screw
with a jeweler’s Phillips screwdriver.
DO NOT OPEN UP THE FULL BODY OF THE
EASY READER AT ANY TIME.
Page 14
RH Testing Best Practices
New concrete slabs should be allowed to cure
and dry for as long as possible before performing
any type of moisture testing. Even though some
methods state to wait at least 28 days after a
test locations and obtaining the nal results per testing standards, then it is good
practice to set a few new tests to conrm and validate what the older test locations are
currently indicating. For sensors experiencing 95% RH for longer durations of time, an
upward drift up to a few percentage points may be experienced.
concrete pour before setting up test instruments,
it is often prudent to wait much longer.* Minimizing
the amount of time between initiating any moisture
testing on a slab and obtaining the nal results
per testing standards increases the chance that
the test results will more accurately indicate the
condition of the concrete around the test location.
Additionally, it is good practice to let the sensors lie on the slab for about 10 minutes or
so prior to installation, until they reach temperature equilibrium with the slab to prevent
any dew point issues that might cause condensation on or around the sensor (NOTE:
Wagner has not heard of any reports where this has actually been an issue, but it is
still a best use practice). For more information on relative humidity in concrete oors
and moisture testing, go to www.cement.org to order the book “Concrete Floors and
Moisture” by Howard Kanare.
On all slabs (new and old), it is recommended to do
test sampling, prior to completing testing, according
to the ASTM F2170 standard’s requirement, in
regards to the number of test sites. It is good
practice to initially only set up a portion of the test
locations ultimately required and use those few
locations as a means to indicate when the rest of
the tests should be performed. If extended periods
of time have elapsed between initially setting up
2425
*The drying rate of standard Portland cement-based concrete slabs has been studied extensively. For
slabs drying from one side, a very general rule-of-thumb as a drying rate is approximately 30 days of drying
time for each inch of thickness of the slab for the relative humidity level to reach somewhere in the 85%-
90% range. This is only a very rough approximate guideline, and drying times can, and often are,
much longer if good drying conditions (closed-in space, environmental controls on, etc.) are not present.
Additionally, other factors such as the densifying of a slab surface from heavy power-troweling, additional
water added to the concrete at time of pour, rain, or construction water sitting on a slab, etc., can drastically
affect the drying time of a concrete slab.
Page 15
Use ConditionsService Temperature Adjustment Tool
The Rapid RH® 5.0 is intended for interior use only. It is imperative that the interior
application area be protected from weather elements such as rain and snow to prevent
water intrusion. The Rapid RH® 5.0 is not to be used in concrete less than 28 days old
(see RH Testing Best Practices section on page 24). Follow ASTM F2170 “Standard
Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs Using in situ
Probes”1.
NIST2 traceable accuracy:
Readings at +/- 1.8% RH from 10% to 90%
Readings at +/- 3% RH from 90% to 95%
Avoid severe cold or hot storage environments (i.e. vehicles)
1
Available from ASTM International, P.O. Box C700,
West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, www.astm.org
2
National Institute of Standards and Technology
262726
The ASTM F2170 standard mandates measuring RH at service conditions. But your
project’s timeline may be such that you’d like to be able to estimate RH before reaching
service conditions.
Wagner Meters offers a simple-to-use, science-based RH estimator tool that adjusts
for service temperature. The easiest way to use this handy tool is with the Rapid RH
DataMaster™ app, available for both iOS and Android devices. The estimator tool is
also available online at wagnermeters.com/rhtemp where you can also watch a short
introductory video for more information.
Simply obtain the RH and temperature readings of your concrete slab with your Rapid
RH®, then use the DataMaster™ app, the online estimator tool, or download the service
temperature adjustment table to get an estimated RH value at service conditions.
Note: The service temperature adjustment tool was developed by CTLGroup, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Portland Cement Association.
®
Page 16
Wagner Meters Limited Warranty
Wagner Meters warrants the Rapid RH® 5.0 Smart Sensor and Rapid RH® Easy Reader products against
defects in material and workmanship for one (1) year from the date of purchase, subject to the following terms
and conditions:
Wagner Meters’ liability under this warranty shall be limited, at Wagner Meters’ option, to the repair or
replacement of products or any part thereof, which are demonstrated to be defective. To exercise this warranty,
the customer must send product back with a copy of the proof of purchase date, the reason for return and,
if Wagner determines it is under warranty, Wagner will replace the customer’s product. This limited warranty
does not apply if the product has been damaged by accident, negligent handling, misuse, alteration, damage
during shipment, or improper service. Wagner Meters shall in no event be liable for any breach of warranty or
defect in this product, which exceeds the amount of purchase price of the product.
Relative humidity is one of many factors necessary for construction decisions. Wagner Meters does not
assume responsibility for any particular construction decision based on the readings of this instrument and
does not guarantee any specic construction results.
The method of use of this instrument and the interpretation of the readings are beyond the control of the
manufacturer. Wagner Meters cannot accept responsibility for any loss, consequential or otherwise, resulting
from the use of the Rapid RH
If the Smart Reader/Easy Reader does not appear to function properly for any reason, contact Wagner Meters
for remedy.
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, whether oral or written, express or implied. Any implied
warranties, including implied warranties of merchantability and tness for a particular purpose, are
excluded. If this product is not in good working order as warranted above, the customer’s sole remedy shall
be repair or replacement as provided above.
This warranty is personal to the customer purchasing the product from Wagner Meters or from its authorized
distributors and is not transferable.
The agents and employees of Wagner Meters are not authorized to make modications of this warranty or
additional warranties binding on Wagner Meters. Accordingly, additional statements, whether oral or written,
except written statements from an ofcer of Wagner Meters, do not constitute warranties and should not be
relied upon by the customer.
®
5.0 and its accessories.
2828
Page 17
For more information on relative humidity testing
and to order online go to
www.RapidRH.com
Wagner Meters
326 Pine Grove Road
Rogue River, OR 97537
Worldwide Toll-Free: (844) 786-8643
The RAPID RH® 5.0 is registered under U.S. Patent 7,231,815, 8,047,056, 9,032,791 & 9,588,092.
All right s reserved . No part of thi s publicat ion may be repr oduced, sto red in a retrie val system, or tr ansmitted , in any form or by any m eans,
electron ic, mechan ical, photo copying, re cording, o r otherwi se, without t he prior wri tten perm ission of the p ublisher. The in formatio n in this
document i s subject to change wi thout notice.
500-RRP50-001 rev E
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