Delmhorst Instrument Accuscan - Manual (Page 4)

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.
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