The Delmhorst BDX-20 moisture meter is the newest in the long-running BD Series of pin meters for the building trades. It reads moisture content in timber from 6% to 60% and drywall from 0.1% to 6%, and gives a reference scale for other building materials.
This rugged meter has an ergonomic design with an easy-grip handle and large tactile buttons for comfort and usability. Equipped with a custom LCD display and an intuitive user interface, users can quickly obtain accurate readings. The BDX-20 will ensure maximum performance and reliability on every job.
What is in this Package
- BDX-20 meter with integral contact pins
- Sturdy plastic carrying case
- 2 × AA Energizer alkaline batteries
This is the meter on its own. It reads at the surface and to the depth of the integral pins. To read inside a wall cavity, add a 21-E electrode or choose the BDX-20 Behind the Wall package, which includes one.
Features
The BDX-20 includes 3 built-in measurement scales – Wood (Douglas Fir 6%–60%), Reference Scale (0–100) and Drywall (0.1%–6%). It shares the BDX-30's meter body and core functions, but has no Bluetooth: the BDX-20 is not compatible with the EDGE™ app.
- Large, custom display with auto backlight – easy to read under all conditions.
- 3 measurement scales:
- 6%–60% Wood (Douglas Fir)
- 0.1%–6% Drywall
- 0–100 Reference scale
- Wood temperature correction (°F/°C)
- Alarm set point – alerts at a user-selected MC level
- On-screen reading statistics – High, Low, Average, Standard Deviation, Last 10
- Internal calibration check
- Pins/electrode correction (insulated or non-insulated)
- Integral contact pins, max 5/16" (7.9 mm) penetration (replacement pins: 2498/A-100)
- Compatible with any Delmhorst external electrode
- Colour-coded LEDs
- Sturdy plastic carrying case – included
- Power – 2 × AA batteries – Alkaline Energizer included
- "Low Batt" warning with audio
- Auto-off timer, set to 1, 4 or 10 minutes
- QR code on meter for easy access to support materials
BDX-20 or BDX-30?
Both meters read the same wood, drywall and reference ranges, with the same pins, electrodes and temperature correction. The differences are in species correction and record keeping:
| Feature | BDX-20 | BDX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth / EDGE app | No | Yes – timestamps, geotags, CSV export |
| Species corrections | 3 built in; others from the correction table in the owner's manual | Up to 12 saved in the meter; 37 species and materials through the app |
| Stored readings | Up to 100 | Up to 100 in the meter; unlimited through the app |
If your drying records are kept on paper or in another system, the BDX-20 does the measuring job. If you want readings logged with a date and location straight from the meter, or you regularly read timber species other than the built-in corrections, choose the BDX-30.
Specifications
| Wood moisture range | 6% to 60% (Douglas Fir scale) |
|---|---|
| Drywall range | 0.1% to 6% |
| Reference scale | 0 to 100, for non-wood materials (the owner's manual gives 1 to 100) |
| Temperature correction | −18 °C to 124 °C (0 °F to 255 °F) |
| Stored readings | Up to 100, with statistics on screen |
| Wood LED bands | Green 6%–15.9%, yellow 16.0%–18.9%, red 19.0% and above (owner's manual) |
| Power | 2 × AA alkaline; approx. 125–150 hours in active reading mode (owner's manual) |
| Size, meter only | 220 × 72 × 41 mm (8.65 × 2.85 × 1.60 in, owner's manual). CCW previously listed the depth as 39 mm (1.55 in). |
| Size, in carry case | 241 × 165 × 64 mm (9.5 × 6.5 × 2.5 in) |
| Weight | 244 g meter only (owner's manual); 510 g (18 oz) in carry case |
| Electrodes | Compatible with all Delmhorst external electrodes |
| Warranty | 2 years on manufacturer's defects. Bonus extended warranty with online registration. |
| CCW SKU | DHBDX-20W/CS |
Earlier versions of this page gave the meter's size and weight as "2.2mm" and "1.3g", and the drywall range as 0.2%–6% in one place. Those were errors; the figures above are from the Delmhorst owner's manual.
Operating Advice
- Run the internal calibration check before a job. The manual gives a pass reading of 11.8 to 12.2; outside that, replace the batteries and check again.
- Select the correct scale for the material before reading. A drywall reading taken on the wood scale, or the reverse, is not meaningful.
- Set the pin correction to match what you are using – the integral pins and most electrodes are non-insulated; insulated pins read only at the tip, which is what lets you find the wet layer at depth.
- For timber, enter the material temperature so the temperature correction is applied.
- Take readings in the same places each visit so a drying trend means something.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pin meter or pinless — which do I need?
The BDX-20 is a pin meter. Pins measure electrical resistance between two points, which gives a quantitative moisture content reading at a known depth and lets you map moisture through a structure. A pinless meter scans without marking the surface but reads only near the surface and gives a relative indication. On restoration work most contractors carry both.
Does it leave holes?
Yes. The integral pins leave two small marks, and electrodes leave larger ones. On exposed finishes, read in a wardrobe, under a skirting or behind furniture.
Can I read timber species other than Douglas Fir?
Yes. The BDX-20 has 3 built-in corrections. For other species, read on the Douglas Fir scale and apply the correction table in the owner's manual. If you do this often, the BDX-30 stores more corrections and removes the manual step.
Can I use my existing electrodes?
Yes. All Delmhorst electrodes fit all current Delmhorst meters, so a 21-E or 26-ES from an older meter works on the BDX-20.
Can I upgrade a BDX-20 to Bluetooth later?
No. Bluetooth is built into the BDX-30 only. If you think you will want app records, buy the BDX-30.
Support and Warranty
Carpet Cleaners Warehouse is the exclusive Australian distributor for Delmhorst outside the agricultural sector. Service, calibration questions and warranty claims are handled here rather than sent overseas, and we hold electrodes and pins in stock.
2-year warranty on manufacturer's defects. Bonus extended warranty with online registration. This does not exclude, restrict or modify your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
Documents
- Quick Start Guide Download
- Owner's Manual (BDX-20 and BDX-30, 05.2024) Download
- Tether Attachment Instructions Download
Not sure whether the BDX-20, the BDX-30 or a package with electrodes suits your work? Tell us what you are reading — timber floors, wall cavities, plasterboard, cladding — and we will tell you what you actually need. More in Moisture Meters.
