Tramex CMEX5 – Concrete Moisture Encounter X5
The Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter X5 – CMEX5 is a non-destructive digital multi moisture meter for concrete floors and slabs providing an instant and precise quantitative measurement of moisture content using Gravimetric testing as a baseline.
The CMEX5 also provides Carbide Method equivalent readings for concrete and other cementitious substrates as well as comparative readings as per ASTM F2659. Incorporating plug-in ports for the optional Hygro-i2® relative humidity probe testing per ASTM F2170 and heavy-duty pin-type wood probes, this moisture meter transforms into the ideal all-in-one instrument for the flooring professional.
Why flooring professionals choose the CMEX5
Most moisture meters answer one question. The CMEX5 answers three from a single instrument: a non-destructive sweep of the slab to find where the moisture is, an in-situ relative humidity test to the standard the specification calls for, and a resistance pin reading for timber and drywall. That matters on a flooring job because the non-destructive scan is what tells you where to place the RH probes. Placing them without scanning first is guesswork.
Features
- Bluetooth connection to the iOS and Android Tramex Meters app
- Non-destructive quantitative %MC in concrete
- Built-in ambient relative humidity sensor
- Plug-in ports for in-situ RH and pin probes
- 500+ wood species available
- Optional extension bracket with telescopic handle
The three measurement modes
Concrete mode (non-destructive)
The Concrete Moisture Encounter X5 detects and evaluates the moisture conditions within the slab or screed by non-destructively measuring the electrical impedance. A low frequency electronic signal is transmitted into the material under test via the electrode pads on the base of the instrument, reading to a depth of approximately 20 mm. Nothing is drilled and nothing is damaged, so a large floor area can be surveyed quickly and repeatedly.
In-situ relative humidity mode (optional Hygro-i2 probe)
With the optional Hygro-i2® probes the CMEX5 becomes an RH meter for testing within the slab using the in-situ method, or at the surface using the RH hood method (ASTM F2170 and BS 8201, 8203, 5325). CCW supplies the Hygro-i2 probes for in-situ testing to AS 1884-2012 and ASTM F2170. Relative humidity probes can also be used for ambient RH measurement in air spaces.
Pin mode (optional plug-in probe)
With the optional plug-in pin probe the CMEX5 becomes a resistance type meter and measures the percentage moisture content (%MC) of wood. International wood standards or pre-programmed wood species can be selected. Pin mode can also be used for drywall and for WME (wood moisture equivalent) readings in other materials.
Important – the CMEX5 takes bayonet connector accessories
Tramex changed the accessory connector between meter generations. The CMEX5, MEX5 and DL-RHTX use a bayonet connector. The earlier CMEX2 and MRH3 use a different connector, and the part numbers differ by a single trailing letter. Ordering the wrong one is easy and the accessory will not connect.
For the CMEX5, order the “B” suffix versions:
- Hand held wood probe HH14TP30B – not HH14TP30
- Hammer probe HA21SP52B – not HA21SP52
- Hygro-i2 interface cable RHIE2B – not RHIE2
- Long narrow RH probe RHP-NW-B, short narrow RHP-SNW-B and short probe RHP-SW-B
- ASTM F2170 accessory pack AP-F2170-B – not AP-F2170
The Hygro-i2 probes themselves are common to both generations – it is the interface cable that differs.
Recommended accessories
- Hygro-i2 RH probe, also available in 3 pack and 12 pack – ASTM F2170 requires three test locations for the first 100 m² and one for each additional 100 m², so most jobs need several
- 19 mm hole liners and caps, 100 pack or the 50 pack for ASTM F2170 – 19 mm liners are drilled with a 3/4 inch bit. The two CCW packs are the same liner in different quantities. Tramex also makes 16 mm liners for BS 8201, BS 8203 and BS 5325, which CCW does not stock – different standard, different bit.
- Hygro-i2 accessory box – the tooling for performing ASTM F2170 tests
- 75% calibration check salt – for verifying probe accuracy before a job
- E5-HBS extension handle – scan a floor standing up rather than on your knees
- Single meter case, EZ carry case or heavy duty case
Technical specifications
| Weight | 357 grams |
| Size | 180 mm x 85 mm x 40 mm |
| Construction | ABS body |
| Power | 2 x AA 1.5V LR6 alkaline batteries (included) |
| Display | Digital, front lit |
| Depth of penetration | Approximately 20 mm (3/4 inch), concrete non-invasive mode |
Measuring ranges
| Moisture content of concrete | 0 to 6.9% (moisture by weight) |
| Gypsum scale (comparative) | 0 to 12 |
| CM equivalent, anhydrite / concrete | 0 to 2.7 / 0 to 4.3 |
| Reference scale | 0 to 100 |
| Wood, invasive mode | 5 to 30% (with optional pin probes) |
| Relative humidity | 0 to 99% with optional Hygro-i2 probe. Accuracy +/- 2% RH at 25°C |
Documents
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the CMEX5 and the CME5?
The CME5 is the analogue dial version and reads concrete only. The CMEX5 is digital, adds Bluetooth and the app, has a built-in ambient RH sensor, and accepts in-situ RH and pin probes. If concrete is all you test and you are happy with a dial, the CME5 does that job. If you need to produce ASTM F2170 RH results or read timber as well, the CMEX5 is the meter.
How does the CMEX5 differ from the MEX5?
Both are digital 5-series meters that take the same bayonet accessories. The CMEX5 is calibrated for concrete and cementitious screeds. The MEX5 is the multi-material meter with scales for wood, drywall, plaster, tile, roofing and masonry, plus an infrared surface thermometer. Concrete flooring contractors take the CMEX5; building surveyors and restoration technicians usually take the MEX5.
Does a non-destructive reading replace an in-situ RH test?
No. Flooring specifications and manufacturer warranties generally call for in-situ relative humidity testing to ASTM F2170 or AS 1884-2012, and a non-destructive impedance reading is not that test. Use the non-destructive mode to survey the slab and find the wet areas, then place your RH probes where the survey tells you to. Doing it the other way round is how a floor gets laid over a wet patch nobody sampled.
Do I need to drill the slab?
Not for concrete mode – that is entirely non-destructive. In-situ RH testing to ASTM F2170 does require drilled holes fitted with sleeves, because the standard measures humidity at depth within the slab.
Can I use my old CMEX2 probes on a CMEX5?
No. The connector changed between generations. CMEX2 and MRH3 accessories will not fit the CMEX5, which needs the “B” bayonet versions listed above. The Hygro-i2 probes carry across; the interface cable does not.
Does it need calibration?
The impedance measurement is not user-calibrated, and a calibration check box is available for verifying the meter reads correctly. Hygro-i2 RH probes should be checked against a known salt solution – the 75% calibration check salt is the usual method, and is worth doing before any job where the reading goes into a report.
Not sure whether the CMEX5 or the MEX5 suits the work you do, or which accessories your existing meter takes? Contact Carpet Cleaners Warehouse before ordering and we will confirm the right combination for your application.
