Protimeter Aquant Non-Invasive Moisture Meter
The Aquant is a non-invasive moisture meter. It reads below the surface using radio frequency and leaves no pin marks, which makes it the tool for finished surfaces, tiled areas, timber floors and pre-purchase inspection where damage is not acceptable.
What it does and does not tell you
The Aquant gives a relative reading on a 60 to 999 scale, not a moisture content percentage. That is the correct way to use a non-invasive meter: it locates and compares. A reading of 400 on a wall does not mean 400 of anything — it means that spot is considerably wetter than a dry reference reading taken on the same material nearby. Always take a reference reading on known-dry material of the same construction before drawing conclusions.
| 60–169 | Dry — green |
|---|---|
| 170–199 | At risk — yellow |
| 200–999 | Wet — red |
What produces a false high reading
Non-invasive mode responds to anything conductive behind the surface, not only water. Reinforcing mesh, foil-backed insulation, metal lath, pipework, wiring and metal studs all read high on dry material. Salts in masonry do the same. Confirm anything unexpected with a pin meter such as the SurveyMaster or the MMS3, both of which combine pin and non-invasive modes in one instrument.
What is in the box
- Aquant instrument
- Pouch with belt loop
- Instructions and 2 × AA batteries
Specifications
| Measurement | Non-invasive (RF), 60 to 999 relative |
|---|---|
| Depth | Up to 19 mm below the surface, varies with material |
| Display | Digital LCD plus multicolour LED arc — green dry, yellow at risk, red wet |
| Features | Adjustable auto-off, audible tone, hold, backlit display, user field calibration, over-the-air software upgrade, multilingual interface |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth Low Energy to the Protimeter Connect app |
| Size | 177 × 63 × 53 mm |
| Power | 2 × AA alkaline |
| Gross weight | 240 g |
| Warranty | 24 months on mechanical or manufacturing defects. Excludes wear on accessories |
Applications
- Building survey and pre-purchase inspection
- Fire and flood restoration — mapping the extent of moisture before deciding where to open up
- Concrete and timber floor moisture investigation
- Checking beneath tile, vinyl and timber floor coverings without lifting them
Frequently asked questions
Does it measure moisture content as a percentage?
No. It gives a relative scale reading. If you need a moisture content figure for timber, use a pin meter such as the TimberMaster.
How deep does it read?
Up to 19 mm, and that varies with the material. For deeper scanning the MMS3 reaches about 12 cm in sensitivity mode.
Does surface moisture affect the reading?
No. That is one of the advantages of the method — condensation or a damp surface does not distort a non-invasive reading the way it can affect surface pin contact.
Can I use it on a concrete slab before laying a floor?
As an indication, yes. It will not satisfy a flooring warranty that specifies in-situ relative humidity to ASTM F2170 — that requires a sleeved hole and a humidity probe. See the HygroMaster 2 Flooring Kit.
Calibration
Pin accuracy can be checked in the field at any time with the Calcheck device. For a documented conformance certificate, twelve months is a sensible starting interval, adjusted to your own work environment and quality procedures. Certification is available in Australia.
Documents
Not sure whether a non-invasive meter alone covers the work you do? Contact Carpet Cleaners Warehouse and we will talk it through before you order.
