Tramex MEX5 – Moisture Encounter
The Moisture Encounter MEX5 is a multi-functional moisture and humidity meter for moisture mapping, building surveying and inspection. It measures moisture conditions with non-destructive, material-specific scales calibrated for wood, drywall, plaster, tile, roofing and masonry.
A shallow-depth scale reduces penetration to 9 mm for wood %MC and non-destructive WME (wood moisture equivalent) precision in other building materials. A built-in hygrometer gives ambient psychrometric values, an infrared surface thermometer reads surface temperature, and plug-in ports accept in-situ RH and pin probes for in-situ psychrometrics and pin readings in wood, drywall and WME.
Why surveyors and restoration technicians choose the MEX5
The MEX5 replaces three instruments on a survey: the moisture scanner, the thermo-hygrometer and the surface thermometer. That matters because surface temperature and ambient RH are what tell you the dew point – and a moisture reading without the psychrometrics behind it does not tell you whether a building is drying or condensating. Having them on one screen removes the transcription step where mistakes get made.
Features
- Bluetooth connection to the iOS and Android Tramex Meters app
- Non-destructive material-specific scales: wood, drywall, plaster, tile, roofing, masonry
- Dual depth – shallow signal to 9 mm, deep signal to 30 mm
- Built-in hygrometer for ambient psychrometric values
- Built-in infrared surface thermometer
- In-situ RH and pin probe connections
- Adjustable wood specific gravity
- 500+ wood species and international standards available for the pin probe
- Automatic pin probe wood temperature correction
- Automatic EMC (expected moisture content) evaluation for wood
- One-screen psychrometrics, surface temperature and enthalpy display
- Large, clear digital display
- Robust, ergonomic enclosure
- Optional E5-HBS extension bracket with telescopic handle
Important – the MEX5 takes bayonet connector accessories
The MEX5 shares the bayonet accessory connector used by the CMEX5 and DL-RHTX. The earlier CMEX2 and MRH3 meters use a different connector and the part numbers differ by a single trailing letter, so it is easy to order the wrong one. For the MEX5, order the “B” suffix versions:
- Hand held wood probe HH14TP30B
- Hammer probe HA21SP52B
- Hygro-i2 interface cable RHIE2B
- RH probes RHP-NW-B, RHP-SNW-B and RHP-SW-B
- ASTM F2170 accessory pack AP-F2170-B
Technical specifications
| Size | 180 mm x 85 mm x 40 mm |
| Weight | 290 g |
| Construction | ABS body |
| Power | 2 x AA LR6 alkaline (included) |
| Display | Digital, 58 mm x 35 mm |
| Depth of penetration | Shallow signal up to 9 mm, deep signal up to 30 mm |
Measuring ranges
| Wood moisture content, non-destructive | 0 to 30% MC |
| Wood moisture content, pin | 6% to approximately 50% MC |
| Drywall moisture content, pin | 0 to 8.5% MC |
| Reference scales, building materials | 0 to 100 |
| Relative humidity | 0 to 99%, accuracy +/- 2% RH at 25°C |
Documents
Frequently asked questions
MEX5 or CMEX5?
Both are digital 5-series meters taking the same bayonet accessories. The MEX5 is the multi-material instrument for building surveying and restoration. The CMEX5 is calibrated for concrete and cementitious screeds and gives quantitative concrete %MC. Flooring contractors testing slabs want the CMEX5; surveyors and restoration technicians working across materials want the MEX5.
MEX5 or ME5?
The ME5 is the analogue meter – same non-destructive scanning, no app, no hygrometer, no probe ports. The MEX5 adds all of those. If readings go into reports, the MEX5 earns the difference.
Does the infrared thermometer measure moisture?
No. It measures surface temperature, which combined with the ambient RH reading gives dew point and enthalpy. Surface temperature below dew point is a condensation risk, and that is a different problem from a wet substrate.
Can I use it for in-situ RH testing in concrete?
Yes, with the optional Hygro-i2 probes and the RHIE2B bayonet interface cable, to ASTM F2170 and AS 1884-2012. Note the non-destructive scales on the MEX5 are not calibrated for quantitative concrete %MC – that is the CMEX5.
What is EMC and why does the meter calculate it?
Equilibrium (expected) moisture content is the moisture content timber will settle at for a given ambient temperature and humidity. Comparing measured %MC against EMC tells you whether timber is still drying, has stabilised, or is taking up moisture – which is what determines when a floor can be laid or a structure signed off.
What warranty applies?
All Tramex products carry a full satisfaction guarantee including a one year warranty against defects in parts and workmanship. Proof of purchase is necessary.
If you are choosing between the MEX5, CMEX5 and ME5, contact Carpet Cleaners Warehouse and we will match the meter to the testing you actually have to produce.
