Concrete Flooring FAQ

Yes. The Rapid RH^® Easy Reader comes with two AAAA alkaline batteries. To replace the batteries, open up the battery cover by removing the one battery cover screw with a jeweler’s Phillips screwdriver.

DO NOT OPEN UP THE FULL BODY OF THE EASY READER AT ANY TIME.
 
 

How to Replace Your Rapid RH® Easy Reader Batteries

No. Each Rapid RH^® Smart Sensor has an embedded calibration from the factory*. The Easy Reader and Smart Reader simply display what the Smart Sensor tells it. Therefore, there is no calibration necessary with the readers.

*5.0 Smart Sensors do need calibration verification when reused as per ASTM F2170 requirements.

Yes. The Rapid RH^® Easy Reader that displays temperature in Celsius can be distinguished by blue labels and blue plastic protective end caps.

Please visit our Online Store (select Celsius as your Temperature Unit) or call (800) 634-9961 to learn more.

The Smart Reader can read Celsius or Fahrenheit depending on the setting you choose in your mobile device app.

If the RH% is 99.1% or higher the reader will read “HI”. The LCD screen on the reader does not have room for 3 digits (i.e. 100) so it reads “HI”.

Please visit www.rapidrh.com for more information or call (800) 634-9961 to talk to a professional.

Protect the ends of the Rapid RH® Easy Reader with the protective end caps to ensure that if dropped, damage will not occur to either end of the Easy Reader.

The display on the Rapid RH^® Easy Reader will toggle between RH (%) and temperature readings (°F or °C, depending on the Easy Reader model) for a period of five minutes before it turns itself off.

Touch-n-Sense™ is our patent-pending technology, integrated into the Rapid RH® Easy Reader and Smart Reader to enable it to automatically take a reading when placed in contact with the Rapid RH® Smart Sensors. Once the bottom of the Reader makes contact with the Smart Sensor, the Reader comes to life and takes a reading. The Easy Reader and holds the reading for 5 minutes, even when removed from the test hole, before turning itself off. The Smart Reader, on the other hand, will send its readings to your mobile device via Bluetooth®. It’s just that easy.

This kit includes everything you need to easily get started.

The Rapid RH^® 4.0 EX Complete Starter Kit includes the following:

• 5 ea. Smart Sensors
• 1 ea. Easy Reader with Touch-n-Sense™ technology
• 1 ea. Insertion Tool
• 10 ea. Extensions
• 5 ea. Orange Protective Caps
• 5 ea. Stainless Steel Covers
• 1 ea. 3/4 inch SDS Hammer Drill Bit (Not a normal 3 jaw hammer drill)
• 1 ea. Wire Cleaning Brush
• 1 ea. Vacuum Attachment
• Certificate of Calibration
• Floor Map
• Instruction Manual
• Carrying Case

Please visit Rapid RH^®4.0 EX Complete Starter Kit for more information or call (800) 634-9961 to talk to a professional.

Rapid RH® 4.0 EX Complete Starter Kit

If the reader is displaying two lines (- -) after being in the sensor for 15 seconds, back it out of the Smart Sensor. Check to see if this problem occurs with multiple sensors (not just related to an individual sensor). If the problem occurs with another Smart Sensor, then most likely the problem is that the connector at the bottom of the Easy Reader is not making proper contact with the sensor(s). Inspect the connector to see if any of the leaf springs are damaged, bent, twisted, etc. If that does not result in a solution, make sure you have tried a new set of batteries. If the problem still exists, the proper recourse is to send it in for repair and/or replacement.

Please visit www.rapidrh.com for more information or call (800) 634-9961 to talk to a professional.

• The most common cause is that the Reader isn’t in contact with the Smart Sensor long enough. Wait until the reading comes on the screen. This is usually less than three seconds.
• Check your battery and the connection between the battery and reader.
• Look to see if the prongs on your reader are bent.
• If there is no issue with the battery or the prongs, one of the following may be true:
• You need to upgrade your reader.
• Your reader is broken and has loose material inside the reader.
• If you need to upgrade your reader or have it replaced, please call (800) 634-9961.

Yes, after reading the test data, the sensor and hole liner can be removed and placed into another test location.

No, the 5.0 is ready to go, out of the box, for the first use. Future uses require calibration checks per the ASTM F2170 Standard.

The 4.0EX single use sensors are the most popular RH test on the market due to their ease of use, low cost and simplified documentation requirements. The 5.0 retains many of the easy to use features of the 4.0 and is reusable. Due to the fact that it is reusable, regular calibration checks and extra documentation are required per the F2170 Standard.

The innovative EasyCare CalCheck^®, makes the Rapid RH^® 5.0 the easiest-to-use reusable sensor on the market, but since it’s reusable, ASTM F2170 requires calibration verifications within 30 days of each use. Additionally, the 5.0 sensor must be rebuilt every 12 months.

The 4.0 is the RH test of choice for most contractors and testing agencies to whom time is money, and would like to minimize man-hours required for testing and documentation.

The 5.0 is the RH test of choice for those who specialize in doing significant amounts of RH testing or laboratories.

Call us to discuss which system is the best fit for your needs: 800-634-9961.

Rapid RH® 4.0 EX or 5.0 – Which One Is the Right Choice for You?

The EasyCare CalCheck^® is a salt solution that generates a consistent relative humidity (when at a consistent temperature). It works in conjunction with the Rapid RH^® Bluetooth^® Smart Reader and either the (free) CalMaster app or the (paid) DataMaster™ app. These apps provide the necessary documentation of calibration checks required by the ASTM standard. Specifically, the F2170 Standard requires users to verify, at least 30 days prior to each usage, that the RH 5.0 sensor is within the accuracy parameters as set by the F2170 standard.

DataMaster™ App and the Rapid RH® Smart Reader

How to Use the CalMaster App with the Rapid RH® System

How The EasyCare CalCheck^® Works

The 5.0 is just as speedy as the 4.0 EX.

Typically, the RH 5.0 is used by those that get paid for every single hole they drill into the floor: flooring inspectors, building inspectors, engineers, moisture testing specialists. It is for those that have the time and energy necessary to do the consistent calibrations to maintain the paperwork so they can produce the information if requested.

Rapid RH® 4.0 EX or 5.0 – Which One Is the Right Choice for You?

Yes! We have an awesome webinar especially designed for contractors and flooring installers, and is presented by Howard Kanare, a leading expert in concrete moisture issues. This webinar is offered twice a month where you can get answers to your questions after the webinar.

Learn more here: Free Webinar – Moisture Testing of Concrete Floor Slabs

Moisture Testing of Concrete Floor Slabs Webinar Trailer

Wagner does not offer certification courses. However, we do offer certificates of completion for going through some of our training material.

Please learn more here: Rapid RH® Training Certificate of Completion

Rapid RH® Training Course Certificate

The pH levels in a concrete slab not only affect its endurance but the performances of any adhesives, finishes or flooring materials applied to the concrete slab. Additionally, the ASTM F710 requires pH testing on concrete floors before installing resilient flooring.

The Rapid RH® Digital pH Meter is a convenient way to assess the pH in the slab.

Calibrate unit before each use

1. Open the 7.0 pH calibration solution, which comes with the kit.
2. Put the sensor into the calibration solution bottle.
3. Press the calibration button.
4. When sensor stops flashing, the sensor is calibrated to 7.0 pH
5. Pull sensor out, rinse in distilled/deionized water, and wipe off
6. Repeat with a 10.01 pH solution, so you have a 2 point calibration.

pH testing of concrete

1. Start with a clean area of concrete, and put a one-inch spot of deionized water on the concrete. Let sit 60 seconds.
2. Place probe of the meter on water spot.
3. Check that the digital pH reading of the concrete is not more than the manufacturer’s guidelines for the adhesive of the specific finished floor product.
4. Clean probe with distilled/deionized water and put back into the protective cap and the hardshell case.

Using the Rapid RH® Digital pH Meter

The Wagner Meters Infrared Thermometer is used to test the surface temperature of the concrete. This information ensures that the user, before installation of the finished floor products, is outside the dangers of dew point and the potential for condensation formation on the surface of the concrete.

The TH-200 Thermo-Hygrometer can be used in conjunction with the Infrared Thermometer to compare the calculated dew point to the actual dew point. This comparison is important because when the surface dew point is within 5 degrees of the actual temperature, the finished floors should not be installed.

While there is no way to calculate the exact Service Temperature as required in ASTM F2170 before all conditions have been met, the RH can be estimated.

Wagner has developed an estimation calculator found here: www.wagnermeters.com/RhEstimator/

To learn more about the estimator here: https://www.wagnermeters.com/rhtemp/

The Rapid RH^® Bluetooth^® Smart Reader comes with a built in temperature and humidity sensor that measures the ambient air above the slab. Readings are collected via one of our smart device apps. Our DataMaster™ app then seamlessly integrates these readings into your reports automatically.

If you do not have a Bluetooth^® Smart Reader, another option would be to purchase a thermo-hygrometer such as the TH-200 Thermo-Hygrometer.

The ASTM F2170 standard mandates that RH testing of the concrete slab and the occupied air space above the slab be at service conditions for a minimum of 48 hours before testing and for the entire 72 hours during testing. Therefore, it is very crucial that these ambient conditions are known and documented when testing for complete moisture in the concrete, and before installing a susceptible floor covering.

The Rapid RH^® is the perfect solution for measuring the relative humidity in Gypsum Concrete. Treat these products as if you were using concrete. Same principles apply and make sure you read the installation guide provided by the flooring manufacturer and the Gypsum manufacturer.

All RH readings must be recorded per ASTM F2170. With the Rapid RH^®, you have two convenient ways to record your RH readings.

The more traditional way is with handwritten documentation. We’ve created RH data sheets specifically for this purpose to help ensure that you record all the data you need for full ASTM F2170 compliance.

The other option is digital documentation. For convenient, seamless transfer of data directly to your mobile device, giving you 100% data integrity, use the DataMaster™ app along with the Rapid RH^® Smart Reader. It’s the fastest, easiest way to record your RH readings.

Yes, Wagner Meters offers the Service Temperature Adjustment Chart. It’s a science-based estimation tool developed by CTLGroup, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Portland Cement Association. The chart is available for download and as a handy app that calculates the estimated RH for you. Check out both options here: https://www.wagnermeters.com/rhtemp/

We’ve also built the Service Temperature Adjustment tool right into the Rapid RH^® DataMaster™ app, just one more reason why the DataMaster™ makes RH Testing easier than ever.

Predict RH Readings Quickly & Accurately: Temperature Correction Table

The drying process takes time, but you do have options to speed up the process. Most important is to get the building enclosed as soon as possible. Then use heat, air movement across the concrete surface, and dehumidification as three key ways to speed up the drying of the concrete slab. For more information, check out this video addressing this million dollar question, “How Fast Does Concrete Dry?”

How Fast Does Concrete Dry? The Million Dollar Question

Geographic Location

• Humid regions can influence the relative humidity (RH) in concrete
• Rooms with high humidity make it difficult for moisture to escape concrete

Date that the Slab was Poured

• Fresh slabs take time to dry out (ideal drying conditions: 1 month for every inch of slab thickness)
• Older pours might not have a vapor barrier – moisture might be coming up from the ground

Room Does Not Have HVAC Running

• HVAC systems pull moisture out of a room
• Mitigation services specialize in pulling large amounts of moisture out of rooms
• HVAC systems are important in establishing and maintaining consistent ambient temperature and RH%
• Moisture more easily leaves concrete when the air is warmer than the slab

Room is Colder than Concrete Slab

• Moisture will stay in the concrete if the slab is warmer than the air

You may want to look into Moisture Mitigation. However, it can be time-consuming and costly.

Please visit 8 REASONS TO TURN ON YOUR HVAC for more information or call (800) 634-9961 to talk to a professional.

How HVAC Affects Concrete Moisture Tests

Adding vinyl may increase the thickness of the slab and a new 40% depth must be calculated.

Common Questions:

1. Can you drill through the Vinyl?
Yes

2. Do you have to remove the Vinyl?
No

3. Does the Vinyl affect the RH reading?
No

4. Can you place a Smart Sensor through the vinyl?
Yes

For more information call (800) 634-9961 to talk to a professional.

The type of flooring product to be installed determines the acceptable level of relative humidity (RH). Different RH specifications apply to different materials such as resilient flooring, wood, or epoxy coatings. Check with the floor covering manufacturer for a RH specification. Nearly all flooring manufacturers and industry associations recognize and specify RH testing. ASTM F710 gives general industry guidelines. Typical RH requirements range from 75% to 90% RH, depending on the flooring product. For a list of manufacturers’ RH specifications, please visit www.rhspec.com.

Moisture-Damaged Floors: Big Problem, Easy Solution

Equilibration, or when moisture readings stabilize and stop changing, occurs when a drilled hole achieves thermal and moisture equilibrium. For the accuracy of the readings, it is necessary to wait until equilibrium is restored after drilling. In most cases, the Rapid RH^® 4.0 EX Smart Sensor will be within 3-5% of the final reading one hour after installation.

Follow ASTM F2170 procedures pertaining to equilibration time. Once equilibration is achieved, future readings can be taken instantaneously with the Rapid RH^® Easy Reader or Smart Reader.

The Rapid RH^® measures temperature and the amount of moisture that exists in a concrete slab. Flooring installers use this product to let them know when they should install flooring on concrete. The Rapid RH^® meets ASTM F2170 guidelines and has become the industry leader in detecting moisture in concrete.

Please visit www.rapidrh.com for more information or call (800) 634-9961 to talk to a professional.

Relative humidity (RH) is the actual amount of moisture in the air compared to the amount of moisture that the air could hold if saturated, expressed as a percentage. When a RH sensor is in the concrete, you measure the RH of a small volume of air at the bottom of a hole drilled into the concrete.

Anyone who follows the ASTM F2170 “Standard Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs Using in situ Probes.”

Once the Rapid RH^® 4.0 EX Smart Sensors are installed, job site personnel can easily monitor the drying progress of a slab with minimal training. Checklist of steps to follow when taking RH readings.

Those who are testing for RH moisture in concrete should watch the free online course, “Moisture Testing of Concrete Floor Slabs.” This free training webinar is especially designed for contractors and flooring installers, and is presented by Howard Kanare, a leading expert in concrete moisture issues. Once completed, a person can take a quiz and a certificate of completion can be purchased on the Online Store.

Installing the Rapid RH® 4.0 EX

Rapid RH® Training Course Certificate

Please visit Measuring RH at Correct Depth is Critical and Performing Correct and Accurate RH Testing for more information or call (800) 634-9961 to talk to a professional.

Please visit Measuring RH at Correct Depth is Critical and Performing Correct and Accurate RH Testing for more information or call (800) 634-9961 to talk to a professional.

Moisture meters should never be used to make the final determination as to whether or not a concrete slab is dry enough for a flooring installation. Here’s why:

No ‘moisture meter’ of any type can give consistently accurate ‘moisture’ readings across the different mixes and densities of concrete. Other components (metal reinforcing bar, aggregate size and amount, etc.) can also cause false indications of ‘moisture’, especially with non-pin meters. Pin-type ‘moisture’ meters are also not practical for moisture measurement because variable chemical and physical characteristics in concrete can cause false readings due to changes in electrical resistance that have nothing to do with moisture.

Even if the so-called ‘concrete moisture meters’ were sufficiently accurate, they only measure ‘moisture’ (not relative humidity) in a very small area near the surface of the concrete slab. This type of surface ‘moisture’ testing says almost nothing about the moisture conditions deep inside the slab. Once a floor covering is placed on a concrete slab, the relative humidity (RH) within the slab will equilibrate throughout the thickness of the slab. A slab that may have been “dry” (low RH) at the surface (without a floor covering) may see a higher RH (moisture migrated from within the concrete) to the surface after the floor covering has been installed.

Compared to a ‘concrete moisture meter’, the Rapid RH® system gives an RH reading from within the slab for a much more accurate picture of what the true moisture condition will be under an installed floor covering or coating.

Problems with Moisture Meters

ASTM F2170 specifies that the floor must be at service conditions (building and room enclosed and the HVAC running). Relative humidity is calculated with temperature, so a significant difference between the temperature of the slab when testing, and what it will be “in service” is an important consideration. However, relative humidity testing performed 40% below the surface of the concrete is less likely to be affected by the ambient conditions than calcium chloride testing or other surface testing methods, which are affected greatly by ambient conditions.

Please visit 8 Reasons to Turn on Your HVAC  for more information or call (800) 634-9961 to talk to a professional.

How HVAC Affects Concrete Moisture Tests

The following are excellent resources:

“Moisture Testing of Concrete Floor Slabs” – a free online course, hosted by Howard Kanare, a nationally recognized expert specializing in the interaction of concrete floors and floor coverings.

For Architects or Engineers: “Moisture Testing of Concrete Floor Slabs” – a free AIA-approved online course, hosted by Howard Kanare, a nationally recognized expert specializing in the interaction of concrete floors and floor coverings.

Books, articles and seminars by Howard Kanare, Senior Principal Scientist, CTLGroup:
Concrete Floors and Moisture 2nd edition, Portland Cement Association, 164 pp, 2008.
www.cement.org

“Why Are We Still Having Problems with Concrete Floors and Moisture?”
Concrete Construction Magazine, 2007 Special Floors Issue, December 2007.
www.concreteconstruction.net

Other Publications
“302.2R-06: Guide for Concrete Slabs that Receive Moisture-Sensitive Flooring Materials”, Reported by ACI Committee 302, American Concrete Institute
www.concrete.org

“Standard Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs Using in situ Probes”, Designation: F2170, ASTM International.

Moisture Testing of Concrete Floor Slabs Webinar Trailer

There is almost no correlation between the tests. Relative humidity testing is a measure of the moisture condition in the concrete at 40% (drying on one side) or 20% (drying from both sides) of the depth of the slab per ASTM F2170. When a floor covering is placed on top of a slab, it restricts evaporation from the top surface of the slab; moisture within the slab then distributes itself to achieve equilibrium (due to temperature and chemical interactions from the top to the bottom of the slab).

In the long run, adhesive and flooring are then exposed to the equilibrium moisture condition at the top of the slab. The calcium chloride test does not reflect the long-term moisture situation that will be established by equilibration and can even artificially pull moisture out of the top few centimeters of the slab. Rapid RH® 4.0 EX Smart Sensors predict the relative humidity that will exist after the floor is covered. See the Measuring Relative Humidity at the Correct Depth chart.

RH Vs. Vapor Emissions Rate: How Do They Compare?

Why You Need To Drill at 40% Depth for RH Testing

Calcium Chloride and Relative Humidity Testing Revisited – CaCl vs. RH

Fortunately, yes. Some architects and engineers fail to specify relative humidity testing in the project specifications. That can lead to problems, given that several unreliable test methods exist, including the unproven anhydrous calcium chloride test. Don’t leave your project’s moisture testing to chance and risk a costly mistake. Here is a RH spec that can be used in your project specifications.

Follow the link below for the most current Rapid RH^® testing for concrete floors webinar videos:

Rapid RH Testing for Concrete Floors Webinar Video Excerpts

For more information, or if you would like to speak with a professional, call (800) 634-9961.

Please Note: This is somewhat out of the norm and is not covered by the ASTM F2170 standard. The following answer is based on information we have received from experts.

Example:
A 5-year-old existing 4-inch slab has 3-inches of new cement. The total thickness is 7-inches.

Excessive moisture from any area in the combined slab can cause a failure. It is best to test the moisture in the center of the old slab as well as the center of the freshly poured slab.

Please visit Measuring RH at Correct Depth is Critical and Performing Correct and Accurate RH Testing for more information call (800) 634-9961 to talk to a professional.

ASTM F2170 is the international standard for how to do in situ RH testing. The Rapid RH® system is designed for full compliance with the standard. So you can be sure that you don’t inadvertently overlook any of the standard’s requirements when using Rapid RH® kits and accessories, we’ve created this handy ASTM F2170 Checklist.

If the subfloor is concrete, it will cause your readings to be higher than the actual moisture in the wood flooring. This is because the concrete is very dense. If the sub-floor is a wood composite such as OSB or plywood, and there is not a huge amount of moisture in the sub-floor (let’s say from flooding or other event), then the actual moisture measurement of the wood flooring will not be hugely affected. Keep in mind, that if you are trying to use your Wagner Meters unit as a forensic tool – such as determining moisture after the fact on a failed wood floor job – the meter’s readings are not telling you anything about what the moisture content was in the flooring before it was installed. All wood flooring, wood-based sub-flooring and concrete slabs should be measured (or at-depth relative humidity in the case of a concrete slab) prior to wood flooring being installed.

Please visit Moisture Problems Between the Flooring and the Slab for more information or call (800) 634-9961 to talk to a professional.

Yes, the two 1.55v coin cell batteries, utilized by the Rapid RH® Bluetooth^® Smart Reader, can be easily replaced.

How to Replace Your Rapid RH® Smart Reader Batteries

The Smart Reader has a sensor built into the device itself. When you take a reading from the concrete, in situ and ambient temperature and relative humidity readings are wirelessly sent to the CalMaster or DataMaster™ app.

With the RH 5.0 sensor, the Rapid RH® Bluetooth® Smart Reader is used in conjunction with the (free) CalMaster application or the (paid) DataMaster™ app as a documentation tool to prove calibration verifications, which must be done every 30 days to ensure the RH 5.0 sensor is within the accuracy parameters that the F2170 Standard requires.

The calibration is done by first placing the 5.0 sensor on top of the EasyCare CalCheck®, which is an RH generator. Then the user specifies the salt solution of the EasyCare CalCheck® using the app. Next the user inserts the Rapid RH® Bluetooth® Smart Reader into the sensor. Relative humidity and temperature readings will go automatically to the user’s mobile device, which will reveal if the sensor is within tolerance to continue using.

How The EasyCare CalCheck® Works

While both readers are compatible with all our Rapid RH^® Smart Sensors, the Smart Reader is an incredibly useful and can be used with the DataMaster app to read, record and report job-specific information.

We still highly recommend keeping the Easy Reader in your tool case as a backup in the event of any unforeseen problems.

Wagner Meters’ packaging improvements of the Rapid RH^® 4.0 EX Smart Sensors assure customers that the package is tamper proof. Thereby Wagner Meters can guarantee the product is up to electronic specification and also that the meters are in calibration from the factory.

The packaging improvements include:

• The entire order will come in one clamshell regardless of the number of sensors ordered; eliminating the need for multiple packages of varying quantities.
• Each clamshell will be ultrasonically sealed in two spots. The meter is not guaranteed calibrated from the factory if the seals are broken.
• Each clam shell will have a tamper proof label on each top. Again, if the label appears tampered with, the meter is not guaranteed calibrated from the factory.

What are the Documentation improvements of the Rapid RH® 4.0 EX Smart Sensors?

For improved product identification, numbers have been placed above the bar coding or serialization of the Rapid RH® 4.0 EX Smart Sensors. These numbers can be typed into the F2170 reports website so the user can find the calibration dates for their device. The bar codes with numbers are also visible on the backside of all Wagner Meter packages.

There are also improvements to the certificate of calibration: the certificate paper is more difficult to copy, ensuring that it is the original, and the serialization of the certificate improves following and tracking of the package.

New Rapid RH® Packaging

Sensors must have a current, accurate calibration at the time of use to provide trustworthy results. Rapid RH® 4.0 EX Smart Sensors are supplied with a calibration certificate to prove traceability to the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as specified by ASTM F2170 section 6. Reusable moisture probes must be periodically checked or replaced.

Please visit Rapid RH® 4.0 EX Smart Sensor Easy Reader Pack for more information or call (800) 634-9961 to talk to a professional.

How to Use the CalMaster App with the Rapid RH®

How The EasyCare CalCheck® Works

For the Flooring Contractor and as part of the project documentation process, ASTM F2170 requires that 3 tests be placed in the first 1,000 square ft. and that one test is placed every 1,000 square ft. thereafter. If you are using the Rapid RH^® system as a monitoring tool early in a project to determine when final acceptance testing should be performed, several Rapid RH^® 4.0 EX Smart Sensors can be placed throughout the floor 28 days after the pour and readings taken as often as desired.

For additional questions, please call (800) 634-9961 to talk to a professional.

Best Locations to place Relative Humidity Probes

In accordance with ASTM F2170, you should use:

• 3 Smart Sensors (aka probes, sensor barrels) must be used for first 1,000 square feet.
• 1 Smart Sensor for every additional 1,000 square feet.
• If your slab is 1,200 square feet then you would need 4 probes.

Please visit 10 Guidelines for ASTM F2170 Compliance and Video 16 – Best Locations to Place Relative Humidity Probes for more information.

If you don’t know the slab depth, you have two options:

1. Find the building plans to determine exact depth.
2. Use a smaller diameter drill bit and drill through concrete to get an exact depth.

It important to know the exact depth because the depth that the “sensor” must be placed at is part of the ASTM F2170 standard.

Call (800) 634-9961 to talk to a professional

No. Each Rapid RH® Smart Sensor isolates the measuring environment from the outside air using a 2-stage redundancy isolation ring system. As the Smart Sensor is “seated” within the hole, the first stage is a vertical ring on the lowest portion of the Smart Sensor that seals the bottom angle of the drilled hole. At right angles to that, the second stage ring seals off the sidewall of the concrete hole just above the first stage. Equilibration is assured. However, always replace a missing cap to protect the Smart Sensor and minimize debris from getting into the housing when installed on a job site.

See tip number 5 on this video:

5 on the Job Tips for Relative Humidity Testing

It is very likely that the Rapid RH^® 4.0 EX Smart Sensor will continue to function properly after water is removed from inside the Smart Sensor housing, for example, by vacuuming. However, if water ran down into the drilled hole around the Smart Sensor housing, then the concrete in that area may be damp; drill a new hole and install a new Smart Sensor to assure accurate and useful results.

40% depth of slab thickness is required for slabs drying from one side.

This occurs when:

• the slab is poured on the ground
• poured in a casing (metal pan deck) that doesn’t allow concrete to breathe

20% depth of slab thickness is required for slabs drying from two sides.

This occurs when:

• the slab is poured above ground
• the slab can breathe from top and bottom

Please visit 40%: Why Testing at the Correct Depth Is Crucial and When 20% Is the Right Depth for RH Testing for more information or call (800) 634-9961 to talk to a professional.

Rapid RH^® Smart Sensors are designed to fit tightly in a ¾” drilled hole in order to seal ambient air away from the testing area of the hole. However, it should NOT require excessive force to push the sensor into the hole. Smart Sensors should be placed in holes drilled with a 4 fluted, carbide-tipped drill bit that falls within the specifications for an ANSI standard ¾” bit. This range is from 0.775” to 0.787”.

An overly tight-fitting Smart Sensor is most likely caused by one of two reasons:

1. The first reason could be that your drill bit has “worn” down with use and has lost some of its “diameter”. This will most likely become noticeable after about 60-70 holes drilled.
2. The other reason could be that you have purchased a new drill bit that is on the lower end of the tolerance spectrum for diameter.

Pro TIP: To make sure the hole is the correct diameter before installing a Smart Sensor, use your black insertion tool as a gage. If the insertion tool can fit snugly into the hole, the Smart Sensor should install correctly as well.

5 On the Job Tips for Relative Humidity Testing

The Perfect SDS Masonry Drill Bit