Protimeter – The Professional Choice

One of the instruments that we test for moisture within the propertyProtimeter


The Protimeter Moisture Measurement System (Protimeter MMS), is a powerful and versatile instrument for measuring and diagnosing dampness in buildings and building materials. This product enables building surveyors and other practitioners to measure moisture levels of building elements such as walls, floors and building environments simply by switching between the three different modes of operation. In this way, a detailed understanding of the moisture condition of the property can be obtained.

The Hygrostick and Humistick probes measure relative humidity (%RH) and ambient air temperature (TAIR) in rooms or materials. They can be connected to the Protimeter MMS instrument either directly or by means of the Hygrostick/Humistick Extension lead.

• The surface temperature sensor (TS) is used when investigating condensation situations.

• The moisture probe is used to obtain percent moisture content values in wood or wood moisture equivalent (WME) values in other non-conductiveMaterials.

• Deep wall probes are used to obtain WME values deep below the surface in solid structures such as walls and floors.

Moisture Meter Modes

The Protimeter MMS can be used to detect and measure moisture in non conductive solid materials such as wood, drywall and masonry. Two modes of operation are available, the Search Mode for qualitative measurements and the Measure Mode for precise and localized moisture content measurements in wood or WME values in materials other than wood.


The instrument can  be used to take relative moisture readings in solid, homogenous materials (such as walls and floors) by holding the leading edge of the sensor bulge against the surface (see the figure below) at an angle ranging from 20° to 50°. Relative readings ranging from 0-1000 appear on the LCD together with a progress bar that indicates whether the material is in a DRY, AT RISK or WET condition.

Measure Mode

The instrument can be used to take actual %MC readings in wood and %WME readings in non-conductive solid materials other than wood by pushing the moisture probe pins into the surface. The measured value is displayed and the progress bar indicates whether the Material is in a DRY, AT RISK or WET condition.

Using Auxiliary Moisture Probes in Measure Mode

Using Auxiliary Moisture Probes in Measure Mode To take sub-surface readings in masonry, the Deep Wall Probes should be used instead of the standard Moisture Probe.

To use the deep wall probes, drill two 1/4” (6 mm) diameter clearance holes, spaced 2-3 in. (50-75 mm) apart, to the required depth (see figure at right). Push the two Deep Wall Probes into the holes and press and hold the tips firmly against the bottom of the holes. Ensure that the probes are connected to socket and measure the %WME value. Protimeter Mini Moisture Meter

Hygrometer Mode

%rh and TAIR measurements are made with the Hygrostick or Humistick sensor, and the MMS instrument uses these values to calculate TDEW. When using the MMS to measure the conditions in air, the humidity probe is normally connected directly to the instrument.

However, when it is impractical or awkward to use the instrument in this way, the extension lead may be used to connect the Hygrostick or Humistick to the instrument.

Typically, the extension lead will be used when taking readings from probes that have been embedded in structures such as walls and floors. 

Condensator Mode

The Condensator Mode enables the user to assess the risk of condensation occurring on surfaces. Or to confirm whether or not condensation is present on a surface.

Surface Temperature Sensor is connected to the instrument and held against the surface of interest. Temperature values can be displayed in °C or °F

TDIFF is a useful function when investigating condensation, as it tells the user how many degrees a surface is above or below the prevailing dew point temperature. When a surface exceeds the dew point by more than 3°C, TDIFF is displayed with the message NO CONDENSATION. When a surface exceeds the dew point by 3°C or less, TDIFF is displayed with the message AT RISK, NO CONDENSATION. When the surface temperature is equal to or lower than the dew point, a negative TDIFF is displayed with the message CONDENSATION. The progress bar is activated when TDIFF is less than 14°C above the dew point. The indicator moves from left to right to signify the increasing risk and degree of condensation.