Anyone who has stored firewood or has relied on wood for fire and warmth knows that moisture and firewood do not produce the best results. When there is too much moisture stored within the wood, the tendency is for it not to light up. This is why using a wood moisture meter is very handy. A simple test and you can easily determine if the piece of wood is dry enough for storage or for lighting a fire.
However, just like with many accessories the moisture meter will eventually lose its accuracy. To avoid getting the wrong measurements, here are a few quick ways you can test the wood moisture meter for its accuracy:
#1: Buy A Good Moisture Meter
A meter is only as good as its manufacturer. Even if it is a bit of a splurge to purchase a high-quality meter to measure wood moisture, you will thank yourself in the future. A good and reliable meter will come with its own calibration to make accuracy testing faster and easier, without the need to send it back to the manufacturer.
#2: Run The Same Test Multiple Times
The best way to ensure the accuracy of the meter is to do the same time, again and again, using the same appliance and the same piece of wood. If the results are consistent through and through, give or take a very small margin of error, the meter is most probably accurate. If not, it might be best to get the meter re-calibrated.
#3: Use A Different Meter For Comparison
If there is a strong suspicion that the meter is no longer accurate, it is time to take out another meter. Take several measures using both meters and compare the results. Trust the device that produces the consistent results. If the old meter does not match the new meter’s measurements, it is no longer accurate.
#4: Check For Signs Of Damage
A common reason why a meter is giving inconsistent readings is due to the damage to its pins or contact plate, also known as the scanning element. Give the scanning element a thorough inspection to see if there are any signs of damage. Rust and cracks will lead to incorrect readings, so it is best to get the meter repaired at once.
#5: Consider Internal Damage
After checking the external parts for signs of cracks or rust and seeing none, it is time to consider the possibility of an internal damage. The electrical components inside the device could have been damaged due to exposure to different types of elements. If this is the case, it is best to bring in the meter for a check and possible repairs in a trusted repair shop.
Taking the meter apart and attempting a DIY repair can lead to more damage than before, so be very careful when trying to repair the meter yourself.
#6: Use A Testing Device
Several meter brands include a testing plate as a part of their kit. This device can help users determine whether the readings are accurate or not. Use the testing board to check the calibration, it is the fastest and easiest way to do so.
If you are looking for the most accurate moisture meter you can afford, check out what we offer at Kiln Services Limited. Contact us today and let's discuss what's the perfect wood moisture meter for you.
