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The Tramex MRH III is a digital hand-held electronic impedance moisture meter. It is one of the more versatile meters we tested, incorporating 3 modes of operation: pinless, hammer probe pin, and hygrometer for use on wood and other materials.
The optional relative humidity probe can measure relative humidity, temperature, dew point, and mixing ratio.
Built-in features include a specific gravity adjustment, a backlit, easy-to-read LCD display, and a HOLD function that enables users to “freeze” the reading.
This meter did not score as high as some other meters in our accuracy test, but for the user who values versatility, it may still be worth buying.
Pros
- Versatile: 3 modes of operation and capable of being used with a variety of building materials
- Built-in specific gravity adjustment for most wood species
- Useful features: HOLD function that enables users to “freeze” the reading, and a backlit LCD display
Cons
- Hand placement on or above the meter can affect the reading by as much as 1.5%
- Reduced accuracy above 13% moisture content
- Surface moisture significantly interferes with readings
Tramex MRH-III Slide Hammer Probe
The Tramex MRH III incorporates 3 modes of operation: pinless, hammer probe pin, and hygrometer for use on wood and other materials. We tested the hammer probe too.
Objective Evaluation – Overall Score 4.1 out of 5.0
Accuracy – 3.6 out of 5.0
This meter provides moderately accurate readings in the low moisture content (MC) range, but above 13% MC, it is less accurate when compared to ASTM D-4442 oven dry standards.
Learn about our accuracy test procedures
Surface Moisture – 1.0 out of 5.0
Surface moisture caused this meter’s MC reading to change 7% from the baseline. These surface moisture results indicate that operating this meter in high humidity environments, where condensation may form on the surface, could lead to questionable readings.
Learn about our surface moisture test procedures
Meter Temperature – 4.7 out of 5.0
Meter temperature had a small effect on this meter’s readings.
Readings taken with a low meter temperature of 34.8° F in the presence of both low and high MC decreased less than 1% compared to the reading taken at a room temperature of 70.5° F.
Readings taken with a high meter temperature of 110° F in the presence of both low and high MC increased less than 1% compared to the reading taken at a room temperature of 70.5° F.
Learn about our meter temperature test procedures
Wood Temperature – 4.0 out of 5.0
Wood temperature had a moderate effect on MC readings with this meter.
Readings taken with a low wood temperature of 33.6° F in the presence of low MC decreased by 1% compared to a reading taken at a room temperature of 71.8° F. In the presence of high MC, the reading decreased 2%.
Readings taken with a high wood temperature of 110° F in the presence of low MC increased less than 1% when compared to a reading taken at a room temperature of 71.8° F. In the presence of high MC, the reading increased 3.1%.
Learn about our wood temperature test procedures
Reading Repeatability – 5.0 out of 5.0
This meter provides consistent, repeatable readings.
Learn about our repeatability testing procedures
Drift – 5.0 out of 5.0
This meter showed no drift after 3 seconds.
Cable Interference – N/A
The Tramex MRH III in pinless mode could not be tested for cable interference. Refer to the review of the Tramex MRH III Hammer probe for the results of this test.
Learn about our cable interference and drift testing procedures
Subjective Evaluation – Overall Score 3.9 out of 5.0
Learn about our subjective testing procedures
Ease of Use – 3.5 out of 5.0
This meter is simple to operate with little use of the manual needed to get started. Documentation in the manual is clear and easy to understand. Battery installation requires the use of a screwdriver or other tool.
Quality – 4.3 out of 5.0
Manufactured in Ireland. This meter has a solid and durable feel and appears unlikely to malfunction or break with normal use.
Comfort – 3.0 out of 5.0
Larger and bulkier than most meters we tested. Does not readily fit into a pocket but when used with the supplied soft case, it can be attached to a belt for easy transport. Large, high-quality buttons for easily adjusting the settings.
Versatility – 4.0 out of 5.0
Incorporates three modes of operation—pinless, hammer pin probe, and hygrometer. Can be used on wood as well as drywall, wood plaster, brick, ceramic, and most other building materials. Features a built-in species adjustment for most wood species.
Note: Our accuracy test for this meter was performed on several species of wood. We did not assess its accuracy when used with non-wood materials.
Range – 5.0 out of 5.0
Measures moisture content across a full range (5% to 30%) in pinless mode, but only reads down to 7% in pin mode.
Features – 3.5 out of 5.0
Readings precise to the nearest 0.1%. Low battery indicator. Also features a HOLD function, a backlit LCD display for poorly-lighted areas, and an audible alarm.
Customer Service – 4.0 out of 5.0
Customer service is friendly and knowledgeable. Prompt email response but telephone response time is slower than many other manufacturers. Manual available online.
Warranty, repairs, and calibration:
- Warranty covers 1-year parts & labor. However, damage due to dropping the meter is not covered
- Repair costs are not quoted over the phone, but a free estimate is provided when the meter is sent to Tramex
- Turnaround time on repairs is 7 days plus time for shipping
- Customer pays for shipping both ways
- Tramex sells a device to check calibration, but it doesn’t calibrate and is not NIST certified
- Repairs carry a 90-day warranty for parts and labor.
- Recalibration is not covered under this warranty.
Our review is based on Moisture Meter Experts independent evaluation of the meter, which was purchased by Moisture Meter Experts or provided free of charge by the manufacturer. By purchasing this meter through the links above, Moisture Meter Experts may be compensated either by your purchase directly from Moisture Meter Experts or from commissions from an affiliate. View our Review Procedures section to learn more about our proprietary evaluation procedure and expertise in the field of moisture meters.