
The Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter Moisture Meter (CME5) is a non-destructive moisture meter for measuring the moisture content of concrete floors and slabs. It gives instant, quantitative readings to a depth of approximately 20mm without the need to probe, drill or damage the surface, transmitting a low-frequency signal through electrodes in its base and measuring the electrical impedance of the slab or screed to determine how much moisture is present.
The CME5 reads concrete moisture content across a 0 to 6% range on a clear analogue dial, and also provides Carbide Method (CM) equivalent readings for concrete and other cementitious substrates, serving as a comparative method in line with ASTM F2659. Spring-loaded contact pins compensate for uneven concrete and boost signal penetration, while a hold function freezes the reading for areas where the dial is out of sight.
Housed in a rugged ABS enclosure and weighing 344g, the CME5 connects over Bluetooth to the accompanying iOS and Android app for recording and reporting. It is a practical tool for flooring contractors, coating inspectors and surveyors who need reliable, repeatable moisture assessment before installing floor coverings or applying coatings.
Concrete Moisture Encounter Moisture Meter - CME5
The Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter 5 (CME5) is a non-destructive analog moisture meter for concrete floors and slabs providing instant and precise quantitative measurement of moisture content using Gravimetric testing as a baseline. The CME5 also provides Carbide Method equivalent readings for concrete and other cementitious substrates as well as comparative readings as per ASTM F2659
- Non-destructive in operation with no need to probe, drill or mechanically damage the surface.
- Clear easy-to-read analogue dial
- Instant and precise readings to a depth of approximately 20mm into the slab.
- Bluetooth connection to accompanying IOS & Android App allowing for continual development and integration of apps and reporting.
- Hold function freezes meter reading when inspecting areas where the meter face is not visible, and for easy recording of data.
- Reproducible and reliable results
- CM Carbide Method moisture content equivalent readings
- Spring-loaded contact pins compensate for uneven concrete and boost signal penetration.
- Rugged ergonomically designed enclosure

Also available to buy online at GaugeIt, our online store.
When to use the Tramex CME5
Reach for the CME5 when you need to know whether a concrete floor or slab is dry enough to coat, and you cannot drill or break the surface to find out. It reads moisture content directly off the slab to a depth of about 20mm, giving an instant quantitative figure on the spot.
- 1Non-destructive slab readingsIt measures without probing, drilling or mechanically damaging the surface, so you can check a finished floor without leaving a mark or creating repair work.
- 2Coating readiness decisionsReadings to roughly 20mm into the slab tell you whether the concrete is sufficiently dry before a coating goes down, which is the call that protects the whole flooring job.
- 3Comparable to recognised methodsIt gives Carbide Method equivalent readings and comparative results to ASTM F2659, so its numbers line up with the references inspectors and specifiers already work to.
- 4Records and reports on siteThe hold function freezes a reading where the dial is out of sight, and Bluetooth to the app lets you log and report results rather than copying figures by hand.
Lower-budget alternatives
Ten minutes on a call with one of our specialists usually saves you from buying the wrong instrument.
Book a 10-minute callOr , our product assistant, for an instant answer.
When to use this
When to use the Tramex CME5
Reach for the CME5 when you need to know whether a concrete floor or slab is dry enough to coat, and you cannot drill or break the surface to find out. It reads moisture content directly off the slab to a depth of about 20mm, giving an instant quantitative figure on the spot.
- 1Non-destructive slab readingsIt measures without probing, drilling or mechanically damaging the surface, so you can check a finished floor without leaving a mark or creating repair work.
- 2Coating readiness decisionsReadings to roughly 20mm into the slab tell you whether the concrete is sufficiently dry before a coating goes down, which is the call that protects the whole flooring job.
- 3Comparable to recognised methodsIt gives Carbide Method equivalent readings and comparative results to ASTM F2659, so its numbers line up with the references inspectors and specifiers already work to.
- 4Records and reports on siteThe hold function freezes a reading where the dial is out of sight, and Bluetooth to the app lets you log and report results rather than copying figures by hand.
Lower-budget alternatives
Ten minutes on a call with one of our specialists usually saves you from buying the wrong instrument.
Book a 10-minute callOr , our product assistant, for an instant answer.
Specifications
Specifications
- Moisture Content for Concrete
- 0 to 6%
- Carbide Method moisture content equivalent for Concrete
- 0 to 4
- Carbide Method moisture content equivalent for Anhydrite
- 0 to 1.9
- Display
- Analogue
- Depth of penetration
- 20mm approx
- Construction
- ABS Body
- Power
- 2 x AALR6 ALKALINE (included)
- Dimensions
- 160mm x 85mm x 38mm
- Weight
- 344g
Standards
Standards
Downloads
Videos
Videos
Frequently asked questions
What moisture parameters does the CME5 measure on concrete floors?
The CME5 measures moisture content in concrete from 0 to 6%, provides Carbide Method equivalent readings for concrete (0 to 4) and anhydrite (0 to 1.9), and gives comparative readings in accordance with ASTM F2659.
How deep does the CME5 penetrate when taking a reading?
The CME5 achieves a depth of penetration of approximately 20mm, allowing it to assess moisture below the surface of concrete slabs without destructive sampling.
Is the CME5 a destructive or non-destructive instrument?
The CME5 is a non-destructive moisture meter. It takes readings without drilling or coring the concrete slab, making it suitable for rapid site screening using Gravimetric testing as a baseline reference.
What display type does the CME5 use and how is it powered?
The CME5 uses an analogue display. It is powered by two AA LR6 alkaline batteries, which are included. The unit weighs 344g and has an ABS body.
Can the CME5 be used on anhydrite screeds as well as concrete?
Yes. The CME5 provides Carbide Method equivalent readings for anhydrite substrates over a range of 0 to 1.9, in addition to its concrete moisture content and comparative measurement modes.
Quote on the Concrete Moisture Encounter Moisture Meter - CME5 by close of business.
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