Discuss Using our MFT on 500v IR as a damp test probe? in the Electrical Forum area at ElectriciansForums.net

Welcome to ElectriciansForums.net - The American Electrical Advice Forum
Head straight to the main forums to chat by click here:   American Electrical Advice Forum

Marti

-
Arms
Reaction score
244
OK, Stop laughing at the back!
SO, I'm house hunting and, ignoring the number of beautifully decorated houses with rubbish electrics - I also want to be aware of any damp issues. This led me to try using the trusty Megger with sharp probes to test for damp. This appears to work, or at-least is better than a cheap damp test gadget 'cos the pro stuff is pricey and is unlikely to be used again.

Any of you sparkin' heroes tried this? Am I barking up the wrong step ladder?
 
There are many types of "damp",and you may be better off,investing in some research,of it's effects,and methods of rectification.

You can get a meter off ebay,for checking moisture content of logs,for less than 20 squid. This would give you a rough indication of surface damp,but no great accuracy,or proof of a problem.

An empty,un-heated property,will start to increase it's moisture content,in line with factors such as humidity,ventilation,and any "extras".
A window full of condensation,could give adjacent walls a high reading - but be fine,whereas,an area totalled ravaged by wet-rot,could now be dry,and not give an indication.

Two biggest factors,are firstly,construction methods and materials.
This is the cause of 95% of all damp issues.

The second,is location.

I am not straying from damp to wet,and drainage,subsidence and ground heave...

So,do some reading,and rather than look for a specific part,which shows damp,look at the areas where it could begin. Any bridging,alteration,deviation,etc,of the DPC - whatever initial construction method,and consider if what appears to be there,is working.
Most accepted damp issues,internally,are ventilation problems.
Cavity wall injection blags,have not always helped this...no point having the place insulated,if still moisture,because the warmer air can contain more water...then you have to ventilate...windows open...heating up the garden,now...marvellous;)

Do not underestimate the importance of air-bricks. Sub-floor ventilation,has been belittled,by countless builders,cavity insulators,landscapers,pavers,etc,and been the ruin of many a property.:)
 
That is really useful - thank you. Thinking about our trade; I'm reluctant to become the dodgy DIYer in another skilled area whilst recognising that, if I can communicate with a good surveyor I may avoid the pain and expense of unforeseen issues.
 

Reply to Using our MFT on 500v IR as a damp test probe? in the Electrical Forum area at ElectriciansForums.net

OFFICIAL SPONSORS

Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Electrician Courses Green Electrical Goods PCB Way Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Pushfit Wire Connectors Electric Underfloor Heating Electrician Courses
These Official Forum Sponsors May Provide Discounts to Regular Forum Members - If you would like to sponsor us then CLICK HERE and post a thread with who you are, and we'll send you some stats etc

YOUR Unread Posts

Electrical Forum

Welcome to the Electrical Forum at ElectriciansForums.net. The friendliest electrical forum online. General electrical questions and answers can be found in the electrical forum.
This website was designed, optimised and is hosted by Untold Media. Operating under the name Untold Media since 2001.
Back
Top
AdBlock Detected

We get it, advertisements are annoying!

Sure, ad-blocking software does a great job at blocking ads, but it also blocks useful features of our website. For the best site experience please disable your AdBlocker.

I've Disabled AdBlock