The Facts About EMF Meters

Electromagnetic field (EMF) meters are tools for diagnosing issues with power lines and electrical wiring. They are used to obtain readings on working appliances like microwaves and cellphones.

Those who hunt ghosts professionally use EMF meters as part of their tool kits on television. The reason they use EMF meters is not far-fetched.

This article will look at the following:

What EMFs measure
How to test for EMFs
The purpose of EMF meters
The various types of EMF meters
How to check your home for electromagnetic (EM) radiation

What Do EMF Meters Measure?

EMF measurements assess ambient electromagnetic fields by using EMF meters or other types of probes. We may call these probes antennas, although their characteristics are different.

EMF meters detect fields that electrically-charged objects emit. These electrically-charged objects include cellphones, WiFi routers, power lines, and electrical and electronic appliances.

An electric field from a charged object and the magnetic field resulting from its movement is at the heart of electromagnetic field theory.

Scientists used to think of electric fields as strictly separate from magnetic fields. Still, a combination of both field models is a much better representation.

Electromagnetic fields or EMFs result from using alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). EMF meters measure fields from alternating current. Alternating current is the type of electricity that powers televisions and microwaves.

An alternating current oscillates fifty to sixty times per second.

On the other hand, direct currents are stationary, much like the magnetic field of the earth. Most EMF meters cannot measure them. Their inability to measure them is not really an issue since it is really a background signal.

By using an EMF meter, you can diagnose issues with electrical wiring, power lines, and electrical effectiveness. Professional ghost hunters consider an EMF meter to be highly essential for their work.

What to Know to Test for EMFs the DIY Way

If EMF protection matters to you, you need to be able to test EMF protection products for your personal effects. It is possible to check for EMFs, and better still, it is possible to do it yourself. You may choose to purchase the test meter if you can afford it. Or, you can just rent one for a while.

Some EMF meter models are low-cost, yet they are sensitive and accurate enough to be trusted. Others are, however, a bit on the expensive side. As a result, some EMF meter vendors check individual meters and certify them for proper operation before shipping them out.

There is often plenty of variability in EMF meter quality, as we’ve hinted at before. This variability is common when they arrive from the manufacturer and even happens with the professional and expensive models. Choose an EMF meter vendor that runs a certification service that guarantees an accurate and functional test meter.

If EMF protection matters to you, you need to be able to test EMF protection products for your personal effects. It is possible to check for EMFs, and better still, it is possible to do it yourself. You can purchase a test meter or you can rent one for a while.

Some EMF meter models are low cost, yet sensitive and accurate enough to be trusted. Others can however, be a bit on the expensive side.There can be a variability in EMF meter quality, as we’ve hinted at before. This variability can also happen with the professional and expensive models. Choose an EMF meter with a certification service that guarantees an accurate and functional test meter.

Choosing an EMF Meter

It’s a hard decision to select the best EMF meter for your situation. The reason for this is that EMF meters vary significantly with the type of meter, the price, the quality, and the sensitivity.

A useful EMF meter will have the following qualities:

It should be able to measure the right EMF type within the correct frequency range. Some meters merely detect a narrow range of frequencies and can totally miss detecting other important EMFs at different frequencies. This flaw happens with RF test meters.
It should have enough sensitivity to detect the trace levels of electromagnetic fields occurring in most homes and offices. Warning of very high levels alone may not be too useful.
It should have enough accuracy to make its measurements trusted, meaningful, and useful. Its meaningfulness matters when you have to take costly or inconvenient actions. It is not uncommon for meters to give high or low readings, or totally miss critical frequencies. Such meters may even be single-axis and can give non-professionals false low measurements.
It should be both affordable and practically reliable for many years.

Types of EMF Meters

EMF meters are available in two flavors. These flavors include:

Single-axis EMF meters
Tri-axis EMF meters

A single-axis EMF meter measures EMF along one direction. It is essential to turn the meter to enable it to provide proper data about an electromagnetic field (EMF).

Tri-axis meters allow for higher detail data acquisition. They allow you to take readings an all three axes. They are, however, more expensive.

Most EMF meters on the market are single-axis meters. They are mostly cheaper and offer the user various other functions such as digital readings and LED lights.

It’s also possible to measure EMF using your phone. There are several apps you can download to your iPhone. A few of these apps are free, but the rest are highly affordable – so you won’t need to break the bank.

These EMF applications exploit the magnetometer on your iPhone. The magnetometer is the technology your phone relies on to serve a compass. Note that the iPhone EMF meter is not as reliable as a single axis or tri-axis EMF metering devices. However, they show you what to expect from an EMF meter, and are generally fun to have.

At the very least, iPhone EMF meters will serve you well for high EMF sources such as microwaves. You can expect jumpy readings as you move around your house.

Types of EMF Measurements

EMF probes should not distort the electromagnetic field. They must avoid reflection and coupling as much as possible to deliver precise measurements.

Two primary types of EMF measurements exist:

Broadband Measurements

You perform a broadband measurement by using a broadband probe. This probe is a device that detects signals across a broad range of frequencies (hence the name “broadband”). It consists of three diode detectors that function independently.

Frequency-Selective Measurements

If you need to perform a frequency-selective measurement, the measurement system involves a frequency-selective receiver (or spectrum analyzer) and a field antenna. This set-up allows you to monitor a relevant frequency range.

How to Measure EMFs in Your Home

These are several general steps to measure EMF (frequency and strength) in your home:

Take a general survey of the area, say your living room. Begin with the magnetic field setting because all electronic devices emit them. While sauntering, sweep the EMF meter back and forth.
Locate the radiation source once you notice the digital display, sound, or milligauss reading spike or move in the reading’s direction. Note the source and the average reading.If there is no wireless connectivity on what you’re measuring, only measure the magnetic and electric field radiation.This step will help you know how to reduce your overall exposure.
Pay attention to areas of the room where you spend the most time.
With wireless devices, you also need to measure Radio-frequency (RF) radiation. Professionals always measure RF in milli-watts per square meter (mW/m²). However, focus only on peak readings.

Note that some radiation is seasonal, and some devices emit more than one EMF radiation type.

Conclusion

Knowing about EMFs is one thing. Understanding how to measure them can help you mitigate the health risks associated with electromagnetic fields. Proper EMF measurements should be routine, and governments can carry out citizen education to make this a reality.