This article explains how to use EMF or ELF measuring instruments when performing electromagnetic field (EMF) or electro-magnetic radiation EMR measurements either by engaging a professional or by consumers using low-cost instruments which measure EMF exposure levels in gauss or milligauss.

We discusses sources of error and variation in EMF measurements and we review and make suggestions for using several low-cost EMF measurement devices to determine the instantaneous electromagnetic field exposure.

EMF Measurement Instrument Use

For position-insensitive equipment, a single reading is usually provided, directly in mG.

For position sensitive equipment you'll find an enormous range of response depending on the angle and direction in which you hold the measurement device.

While this type of instrument is more work to use (see calculations below and in spread sheet) it provides more clear indication of when you're approaching a field. Some instruments do not provide a reading directly in mG and you'll have to simply record the "raw" measurements and to convert them later.

Definition of Gauss versus Milligauss Field Strength Measurements

Some readers may be confused between two common terms used to describe the strength of an electromagnetic field: Gauss and Milligauss. Both of these terms measure the same effect, but at different ranges of strength level. It's simply a matter of moving the decimal point, as we demonstrate in our photographs above.

In our first photo (above left) the ELF EMF meter has been set to the Gauss range and we are measuring a field strength of 0.03 Gauss with our meter touching a small power transformer.

In our second photo (above right) the same ELF EMF meter has been set to its more-sensitive Milligauss range and we are measuring 25 milligauss.

Because usually the electromagnetic field strength around residential properties is very weak, most measurements will probably be made in the milligauss range. 0.03 Gauss is the same as 30 Milligauss.

Our instrument, more accurate in the lower milligauss range, shows that we are actually measuring 25 milligauss, a number which was rounded up to 0.03 Gauss when the scale was shifted.

Definitions of Gauss and Milligauss for Measuring Electromagnetic Fields - EMF

Gauss is a measurement scale used to measure the strength of an electromagnetic field (EMF). The gauss level measured in a given location depends on the strength of the source of the EMF and the distance from the source.

The measured field strength of an EMF falls off quite rapidly with distance (field strength declines as the square of the distance from the source).

When electrical current flows through a wire (such as in an electrical distribution wire or inside of an electric motor) an electromagnetic field is produced.

Power lines, local electrical wires, air conditioning motors, computers, TVs, hair dryers, toasters, all devices that use or transport electricity will produce an electromagnetic field.

Usually the strength of these fields is low (Electric fan 1 mG, TV 1mG, chain saw 2.5 mg(?) at chest height, electric stove 6 mG, older electric blankets before circuit redesign 20 mG, and under a distribution line for electrical power transmission, 2-20 mg depending on the line height, KVA rating, and actual level of usage at the time of measurement.

If there is a concern for measuring exposure or possible exposure to electromagnetic fields, it's critical that we have a correct understanding of the levels of exposure that are being examined.

For example, one of our readers informs us that that manufacturer of his pacemaker recommends avoiding exposure to electromagnetic fields stronger than 5 gauss. (EMF generated from small electric motors (such as a chain saw) measured with the saw held in normal operating position may be as much as 2.6 Gauss at the user's chest.)

When recording EMF measurements be certain that you've got the right order of magnitude.

1 Milligauss (mG) = 10^-3 Gauss, or 0.001 Gauss

Published sources provide lots of examples of producing and measuring electromagnetic fields at a known gauss level. For example, using a 1.5V battery and a 150 Ohm resistor to make a long straight wire circuit, the EMF field strength when measured at 0.1m (about 4") from the wire will be about 0.2 milligauss (mG).

NIST, focused on SI units, measures electromagnetic fields in Tesla units of magnetic flux density: magnetic flux density Tesla, Symbol: T
SI Derived unit: Wb/m2
SI Base: kg·s-2·A-1

and

Magnetic Fluxe is measured in Weber, Symbol: Wb
SI Derived Unit: V·s
SI Base Units: m2·kg·s-2·A-1

For Position-sensitive EMF measurement instruments, three readings are necessary.

1. Horizontal (spin through 360 degrees and record highest reading)

2. Vertical (same as above)

3. Pointed towards suspected source (e.g. distant power line

To compute the actual point measurement, each of these numbers, once converted to mG, must be squared, the three squares added, and the square root taken of the sum. This is because the measurement scale is not linear, so a direct raw average would be incorrect.

In the EXCEL worksheet which we provide

(at WORKSHEET for EMF MEASUREMENTS)

you will observe that provision is made for recording raw data points as well as the individual mG readings. Formulas embedded in the worksheet compute the mean square average in order to obtain a valid point measurement of emf strength by this method.

Following good procedure and using instruments properly are two steps towards making accurate, repeatable EMF measurements.

But because the signal transmission for RF sources such as radio, TV, or cell towers, the load on a power transmission line is not under control of an individual property owner, and because the EMF strength varies as the power transmission line load varies, it is important to have an idea of that condition as well when attempting to characterize EMF exposure at a specific location.

In contrast, EMF measurements are quite accurate and repeatable at other EMF sources such as close to electrical appliances and service entry cables.

The information provided here is for research and study purposes. The author makes no representation of unique expertise on this topic, other than having field experience in EMF measurement, having studied technical literature and having conversed with other experts and authors in the field for a number of years.

 

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Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

On 2020-10-05 - by (mod) -

Bethy

Microwave oven leak detectors range widely in cost, from abour $30. U.S. to $300. U.S.
In the U.S. federal standards require that microwave oven leakage (of microwave energy) must be no more than 5 milliwatts (mW) of microwave radiation per square centimeter at approximately 2 inches from the oven surface.”

Extech, Reed, and UTL are some example brands.

(To protect our reader's trust, we don't sell anything, no product, no service, nothing.)

I'd beware of super low-cost "magic" bullets that don't work, and I'd consider that for the cost of buying an accurate, very reliable instrument, you might buy a new microwave oven instead.

On 2020-10-05 by Bethy

Hi.
I am looking for a microwave oven leakage detector, and from what I've read, it needs to detect at least 2,450-MHz of radiation.
I need someone to actually recommend one I can afford (who isn't getting a kick-back for recommending it, that is). Many years ago I had a card that I held slowly around the perimeter of the door of the mic., and it was supposed to show green or red (safe or unsafe), but I'll never know if it was a hoax or not.
Can anyone help, please?

On 2020-02-21- by (mod) -

RAY

Healthline.com describes their grounding mat as
"A grounding mat mimics the electric current of the earth and allows a person to bring the experience into a home or office. ... This connection allows electrons to flow from the earth and into your body to create a neutral electrical charge."


I have nothing science-based to offer about the benefits or justification for using such products. But I could certainly imagine you'd detect an electrical field as you described.

On 2020-02-21 by Ray

I'm using a Trifield TF-2 meter. I got a reading of 2-5V/m on the pillow of my bed. I have a grounding mat appx 24x8 inches that I placed on the pillow and it will read
60-110 V/m depending on where on the mat the meter is placed. The mat has a sleeve with a grid of rectangles of conductive thread. I took the cover off and measured
and it was a bit higher 90-125 V/m. The mat is connected by a single wire and plugged into the ground connection of the outlet via a phono type plug. Could this be indicative of a system ground problem perhaps. It seems like the mat is acting like an antenna.

On 2020-01-09 - by (mod) -

It's very difficult to Shield against electromagnetic radiation. I'm highly doubtful that a layer of aluminum foil will make a measurable difference. I think you should discuss this question with your doctor and with the electric company

On 2020-01-09 by El

my kitchen and living room are being bathed in 2800 electro magnetic radiation every 2 to 4 minutes. The radiation is emitted by 36 smart electric meters placed on the other side of my kitchen wall. I had the radiation measured by an independent technician. He found the electric meters are sending packets of information every 2 to 4 minutes. I have been told to install foil against the walls. If I do so, the electromagnetic might be reduced to 280Mgz. What is the safe number for me? (As an explanation.) Unknowingly, I purchased this condo three months ago.
El

On 2016-12-08 - by (mod) -

I really can't say from so little information about the test environment, Margaret, just what your readings mean.

On 2016-12-06 by Margaret Strachan

My email address is foosh61.ms@googlemail.com I would really appreciate if you could find time to get back to me it would be much appreciated thank you

On 2016-12-06 by Margaret Strachan

My emf reading shows at magnetic field b unit; micro telsa 72.885 I was wondering if this means there may be something here

Question:

(Oct 9, 2014) mark said:
I am a victum of electronic harassment how can I measure, detect, record, document types of EMF?

Reply:

Mark in the links above see EMF MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES

...

Continue reading at EMF MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Articles About Electromagnetic Fields, Hazards, Measurements

• CELL PHONE RADIATION
• DEFINITIONS of EMF RF FIELD & FREQUENCY
• DEFINITIONS of HERTZ, KHz MHz GHz THz
• ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD EMF ELF & RF DETECTION
• EMF ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS & HUMAN EXPOSURE
  • EMF CANCER SCARE
  • EMF CANCER RISK
  • EMF/EMR MEASUREMENT OVERVIEW
  • EMF LOCAL SOURCES MAY EXCEED POWER LINE STRENGTH
  • EMF MEASUREMENT DISTANCE AFFECTS STRENGTH
  • EMF MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENTS
  • EMF MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENT ACCURACY
  • EMF MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENT USE TIPS
  • EMF MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES
  • EMF MEASUREMENT STEP BY STEP
  • EMF REFERENCES
  • EMF SURVEY PROCEDURE
  • EMF SURVEY REPORT INTERPRETATION
  • EMF WORKSHEET for EMF MEASUREMENTS
  • EMF WORKSHEET Example
  • EMF WORKPLACE EXPOSURE
• ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS at BUILDINGS - home
• ENVIRO-SCARE - PUBLIC FEAR CYCLES
• HAZARD vs RISK
• RF RADIO FREQUENCY DETECTION METERS

Suggested citation for this web page

EMF MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENT USE TIPS at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to BUILDING ENVIRONMENT

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