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This article describes low-cost RF, EMF or ELF electromagnetic field survey measurement instruments useful for 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 review and make suggestions for using several low-cost EMF measurement devices to determine the instantaneous electromagnetic field exposure. Specific ELF measurement tools (power lines, electrical wiring, appliances) are described and their sources listed at Electromagnetic Field EMF Measurement Instruments. Specific RF measurement tools (radio, TV, cell tower, microwaves) are described and their sources listed at Radio Frequency RF Detection Meters.

Before buying an EMF or RF test instrument, in order to make sure that the device you are buying is the right one for the hazard you are trying to measure, see EMF RF FIELD & FREQUENCY DEFINITIONS for a simple explanation of different types of radio frequency (RF) and electromagnetic frequency (EMF) types and where they are found.

See ENVIRO-SCARE, EMF & Property Values if you don't know what EMF, ELF, or electromagnetic fields are or if you want a summary of the possible health effects of EMF exposure and the more likely effect on the property value of homes located very close to power transmission lines. Readers who intend to make their own EMF measurements should be sure to also see WORKSHEET for EMF MEASUREMENTS and also WORKSHEET for EMF MEASUREMENTS - Example.

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. This information is has not been sanctioned nor technically reviewed by the American Society of Home Inspectors nor the American Industrial Hygiene Association - AIHA. Use it at your own risk.

© Copyright 2012 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use page top links to major topics or use links at the left of each page to navigate within topics and documents at this website. Green links show where you are in a document series or at this website.

Descriptions & Sources of Low-Cost MF ELF Measurement Instruments

Below we provide comments, specifications, photos and descriptions of several of the many readily available EMF measuring instruments on the market today. See Definitions of Gauss vs Milligauss for details about gauss and milligauss and definitions of these terms. Also see EMF RF FIELD & FREQUENCY DEFINITIONS for a simple explanation of different types of radio frequency (RF) and electromagnetic frequency (EMF) types and where they are found.

The devices listed just below are for low frequency EMF detection and measurement. For higher frequency RF or radio frequency detection and measurement, see our separate article on Radio Frequency RF Detection Meters.

Where to Buy EMF Electromagnetic Field Exposure or Strength Monitoring/Measuring Equipment

At InspectApedia we do not sell anything. To do so would be a conflict of interest for this website.

These devices are readily available from the manufacturers and product sources listed in this article and from many electrical equipment and home inspection equipment suppliers.

• See Evaluation of Low-Cost EMF Instruments This article describes several low-cost and reasonably accurate EMF measurement devices that are readily available.
• See Radio Frequency RF Detection Meters This article describes several low-cost and accurate radio frequency or RF detection and measurement devices suitable for radio, TV, cellphone, microwave, and similar signals.

TriField EMF Meter

Shown at left is the TriField® meter capable of measuring electromagnetic fields. This device sells for about $150.

The TriField EMF meter is produced by AlphaLab and measures both electrical field and magnetic field strength in the ELF and VLF ranges. This meter is reported to be sensitive to and to indicate more sources of EMF than some other devices.

The TriField meter can also measure microwave field strength.

Do not confuse microwave radiation, radio wave radiation, and Electromagnetic Field (EMF) radiation.

• Electromagnetic Field radiation (EMF) generated by electrical power lines and also by residential electrical appliances is in the 50Hz or 60 Hz range (this is "low frequency").
• Microwaves and cell phone towers and similar equipment are at the opposite (very high) end of the radio frequency spectrum, and generate electrical energy at frequencies at up to 3 Ghz (3 billion cycles per second).

The exposures and health effects of electromagnetic fields and the studies that examine them make critical distinctions between these different types of energy sources and frequencies.

F.W. Bell Model 4060 ELF Meter

The F.W. Bell Model 4060 ELF digital EMF Meter is a small hand-held instrument that like the Walker above, has been designed and calibrated to measure low level 50Hz or 60Hz electromagnetic fields generated by power lines, TV sets, video display terminals (VDT's), home appliances, industrial machinery, and similar devices.

This is a pocket-sized instrument that is lightweight and will easily fit into a shirt or jacket pocket.

The company describes the instrument as designed to detect magnetic fields radiated by T.V. sets, computer terminals, power lines, home appliances, machinery, electric blankets, etc.

F.W. Bell is located in Orlando, FL.

Reed Instrument EMF tester,Model 822A

The Reed EMF 822A EMF tester measures electromagnetic radiation levels from video terminals, fans, faulty wiring, power lines and other equipment. Here are some specifications:

• 3-1/2 digit, 0.5" high LCD readout with over range indication
• Range: 0.1 to 199.9 mG [Note that 1000 mG is 1 Gauss]
• Frequency Bandwidth: 30 to 300 Hz
• Accuracy: ±4% at 50/60 Hz (single axis)
• Sampling Rate: 2.5X/second
• Power Supply: Single 9V battery

Safeco™ analog EMF ELF EMR meter

Used in its "C" or "ELF" range to screen an area for magnetic fields typically generated by power transmission lines, secondary lines, power transformers, and household wiring (Extremely Low Frequency, or ELF) our test instrument measures magnetic field strength across seven scales from .3 milligauss to 302 milligauss.

Used in its "A" or "VLF" range to screen an area for magnetic fields typically generated by televisions and computers (Very Low Frequency, or VLF) our test instrument measures from .12 microgauss to 8312 microgauss. 1000 microgauss = 1 milligauss = 80 milliamps per meter.

The accuracy of this instrument itself is +/- 5%, which is typical for portable, hand-held electronic devices. The instrument is calibrated by the manufacturer using a Holaday 3600 for ELF fields. That instrument is available for additional measurements if necessary.

Measurements of ELF (around 60 Hz) will be confounded if there is nearby VLF (such as from a TV or Computer). We attempt to discover and will record the presence of such devices if seen, but we cannot guarantee that there were no such devices operating in or around the property being examined at the time of our tests.

Generally such devices create a measurement problem only if they are within 15-20 feet of our instrument. We verify that a suspect high reading is not coming from a TV or computer by flipping from the "C" to "A" range - if the reading does not change significantly then there is VLF interference from a TV or Computer.

The Safe Meter™ is manufactured by Safe Computing CO., 368 Hillside Ave., Needham, MA 02194 800/222-3003.

The Walker Scientific ELF-50D™ Digital EMF field strength Meter

The Walker Scientific ELF-50™ Digital EMF Meter is a portable handheld instrument designed and calibrated to measure low level 50Hz or 60Hz electromagnetic fields generated by power lines, TV sets, video display terminals (VDT's), home appliances, industrial machinery, and similar devices.

The low-range instrument setting measures field measurements from 1 to 20 milligauss.

This is the range in which most measurements are performed and it is the range within which current literature on this topic discusses possible health effects. The high-range instrument setting is used to measure fields from 10 milligauss to 20 gauss.

As with our analog instrument, the readings obtained with this device depend on the position with which it is held in the field being measured as well as the field strength.

The manufacturer provides a certificate of test and calibration certifying that the instrument has been tested to meet or exceed its published specifications. A copy of this certification is available for your inspection.

This instrument is manufactured by Walker Scientific, Inc., Rockdale St., Worcester, MA 01606 508-852-3674 / 853-3232 / 800-962-4638 / 508-856-9931 FAX.

How & Why to Make Your Own EMF Field Survey & Exposure Measurements

Instead of contacting us with a request to perform EMF Electromagnetic Field Strength measurements, in most cases it is more economical and convenient for a property owner to purchase their own instrument, making measurements under varying conditions. In this series of articles we describe how to make measurements using a consistent approach and using good documentation.

• See Recommended EMF Measurement Procedure for details of how to collect EMF measurement data.

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.

Please do not contact us with a request buy electronic measuring equipment. We do not sell anything. To do so would be a conflict of interest for this website. These devices are readily available from many electrical equipment and home inspection equipment suppliers.

• See Evaluation of Low-Cost EMF Instruments This article describes several low-cost and reasonably accurate EMF measurement devices that are readily available.
• See Radio Frequency RF Detection Meters This article describes several low-cost and accurate radio frequency or RF detection and measurement devices suitable for radio, TV, cellphone, microwave, and similar signals.

Questions & Answers regarding this article

Questions & answers about where to buy an EMF meter, comparisons of low cost devices and how to use them.

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Use links just below or at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.

  Electromagnetic Field EMF ELF Detection Instruments
    F.W. Bell Model 4060 ELF Meter
    Safeco™ analog EMF ELF EMR meter
    Walker Scientific ELF-50D™ Digital EMF Meter
  Radio Frequency RF Detection Meters
    BK RF Measurement Test Equipment
    Mobile Design Shipboard RF Measurements
    Safe Living RF Meters - Radio Frequency Detectors
    Zap Checker Radio Frequency Detection Hand Held Instruments

References for Electromagnetic Fields and Cancer Risk/Carcinogenicity

• Electric Power Lines, Electromagnetic Fields, Cancer Risk, & "Enviro-Scare" - The Normal Curve Cycle of Public Fear About Environmental Issues - online document by DF
• A Procedure for Measuring EMF electromagnetic fields online document by DF
• "Questions and Answers about Biological Effects and Potential Hazards of Radio frequency Electromagnetic Fields", Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, US FCC, OET Bulleting 56, 4th Edition, August 1999
  " Many consumer and industrial products and applications make use of some form of electromagnetic energy. One type of electromagnetic energy that is of increasing importance worldwide is radiofrequency (or "RF") energy, including radio waves and microwaves, which is used for providing telecommunications, broadcast and other services. In the United States the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorizes or licenses most RF telecommunications services, facilities, and devices used by the public, industry and state and local governmental organizations. Because of its regulatory responsibilities in this area the FCC often receives inquiries concerning whether there are potential safety hazards due to human exposure to RF energy emitted by FCC-regulated transmitters. Heightened awareness of the expanding use of RF technology has led some people to speculate that "electromagnetic pollution" is causing significant risks to human health from environmental RF electromagnetic fields. This document is designed to provide factual information and to answer some of the most commonly asked questions related to this topic." - original source: U.S. Federal Communications Commission Office of Engineering and Technology, http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Engineering_Technology/Documents/bulletins/oet56/oet56e4.pdf
• "Magnetic Field Exposure and Cancer: Questions and Answers [ copy on file as /emf/EMF_Fact_Sheet_NCI_NIH.pdf ] - ," National Cancer Institute, U.S. National Institutes of Health, web search September 2010, original source: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/magnetic-fields
  makes these five key points about EMF
  • Electric and magnetic fields (EMF) are areas of energy that surround any electrical device. EMFs are produced by power lines, electrical wiring, and appliances (see Question 1).
  • Electric fields are easily shielded or weakened by walls and other objects, whereas magnetic fields are not. Since magnetic fields are more likely to penetrate the body, they are the component of EMFs that are usually studied in relation to cancer (see Question 1).
  • Overall, there is limited evidence that magnetic fields cause childhood leukemia, and there is inadequate evidence that these magnetic fields cause other cancers in children (see Question 2).
  • Studies of magnetic field exposure from power lines and electric blankets in adults show little evidence of an association with leukemia, brain tumors, or breast cancer (see Question 3).
  • Past studies of occupational magnetic field exposure in adults showed very small increases in leukemia and brain tumors. However, more recent, well-conducted studies have shown inconsistent associations with leukemia, brain tumors, and breast cancer (see Question 4).
• EMF RF FIELD & FREQUENCY DEFINITIONS RF and EMF measurement tools need to be properly chosen to measure the particular type and frequency of RF or EMF signal that is of interest. See EMF RF FIELD & FREQUENCY DEFINITIONS for a simple explanation of different types of radio frequency (RF) and electromagnetic frequency (EMF) types and where they are found.
• Definitions of Gauss vs Milligauss for details about gauss and milligauss and definitions of these terms.
• Consumer Product Safety Commission, 800-638-CPSC.
• US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pesticides and Toxic Substances, TSCA Assistance Office (TS-799), 800-424-9065 or 202-554-1404.
• "Evaluation of Potential Carcinogenicity of Electromagnetic Fields," EPA Report #EPA/600/6-90/005B October 1990. EPA: 513/569-7562.
• "Biological Effects of Power Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields" background paper, prepared as part of OTA's assessment of "Electric Power Wheeling and Dealing: Technological Considerations for Increasing Competition," prepared for OTA by Indira Nair, M. Granger Morgan, H. Keith Florig, Department of Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
• "Biological Effects of Power Line Fields," New York State Powerline Project. Scientific Advisory Board Final Report, July 1, 1987.
• "Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) Fields," Environmental Health Criteria 35. World Health Organization, Geneva, 1984.
• "Electric and Magnetic Fields at Extremely Low Frequencies: Interactions with Biological Systems. In: Non ionizing Radiation Protection, World Health Organization, Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, 1987.
• "Electric and Magnetic Fields from 60 Hertz Electric Power: What do we know about possible health risks?," Department of Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 1989.
• "Electromagnetic Fields Are Being Scrutinized for Linkage to Cancer," Sandra Blakeslee, New York Times, Medical Science section, April 2, 1991

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

• Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
• Electric Power Lines, Electromagnetic Fields, Cancer Risk, & "Enviro-Scare" - The Normal Curve Cycle of Public Fear of Environmental Issues
• Electromagnetic Fields in the Workplace sample very good NIOSH document online, links to other NIOSH docs.
• Electromagnetic Field Surveys & Hazards full list of our links to services and technical article
• Electric Power Lines, Electromagnetic Fields, Cancer Risk, & "Enviro-Scare" - The Normal Curve Cycle of Public Fear About Environmental Issues - online document by DF
• A Procedure for Measuring EMF electromagnetic fields online document by DF
• Environmental Concerns in buildings, hazards: allergens, asbestos, brownfields
• ...