EMF – measuring device

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An EMF measuring device is used to detect electromagnetic fields. Such measuring devices are available from around 150 euros, and there are hardly any upper limits.

Simple measuring devices have built-in sensors, while high-priced instruments have external antenna connections that allow the connection of (directional) antennas tailored to the respective problem. Of course, such laboratory measuring devices are calibrated and measurement results can be used as reference values, but devices such as this are sufficient for the approximate statement and interpretation of everyday questions EMF-390 from GQ Electronics.

units

Three different measurements are determined:

• Electromagnetic field strength (EMF) – up to 50 μT, corresponding to 500 mG (resolution 0.01 μT)
• Electric field (EF) – up to 1 kV/m (resolution 1 V/m)
• Radio Frequency (RF) – 10 MHz to 10 GHz

In addition to displaying the above values, peak values are also displayed and series of measurements are saved internally on the SD card at intervals of seconds. A built-in spectrum analyzer shows the distribution of the measured values over time and displays the type of radiation measured, e.g. phone, WIFI, if it can be differentiated, otherwise “mixed” is displayed.

The EMF measurement is also represented numerically in three-dimensional space with respect to the X, Y and Z axes, as shown graphically.

The log data can be downloaded via USB using free software (Windows). There is also connectivity under Mac OS.

Sensors

The EMF sensors are located in the upper third, the RF sensor is in the upper right corner of the device and the EF sensor is in the middle of the front.

This results in the lower third as an area that is used to hold the device in the hand without covering the display or influencing the sensors.

Measure

Measurements must always be carried out in such a way that sources of interference are largely eliminated before the measurement (e.g. your own cell phone, Bluetooth connections, switching off electrical circuits).

For example, if you want to find out which devices in your home environment emit a higher radiation potential, you turn the measuring device on by pressing the power switch for about a second and wait for the various data to be displayed.

The spectrum analyzer graphic provides an overview of existing frequencies and the emitted power. The individual measured values EF, EMF and RF provide information about the existing electric field strength, the electromagnetic component and the power density per square meter.

interpretation

Knowledge from the field of radio technology is helpful for interpreting the measured values obtained. The following blog posts are recommended here:

• Propagation & attenuation of radio waves
• Electrosmog
• EHS – Electrohypersensitivity