Electromagnetic Fields
(EMF) Basics |
In recent years, many paranormal investigators
have adopted Electromagnetic Field (EMF) detection devices as a plausible
tool for detecting the presence of ghosts and calculating the approximate
location of spirit energies. In fact, it is probably the paranormal community
which accounts for a very large percentage of the sales of EMF detection
and monitoring equipment gear. However, only a handful of ghost hunters can
fully explain the principles behind EMF and demonstrate proper use of the
detection equipment.
Hopefully, this article will help to explain the basics
of EMF detection. This article is not intended to be a technical treatise
on electromagnetic fields, waves and radiation, but rather is aimed towards
informing our ghost hunting brethren of some little known facts and information
that might prove to be useful to them.
Electromagnetic Field Detectors
During the cellular telephone boom of the early 1990's,
many theories abounded concerning the ill effects generated to the human
body from exposure to ELF (extremely low frequency) magnetic fields in numerous
scientific and medical journals. Theories ranged from those explaining that
EMF exposure could possibly effect the body's immune system to theories which
proposed that EMF exposure could be directly correlated to certain types
of cancer.
Although evidence proving a direct "cause and effect"
link between EMF and health problems has never been established, prestigious
and recognized authorities (including the United States Environmental Protection
Agency) have recommended "prudent avoidance" of ELF magnetic fields on a
prolonged basis until further research leads to more conclusive results.
So, to serve the public's interest, many companies began
developing simple equipment to both detect the presence of ELF magnetic fields
and to measure their relative strength. Almost anyone who has purchased an
EMF detector and read through the directions included with the unit has an
understanding of how to operate the unit and a strong idea of where to find
magnetic fields within the home. Common sources for household EM readings
include such mundane objects as computer monitors, cellular telephones, bedside
clock radios, and microwave ovens.
There are many different models of EMF detector currently
available on the market, ranging from basic EM detection circuit boards
(retailing around $5 each), to limited range user friendly models (the NL-PSI
members all own ELF-Zone EMF detectors purchased in an e-Bay auction for
$10 each), to incredibly sensitive units such as the Natural Trifield Meter
(expect to pay a minimum of $150 for the basic model up to $300 for the more
advanced models). EMF detection equipment is widely available from numerous
sources on the world wide web and mail order scientific supply houses such
as Edmund Scientific.
General Information concerning EMF
The electromagnetic spectrum covers an enormous range
of frequencies ranging from invisible fields to visible light and beyond.
These frequencies are expressed in cycles per second (i.e., Hz). Electric
power (60 Hz in North America, 50 Hz in most other places) is in the
extremely-low-frequency range, which includes frequencies below 3000 Hz.
The higher the frequency, the shorter the distance between
one wave and the next, and the greater the amount of energy in the field.
Microwave frequency fields, with wavelengths of several inches, have enough
energy to cause heating in conducting material. Still higher frequencies
like X-rays cause ionization—the breaking of molecular bonds, which
damages genetic material. In comparison, power frequency fields have wavelengths
of more than 3100 miles (5000 km) and consequently have very low energy levels
that do not cause heating or ionization. However, AC fields do produce weak
electric currents in conducting objects, including people and animals.
In order to understand how electromagnetic fields operate
within a home, we must first understand some of the basic principles of
electricity. Without going into great detail, it is safe to assume that most
people are aware that the electricity which powers their homes is brought
to them by an enormous power system which covers most of the country.
From giant generators in plants fueled in a variety
of ways (nuclear power plants, hydroelectric power plants, etc.), the voltage
is increased by setup transformers in order to send the electricity over
transmission lines to smaller substations. It is here that the voltage is
decreased by the use of a step-down transformer and the power is carried
along the distribution lines to a home, where a final step-down transformer
decreases the voltage for energy consumption within the average home.
North America uses a 60 hertz (Hz) AC (alternating current)
power system. Though a typical household is filled with electrical wiring,
the typical wire contains three individual strands of wire which carry the
electricity. Most household appliances utilize only one wire at a time, but
the three wires are bundled together in order to keep the current cycling
at different points in time. This, in turn, allows the charges to cancel
one another out, resulting in an overall neutral charge (hence, alternating
current). If these three wires are not run closely enough together or are
improperly insulated, a "hot spot" is created and very high magnetic fields
are the result.
When an electrical current travels through the wiring
or into an appliance, it produces an electromagnetic field, which consists
of the electric field which is always present (even when the appliance is
switched off) and the magnetic field which occurs when the power is switch
on to the appliance. While it is generally accepted that the electric field
is harmless, it is suspected that the magnetic fields can be related to cancer
or other health problems. Thus, companies have been quick to offer EMF detection
devices to help the average homeowner locate and isolate areas of strong
electromagnetic fields.
However, in addition to the EM present because of electrical
wiring and appliance, EMF is found in nature as well. The earth itself has
a unique magnetic field (referred to as a geomagnetic field) and anyone who
has handled a compass is probably well aware of that fact. The earth produces
EMFs, mainly in the form of DC (direct current, also called static fields).
Electric fields are produced by thunderstorm activity in the atmosphere.
Near the ground, the DC electric field averages less than 200 volts per meter
(V/m). Much stronger fields, typically about 50,000 V/m, occur directly beneath
electrical storms.
Magnetic fields are thought to be produced by electric
currents flowing deep within the earth's molten core. The DC magnetic field
averages around 500 milligauss (mG). This number is larger than typical AC
electric power magnetic fields, but DC fields do not create currents within
humans and animals like AC currents can do.
Factors as subtle as water running against certain
geological stratas of rock can also produce electromagnetic fields. The sun's
solar flare activity can also greatly effect the magnetic fields of the earth,
as well as cosmic radiation that is able to penetrate the earth's
atmosphere.
No matter the source of the EM field, all magnetic fields
are measured in units called Gauss (named for Charles Friedrich Gauss, 1777-1855)
or Tesla (named for Nikola Tesla, 1856-1943). While these units of measurement
actually record the magnetic flux rather than the density of a field, it
is unimportant for our means. Here in the United States, EM fields are measured
in milliGauss (mG) while the Tesla measurements are most commonly expressed
in Europe. In essence, 1mG=.01 microTesla.
For the purpose of ghost hunting, most of the EM equipment
used focuses specifically on the ELF (Extremely Low Frequency) range of less
than 60 Hertz and is expressed almost exclusively in terms of milliGauss
(mG).
Using EMF Detectors
Before attempting to use any EM detection device
as part of a ghost hunt or an investigation, it is absolutely essential that
the operator has read through the instruction manual thoroughly and is familiar
with operating the device. To attempt using an EMF detector as part of any
serious inquiry into the paranormal without fully comprehending how to properly
operate the unit is an open invitation to false-readings and misleading EMF
alerts.
Most of the time, operation of an EMF detector is usually
considered as simple as switching on the power and moving the unit around
until it registers a source of EM radiation. However, we here at the NL-PSI
strongly recommend that you first use your EMF detector in your home as a
training exercise to allow you to become familiar with the various sources
of EM radiation in an average household. You will often find that ELF radiation
is strongest in one particular area. For example, your computer monitor at
work may have its greatest EM radiation level directly in back of it, a bedside
clock radio may emit EM radiation to one particular side, etc.
Most of the commercially available EMF detectors are
"single-axis" meters. Although even a simple explanation of what this means
can confuse most non-technical users, it is very important to understand how
this property affects the measurements you take.
A magnetic field has two basic properties: Its strength
(or level) which is measured in mG, and its direction. Most people have no
problem understanding that magnetic field levels are measured in units of
mG, but the majority of measurements taken by an inexperienced operator with
a single-axis meter are flawed. The problem arises from the fact that magnetic
fields are directional (remember that it is the earth's magnetic field which
causes a compass needle to point to magnetic north).
Most of the time, operators simply point the meter "at"
the area they are trying to measure. Although it is possible that this may
lead to "correct" measurements, it is much more likely that the level indicated
by the meter will be lower than the actual level present. Also, try to keep
in mind that all meters have different ranges of accuracy, normally ranging
from +/- 1% to +/-4%. Your instruction manual will include this information
and it is important to note this factor when recording your readings.
Instead of pointing the meter "at" what is being
measured, the user should try slowly and gently orienting the meter in different
directions until a maximum level is indicated on the display. Turn the meter
clockwise, counterclockwise, sideways, leaning forward, leaning backward,
and all combination of angles and distances in between. This may seem a little
awkward, but it is absolutely necessary to insure accurate readings.
Hold the meter in front of and around the source of
radiation and continue to orient the meter at various angles until a maximum
reading is found. If you take the time to become familiar with this process,
you will find that the reading displayed is greatly affected by the orientation
of the meter. This is because the magnetic field not only has a strength
or level associated with it, but a direction as well. Most meters respond
very well to EM fields that run across the meter from left to right (or right
to left), but a very strong magnetic field running in a direction from top
to bottom or front to back will show little or sometimes no reading on the
display of many meters.
If it is not possible to insure that you are using your
single-axis meter correctly, consider upgrading your EMF detector to a 3-axis
instrument such as the Trifield Natural EM Meter or the Teslatronics Model
70. These are far more sensitive units (The TriField meter can actually pick
up the EM signatures produced by the human body at a distance of ten feet,
through a wall!) and are able to monitor a wide range of energy patterns,
such as microwave and radio wave radiation as well as EMF.
The 3-axis meters, because of their inherent sensitivity,
will get accurate readings very quickly, but have many quirks unique to their
very nature. For instance, trying to measure radio frequency (RF) radiation
in a room with a TriField meter may prove difficult because the meter will
pick up energies being reflected from the four walls, the ceiling and floor,
and even the user's body. Some paranormal investigators report that they
find using the TriField meter as an active "scanning" device by moving the
unit from side to side a very difficult task because of the fluctuations
of the readings.
They recommend using the TriField as a stationary device.
Rather than "scanning" for EM activity that might indicate a paranormal anomaly,
simply let the device sit in one area and its audible alarm will alert you
when it senses an unusual EM source.
Once you have spent enough time to become intimately
familiar with the subtitles of operating your EMF meter and are confident
in your abilities to obtain accurate readings with it, it is time to switch
over to a fresh battery and try it again in the dark. Think of it as a training
exercise.
With the lights off, go through your home again with
the meter, focusing only on your readings. Try to keep in mind that magnetic
fields can travel through walls while trying to locate the source of your
readings. Once you are fully confident that you have mastered operating your
meter in dark conditions, it may be time to actually try it "in the field."
EMF Detectors and Ghost Hunting
The sole reason many investigators and ghost hunters
purchase an Electromagnetic Field Detector is to help them locate ghosts.
This is not what an EMF detector does and it was never designed for this
purpose. Its purpose is to locate sources of electromagnetic radiation and
to offer a reading of the relative strength (and direction if you are a skilled
and competent operator) of the EM field.
However, EMF can be a great tool to help locate possible
areas of ghostly or spiritual energy if you approach the matter appropriately,
because it the generally accepted theory that spirits do emit an extremely
low frequency EM field (i.e. less than 60 Hz) which commonly registers between
2.0 and 7.0 mG in strength. However, these are only general guidelines, as
there have been marked exceptions in field research. Some reports put the
spirit energies in excess of 10.0 mG and some incidents have registered readings
over 100 mG when spirits have made their presence known. Use your best judgment
when recording readings!
When you begin a ghost hunt or an investigation, its
is of paramount importance that you obtain accurate "background" readings
of the location you are in and to make accurate notes of any source of EM
radiation. If at all possible, creating a scaled map of your site and clearly
marking every EMF reading you obtain and its precise location. A map like
this will prove invaluable to you in helping to locate anomalies that may
indicate the presence of a ghost or spirit energies.
For instance, a cemetery location is a very common site
for ghost hunts. Begin in one corner of the cemetery and start taking readings
approximately three feet off the ground (waist height) and begin following
the first row of grave markers, taking readings as you move along. Then,
follow the second row with your readings, then to the third and so forth.
By the time you are done, you will have a very good idea of the EM "environment"
you will be conducting your hunt in. Be sure to carefully review your map.
A series of readings in a straight line may have a very earthly explanation,
such as an underground power line.
The same principles may be applied to an investigation
conducted indoors. While the most accurate indications of EMF which can be
attributed to "paranormal" sources are obtained when the master power switch
to the location is switched off and absolutely no electricity is flowing
through the location, this is grossly impractical in a lot of situations.
The mapping technique is highly advisable in this instance, but more care
must be taken to find every single source of EM radiation in the location.
Once the background readings have been taken and the
hunt/investigation is commenced in earnest, the EMF operator will continue
to "scan" the area for EM readings that are anomalous. That is, you are
specifically looking for any EM reading that does not have a plausible
explanation or is not indicated on the map of the "EM Environment" that you
have created.
Now, you must be aware that rarely does a ghost's (or
spiritual energy's) EM pattern stay in one location for long. If your reading
stays steady and does not fluctuate, odds are that you are reading something
with a plausible explanation, such as an electrical device on the other side
of a wall. The basic rule of thumb here is if the field remains constant,
it's artificially generated; if it fluctuates erratically or demonstrates
movement, it's "paranormal."
In any event, it is very much the responsibility of
a good investigator to insure that any logical or plausible explanation is
explored before declaring the readings to be attributable to a ghost or spirit
energies. But, remember that you are looking for erratic fields of energy
with no physical source.
The epitome of this type of phenomena are self-contained
fields of EM energy that either hover in midair or demonstrate marked patterns
of movement. Upon detecting such a field, it is wise to start taking photographs
immediately, because these types of anomalies have a quirky habit of disappearing
quickly.
The final thoughts concerning the EMF detector and the
ghost hunter is it is very important to insure that the meter is maintained
correctly. These are very sensitive, and often expensive, pieces of equipment
that are damaged easily. Treat them delicately and take precautions to insure
that your meter is not subjected to extreme shocks, like being dropped or
shaken violently. Be certain to always use a fresh battery in your meter,
being careful to use the recommended size and type as indicated in your
instruction pamphlet. Always be sure to remove the battery if you plan to
store the meter for any length of time. Also, be sure to store the unit is
a cool, dry place and never, never drop your meter or allow it to be subjected
to abuse. Taking the time to follow these guidelines will help to insure
that your investment will continue to serve you in the field of the paranormal
for years to come.