EMF Meters: friend or folly?

The EMF (electro-magnetic field) meter has become a staple in the world of paranormal investigation. A variety of devices are now widely available and most are quite moderately priced. Do these gadgets provide sufficient usefulness to the investigator? And if so, what types of ˜EMFs” are worth our scientific attention?

Nearly all measurable energy is electromagnetic in nature. Due to the propagation methods of most forms of energy, both electric and magnetic field components are involved (hence the term electromagnetic). As shown in the figure below, these components travel in the same direction and with the same magnitude, but out of phase in space.

There is a frequency of oscillation measure in Hz and a wavelength in meters, not to get too technical. The practical implication of these facts is to understand that change their instantaneous amplitude at a constant rate over time. Nearly all meters rely on this characteristic to make measurements. Most employ a coil of wire to sense EM fields via the principle of mutual induction. Simply put, this means that any EM field will induce a current in a coil of wire within said field. This signal is amplified by the meter and output in the form of some display.

Now that we’re past all that, let’s discuss its practical field implications. It is important for an investigator to understand the capabilities of any given meter. Many instruments do not measure fields oscillating below 50 or 60 Hz or above 80 or 100 kHz. Fields in this frequency range are almost certainly man-made, so any readings obtained with these devices would merely serve to find ˜artificial” sources or radiated energy. The venerable Trifield meter however, will measure DC (static) fields, but only rapid changes in magnitude will register. (The Trifield has additional interesting functionality that will be explored in a later article.) These static fields actually fall into the category of geomagnetic radiation and are produced as a result of the Earth’s gravitational field and its interaction with ferrous metals and other magnetic substances. Great care must be taken when employing the Trifield meter in the field, as any rotation of the meter within the Earth’s gravitational field will generate a momentary reading that could easily be mistaken for an anomalous find. In fact, it is suggested by the manufacturer that it be used as a stationary device in magnetic mode.

EM fields are everywhere, and the rampant misuse if EMF meters has produced a false sense of data acquisition among investigators. The ability to measure an unseen force has preceded the desire to properly implement that ability in many cases. When using instruments such as these, we must be aware not only of their capabilities but also of their limitations and the validity of any readings obtained. EMF meters should not be used as catch-all devices, but should be employed properly and only when warranted. It is doubtful that many man-made EM fields have a significant effect on paranormal phenomena. While very low frequency, high magnitude fields have been shown to induce perceived phenomena, evidence is mostly anecdotal.

The bottom line is this: useful readings involve more than a swinging meter needle, flashing lights, or a beeping tone. Know your equipment, know what you are measuring, and understand what your meters are telling you.

Thanks for taking the time.

–Cap’n Casper