(For the ENV RD-10[AU], MITO RD-10 [EURO], & discontinued MITOHQ METER)
EMF measurement methods are placed into high and low-frequency categories, as measuring radiating waves as small as a few centimeters (Wi-Fi) and waves thousands of miles in length (Electricity) are each unique in how they are detected and quantified. This is why professional EMF meters & spectrum analyzers are either purpose-built low or high-frequency devices.
The MITO/RD10[AU] has three basic modes to select from to simplify your property screening. RF - Radio Frequency / LFM - Low Frequency Magnetic / LFE - Low Frequency Electric.
The low-frequency electromagnetic fields get separated into magnetic and electric field measurements. The low-frequency waves are so long in scale that you can be affected by one type of field and not necessarily the other, as the waves propagate on a plane perpendicular to each other. 3-in-1 meters combine all the above measurement methods into one device.
When you switch between LFM and LFE Modes, you will notice how much the two field types vary in comparison with each other as far as their field strength and coverage go.
Switch the meter to RF Mode and you are now measuring frequencies cycling millions of times faster and smaller than electricity. These RF or microwave radiating wavelengths are so small that the electromagnetic force is measured as one field. For this reason, we only have one mode for measuring RF.
RF MODE – Measurement & Mitigation Methods
Below is an overview of our RF (Radio Frequency) checklist for measuring wireless radiation.
1/ The MITO/RD10[AU] has a single axis antenna so its important to move the meter around to find the highest reading. ...Wave in the air in a figure eight motion.
2/ To get what is called an accurate far-field RF reading we recommend measuring RF at least 12 to 30cm back from the device or source you are measuring. (When you measure to close all RF meters will over-read the field strength, as the microwaves/radio frequency wave/field hasn’t formed. Read more Here.
3/ Measure the places you spend time in. You can also use the MITO/RD10[AU] RF-Xs Sound Mode to determine where and what the signal/source is by the signals sound signature. (Instructions below.) RF-Xs Instructions
Turn the sound switch ON and select RF MODE.
Quickly toggle the MODE switch from LFE to RF twice within two seconds (LFE-RF-LFE-RF). Two lights (orange and red) should start blinking.
Move the MODE switch down to LFM and back to RF (RF-LFM-RF) to activate RF-Xs Mode.
4/ Turn all your wireless devices off before taking a reading at home so you can determine what your background RF levels are. Recommend turning off the power at the mains so you don’t miss anything.
5/ Take measurements at different times of the day and night. Sometimes random transmissions can seemingly appear out of nowhere and the cell tower transmissions can vary in power density throughout the day. The MITO/RD10[AU] can be set to log or record events using its onboard hardware or by using an Android device/Mac/PC plugged into the EMF meter.
6/ Find out what side of your property is being affected the most by microwaves by measuring around the house or building at the North, East, South and West sides, noting the readings. In a perfect world, you should be able to stand on top of your roof and not get a reading with the MITO/RD10[AU] meters, which is under 0.0005 mW/m2 (0.5uW/m2) or at least, one light. However, this is now hard to find in both populated and rural areas.
7/ By holding the meter tight into your chest and slowly turning around you can find the direction of the signal(s) as your body will absorb the microwaves behind you. You can also place the meter in the middle of a large pot or wok using blue tack or double-sided tape to hold the meter in place which creates a makeshift high gain parabolic receiver/antenna for a more directional and sensitive detection method if needed. This can be handy for locating a tricky to find source.
8/ The RF antenna for the MITO/RD10[AU] is on the left side so hold the meter at the lower section of the meter case so your fingers don't block any signals. It’s just something you need to be aware of, as holding the meter in the palm of your hand will cause it to under-read.
9/ For optimal results you don’t want any LED lights flashing or solid lights on RF Mode in sleeping areas. Most homes now will have high levels of background microwave radiation up to 0.050mW/m2 / 50uW/m2, some much higher. Let us know if you require help in sheilding.
RF MEASUREMENT NOTES
You should always check your area on an antenna location map to check for radio station antennas, Ham radio operators, as well as point to point links that maybe crossing over your environment as some of these signals are outside of the meters detection range. In most cases, the MITO/RD10[AU] will detect the main offenders. (100MHz to 8+GHz) It's beneficial to seek advice from someone nearby who is familiar with the local antennas, if doubt.
The Australian antenna site map is at www.acma.gov.au. In order to access the site map, type in “acma location map” on your search engine. (Any direct links to this site map will not work.) Also check out Maprad which has point to point locations and directions.
Building Biology recommended guidelines for sleeping areas below.
LFM MODE – Measurement & Mitigation Methods
Below is a quick checklist for measuring LFM, Low-Frequency Magnetic Field’s.
1/ The MITO/RD10[AU] is a single-axis gauss meter. Single-axis sensors in genral are far more senstive, so you can find ultra low EMF properties with ease. (With low PowerGrid background levels.) The sensor is directional and needs to be moved around to find the axis with the highest reading. Always note the highest reading. To measure the three-axis (xyz) angles, hold the meter upright, then facing north, then east and note the highest value. Power lines can be detected anywhere from 10 meters to 2 km's (2 mile) away, or more in LFM Mode. These readings vary over a 24-hour period as demand on the grid changes. Hold it in an upright position to measure power lines. (Read 5/ below.)
2/ Do not measure too close to the source, as it could potentially damage the sensors when measuring strong fields from high current sources. If the meter’s LED lights turn red, there is no need to move the meter closer to the source. Similar to RF measurements, special ‘near-field’ kits are required to measure electronics in close proximity for accurate results. (Otherwise, the meter can over read. Are you doing?)
3/ Measure the places where you spend time, and remember to move the meter around to cover all three axes. In LFM Mode, you can hold the meter wherever you want, as the magnetic fields pass straight through your hand.
4/ Measure the background magnetic field from the power grid. It’s important to know the A/C (Alternating Current) dynamic field of the power grid on your property, as this type of EMF can not be mitigated. You can create a grid layout of 3 square meters and take measurements every three meters around your property to identify any problematic areas that may require attention. Alternatively, focus on measuring the areas where you spend the most time. Hold the meter in an upright position to measure powerlines. (unless you are under them or over them, which is not the case in homes. Or shouldn't be.)
5/ Measure the A/C dynamic magnetic field of your electrical grid on your property using the LFM-X Mode over a 12-hour period. This will allow you to capture peak demand field activity, such as around 11 am in the morning and around 10 to 11pm at night. (Where in many instances the hot water tariff kicks in and everyone's hot water comes on.) Note atmospheric conditions and solar activity can increase the load on the power grid, resulting in significantly higher power levels. Hot days will generally have higher readings, while cloudy days may have lower readings.
6/ Check your walls, floors, and ceiling for strong magnetic fields. Ensure that no ovens or appliances are placed against walls that may have occupants on the other side.
7/ Check the incoming underground cables, as well as the area around the ground stake of the electrical system and the plumbing/water pipes, to ensure they are free from any A/C magnetic fields. If you detect readings on pipes, taps, or the ground stake, it is crucial to promptly engage the services of an electrician.
8/ Measure the electromagnetic fields emitted by electronics that you spend extended periods of time around, such as your phone, laptop, MacBook, or PC. Note that laptops should not be placed on your lap, as they all produce magnetic fields. This is why manufacturers are legally prohibited from using the term ‘laptop.’ Ensure that your bedhead is not near your power distribution board or located near any live electrical infrastructure, like a air conditioning unit.
9/ For optimal results, it is preferable to have under 20nT / 0.20mG in LFM Mode in sleeping areas. Most city homes will have upto 100nT / 1mG of background A/C magnetic fields from the power grid. Be aware that irregular variations in the power grid's dynamic A/C field can disrupt biological systems at both low and high intensities. You can’t shield these far-reaching types of dynamic A/C fields, they go through everything and this is why it’s the most important aspect to look at before considering a property. You can have the powerlines buried at a cost of 100k+ which some home owners do for cosmetic and health reason.
Building Biology recommended guidelines for sleeping areas below.
LFE MODE – Measurement & Mitigation Methods
Here is a quick checklist for measuring electric fields in the LFE Mode. Low-Frequency Electric fields are also called E-Field’s in the world of electronics.
Out of the three field types, ‘RF, LFM and LFE,’ the LFE E-Fields can be quite a menace indoors unless you live in Chicago or New York where they have a code of practice which states all A/C electrical wiring and fit offs are shielded in both residential and commercial buildings.
Living in larger homes where you are situated further away from walls and ceilings are usually more favorable than being boxed in small roomed homes as long as there are no electrical runs under the floors where you sleep or spend time. Homes or buildings with electrical cabling concealed in concrete walls, floors and ceilings are also effective at eliminating E-Fields if the electrical ground and wiring have no issues. Metal-framed homes will register high, but wood-framed homes are also somewhat conductive, particularly in areas with high humidity.
Below is a brief rundown of our nine basic measurement methods used when screening properties electromagnetic fields.
1/ In LFE Mode, for optimal results, hold the meter at its very end and point it in the direction you wish to check. If you have the body voltage potential pad on the back of your meter, firmly place your middle finger on the pad and your thumb above the case. (AU & EURO Versions )
2/ Hold the meter out in the direction you want to measure. In some cases when you get close to the source rotate the meter and note the highest value. (High readings are not a concern if you don't spend time around or on them, as far as health affects go.)
Finding well-designed and well-maintained electrical systems without troublesome connected equipment is challenging. In most homes lacking high ceilings or shielded electrical runs, lighting electrical infrastructure poses the greatest issues regarding electric fields.
4/ The meters are calibrated to use your body as a voltage potential to boost its E-Field sensitivity. This is called a body voltage potential reading. When you measure an electric field and sit the meter down next to what you are measuring, and step away from the meter by at least one meter, this is a hands-free method called a potential free reading. Taking both potential free and body potential readings come in handy when problem-solving and mitigating as the two measurement methods used together tells its own story.
5/ Check walls, floors and ceilings that back on to electrical infrastructure. Make sure you don’t sleep or spend extended periods in close proximity to electrical cable runs concealed behind walls, under floors and within ceiling cavities. Definitely do not sleep anywhere near power distribution boards/smart meters, solar inverters, air-conditioning units, or anywhere near where the power comes into the house.
6/ Check electric field levels/E-Fields around your home or office on LFE Mode and then turn all circuits off at the power distribution board, including the master kill switch. Then measure again in those same places. In most cases, there will be a huge difference in the results. You can then narrow down which circuits are the most problematic by switching back on circuits one at a time and noting which circuits are the most problematic.
7/ Check anything and everything plugged into an electrical socket, as well as any items connected to those plugged-in electronics, like your IP landline that is plugged into your modem/router. Check any conductive structures like metal pylons, the kitchen bench, steel-framed beds, spring framed mattresses, pluming/taps/shower heads and aluminum window frames above or next to beds.
8/ If you have electrostatic build-up from clothes or carpet while you are taking E-Field readings, you will find that since your body acts as an electrical capacitor, the meter will fluctuate as you move around and your body discharges excess electric build-up. You shouldn’t use synthetic clothes, carpets, tiles, vinyl flooring or curtains.
9/ For optimal results you don’t want any solid green lights on LFE Mode up to a couple of meters away from your bed. The meter display reads down to approximately 2V/m. (Volt per meter) Higher-end professional meters like the top of the range Low-Frequency Gigahertz Solution meters that Building Biologists use for home assessments measure down to 0.1 V/m (100mV/m) and this is why we recommend the above 1 – 2-meter distance rule with no solid green LED lights around sleeping areas, as these fields drop off with distance. (In most cases) It is extremely rare to find a bedroom with less than 0.3V/m. Places like in the kitchen and office you want to aim for no solid green lights where you stand or sit.
Hand held - Building Biology recommended guidelines for sleeping areas below for the ENV RD-10[AU] & MITO RD-10 [EURO].
** The meter measures down to approximately 1-2 V/m. Allow 1-2 meters of extra distance from the source at the first green light to account for voltage drop-off.
Need a Building Biologist? Contact http://www.Blakes.com.au via our contact form.
For further information: https://buildingbiology.com/building-biology-standard/
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