
ENVIRO RD10[AU] Meter receives a body voltage potential contact pad upgrade.
When using a low-frequency e-field EMF detector, holding the meter can increase its sensitivity by approximately four times compared to measurements taken when you step back from the meter when taking a reading.
3-in-1 EMF meters under $500 often struggle to detect levels below 10V/m. However, incorporating a body contact pad can significantly enhance sensitivity again, bringing it closer to that of dedicated semi professional low-frequency meters that can measure down to 1V/m.
Additionally, with the growing popularity of grounding pads, sheets, and other grounding solutions, it makes sense to include a body contact pad to test these setups effectively as possible.*
Potential vs. Potential-Free
When it comes to assessing electric fields, there are two main methods: potential-free measurements and potential measurements. Using both methods can give you a better understanding of your electric environment.
Potential-Free Measurements
This method measures electric potential (voltage) without any direct electrical connection to the environment or the person conducting the test. The measuring device is isolated and does not reference a specific ground point.
How It Works;
Place the RD10[AU] meter in the desired area.
Ensure the device is insulated from the surroundings and the operator.
Step back at least one meter from the device to avoid interference.
Applications;
Testing grounding stakes, sockets, or connections.
Measuring stray electric fields in various environments.
Evaluating ambient electric fields near equipment, cabling, or power lines.
Conducting non-invasive tests where isolation is crucial.
Advantages;
Reduces the risk of electrical shock.
Minimizes the impact of the operator’s presence on the measurement. Useful in environments where grounding is difficult.
Limitations;
The sensitivity and accuracy of the RD10[AU] is calibrated for body potential measurements and will under-read in potential-free measurements.
Potential Measurements
This method uses a reference point, like the ground or the operator’s body, to measure voltage potential. It establishes a direct electrical connection to the measurement point.
How It Works;
Use your body as a reference potential by removing shoes and/or touching a grounded cable, sheet, or surface while also touching the body contact pad on the meter.
Take multiple measurements, with shoes on and off, touching the pad and not touching the pad, to see how the voltage potential varies and make changes to lower your electric field levels.
Applications;
Determining voltage differences within an electrical system.
Assessing grounding systems to ensure proper voltage potential and safety.
Evaluating the effectiveness of shielding and grounding in installations.
Ideal Results;
Using the RD10[AU] in LFE Mode, aim for no lights on the meter’s display within one to two meters of beds using the potential handheld method.
When using a laptop or PC connected to power, expect one or two green lights. If lights are orange or red, you will need to ground the setup
When grounding a laptop, like adding a grounded Ethernet cable, or a grounded monitor, make sure to use only one ground to avoid creating ground loops which also create high electric fields.
If using a grounded sleeping sheet, ensure no lights are on the meter. If there are, which there will be in many peoples case, do not use the sheet until you mitigate the electric fields.*
Notes;
*The RD10[AU] can measure down to approximately 2V/m, making it suitable for screening general connected devices and cabling. However, it is not ideal for testing grounding solutions for beds if you want to achieve optimal restorative sleep. To comply with Building Biology sleep guidelines, a professional low-frequency electric field meter capable of detecting an A/C electric field strength down to 0.1V/m is required. This is because A/C electric fields above 0.2-0.3V/m can still have negative effects on restorative sleep. Holding the meter with the tips of your fingers at the bottom of the meter case will give you the best results, in terms of sensitivity.
Additionally, sleeping grounded can pose risks if there is an electrical fault or intermittent stray voltage on the ground. We recommend grounding away from any electrical infrastructure, and using only a grounding rod placed in the ground.
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