EMF-Basics
Electromagnetic field detection is a widely used tool in the paranormal field. There are many teams that have some kind of device that detects EMF and the changes in it. The theory being when there is a ghost or spirit present, there can be a spike in EMF in the surrounding area. This article will hopefully explain EMF basics and the use of EMF detectors.
Electric and Magnetic Fields
First let's take a look at the fields themselves. Everything electrical from your cell phone to the high voltage lines running from pole to pole above our heads produce electric and magnetic fields. The strength of an electric field depends on the incoming voltage (240 Volts for household's for example) and is present in the wire no matter if the appliance is on or off. The magnetic field however is produced by electric currents. Therefore, magnetic fields can only be present if an appliance is turned on.
EMF Overview
The electromagnetic spectrum is more than just electricity. It covers frequency ranges from fields that are invisible to us, to visible light and even beyond that. These frequencies are measured in cycles per second (Hz). Electric power is in the extremely low frequency (ELF) range. In the United States it is 60 Hz and in other places overseas it is 50 Hz.
We see examples of frequencies at work every day. The higher the frequency the shorter the distance from one wave to the next one. Microwaves consist of waves that are several inches in length and cause enough energy to heat. X-rays are even higher in frequency and produce more energy thus the lead protection when getting them. Leaning to the other side of the spectrum, frequency fields for power are miles long and very low energy fields.
EMF All Around Us
The obvious place to find EMF is in the household. You can place your EMF detector next to a running microwave, electric panel box, outlets, refrigerators, etc. and it will, well, detect. EMF can also be found in nature as well.
The earth has a magnetic field (how a compass works). Add a thunderstorm to this and you now have EMF. Other natural EMF sources can be water running over stratas rocks. You can have success getting an EMF reading at non static water sources like a river or ocean depending on what is underneath. We have a river hear that will produce a .03mG reading on a Mel meter from about 300 feet away.
Hopefully this explains some EMF basics and in the next article we will look at some of the popular EMF detectors and how they work.
Part Two - Single and Double Axis Meters