Over the past seven years, I have tested and personally used many different EMF meters. The following meters are what I currently recommend for your use (Summer 2018). They are sensitive enough for most people, but will not break the bank. They will also allow you to accurately measure all four types of electromagnetic fields.
When you order use the code EMFA-10 at checkout for a 15% combo discount (represented in the prices below). The meters will arrive from Safe Living Technologies in Toronto within a few days. Package #1 is my preferred meter combination as it is quite sensitive/accurate. However, if this is too expensive for you, Package #2 is a good compromise.
Package #1 (Recommended):
- Microwave Radiation / RF: Safe and Sound ($134)
- Magnetic Fields: Alpha Labs UHS2 3-Axis Gauss Meter ($264)
- Electric Fields: Gigahertz Solutions ME 3851A Single Axis ($340)
- EMI / Dirty Electricity: Alpha Labs Line EMI Meter ($117)
The total price with discount for this accurate EMF meter package is $855, plus shipping from SLT. I also recommend an AM radio, which can be found on ebay for about $20. You want to get the specific Radio Shack AM Radio model # 12-467 or this AM radio to detect EMI on your home wiring. Contact me to learn how to do this. The following are pictures of the meters with the ideal measurements for your home.
Note: The Acoustimeter AM-10 is another popular consumer RF meter for $320. However, it has the exact same sensitive antenna as the Acousticom 2, which is half the price. If you desire a digital display, then get the AM-10 with your package above. I am now recommending the new Safe and Sound RF meter because of its accuracy, sensitivity, ease-of-use and price. I compare the Safe and Sound meter to the Acousticom 2 at the bottom of this page.
[At left the Acousticom 2 shows minimal RF levels (0.01 V/m or below 0.3 uW/m2). The Alpha Lab UHS2 measures 0.03 mG for magnetic fields, which is very good (below 0.1 mG is ideal). The AM radio shows very little static next to home wiring. Finally, at right is the grounded Gigahertz Solutions ME3851A with an electric field reading of 0.1 V/m (below 1.0 V/m is recommended for sleeping/work environments). You can learn more about using these meters and what can be done to reduce EMF levels in your home in my my book, “How to Find a Healthy Home.”]
[The above photo is the Alpha Labs Line EMI Meter. At left is a high EMI reading (homes with solar systems – or that have neighbors with solar systems – can be as high as 2,000 mV). At right is an ideal EMI level, which is considered to be excellent power quality.]
Package #2 (Mid-Range):
- Microwave Radiation / RF: Safe and Sound ($134)
- Magnetic & Electric Field Single-Axis Combo Meter: Gigahertz Solutions ME 3830B ($197)
- EMI / Dirty Electricity: Alpha Labs Line EMI Meter ($117)
The total price with discount for this mid-range EMF meter package is $448, plus shipping from SLT. I also recommend an AM radio, which can be found on ebay for about $20. You want to get the specific Radio Shack AM Radio model # 12-467 or this AM radio to detect EMI on your home wiring.
How to Use Your EMF Meters:
In the following images, you will see how beneficial having such EMF meters can be. The top picture shows the initial EMF readings at a home I recently visited (at my bed). These levels are much too high for an electrically sensitive person and unhealthy for the general population. RF readings are 1.0 V/m (3,000 µW/m2); Magnetic Fields are 0.70 mG; and Electric Fields are over 18 V/m. Line EMI readings were 300 V/m, which is acceptable.
I then went about my investigation of the home and found that there was one wiring error causing the magnetic field. I simply unplugged everything from the affected circuits (If it were my home, I would have an electrician fix the error). I then determined which circuits were causing the high electric fields and switched off one circuit affecting the bedroom. Finally, I put Naturell shielding fabric on two walls (I could have also used my bed canopy), which significantly reduced the RF exposure, as you can see below:
After less than one hour of detective work, I was able to bring the RF levels down to a healthy 0.02 V/m (1.0 µW/m2); Magnetic Fields to a very acceptable 0.04 mG; and Electric Fields to an exceptionally low 0.4 V/m. I then slept deeply, woke feeling refreshed and had no brain fog or head tension while at this home. In most cases, you can do the exact same thing in your home with these EMF meters and/or the help of an EMF professional.
Special Note: Inexpensive combination meters such as the new Cornet ED88T Plus and the new TriField TF2 or 100XE are just not accurate enough for anyone who truly wants a low-EMF home. They are excellent meters to help you start learning about electromagnetic fields and to see if there is a major problem in your environment that needs to be addressed. However, if you are electrically sensitive or have health issues, you ultimately need more accurate meters such as those outlined above. If you hire an EMF professional (contact me for a referral in your area) they will have professional meters like this set.
Which RF Meter Should You Purchase? Finding an accurate, wide range RF meter at a consumer price point has been difficult. Even very expensive RF meters have their drawbacks. My favorite consumer level RF meter until now has been the Acousticom 2. It is very sensitive, relatively accurate, easy to understand and has a good price point ($162 with discount). Meter technology is progressing though and Safe Living Technologies has engineered what I consider to be a more accurate RF meter at an even lower price ($134 with discount). After testing the Safe and Sound RF meter in numerous situations, I have found it to be accurate, very sensitive (to below 1 µW/m2) and easy to use. It is also smaller (pictured below) and has a sound function that is more representative of the various RF exposures. The new Safe and Sound meter is also quieter than the Acousticom 2, which allows you to be more discreet when testing certain environments. To help you better understand the sounds of common RF sources, here is a handy guide.
