EMFields Power Frequencies Meter PF5

The PF5 Pocket Power Frequencies Meter (ELF & VLF)

We designed the PF5 power-frequencies meter using our 25 years experience of EMF measurements and research. The PF5 is our main power-frequencies detector. It measures electric and magnetic fields from appliances at home and at work. The PF5 is an easy to use, pocket sized, accurate, power-frequencies meter which is ideal for carrying around.

Further Information

Unlike most EMF meters on the market, the PF5 also measures frequencies in the range from 20 Hz to well over 50 kHz. This enables the PF5 to measure the higher frequency electric and magnetic fields emitted by induction cooking hobs, solar-panel inverters, 'energy-saving' compact fluorescent (CFL) lamps and some LED lights.

Usage

The PF5 uses just one button for turning on and off and switching between measuring electric (µT) and magnatic (V/m) fields. The PF5 measures with a uniaxial probe. Therefore, the instrument in being turned in every direction during the measuring process in order to find the highest, decisive value.

Examples for new sources

Induction hobs use VLF magnetic fields to induce high currents in iron and steel pans which then internally heat the metal. They are very energy-efficient, but some of the VLF fields leak out around the base of the pan and expose the person doing the cooking. A 2012 study that measured 16 induction hob units found that most could exceed even the very high ICNIRP levels. Induction hobs can expose you to some of the highest exposures that most people will experience in their lives.

Most non-sine-wave solar power inverters generate high levels of VLF electric and magnetic fields that the PF5 can also measure while most power-frequency EMF meters will ignore them.

These are amongst the most concerning new sources of our electromagnetic field exposures as the currents they induce in your body are proportional to the frequency. So a magnetic field at 25000 Hz (25 kHz) will induce 500 times more current in your body compared with same strength of field at 50 Hz. It measures both electric and magnetic fields and is available labelled in international microtesla (µT) units.

Not only can the PF5 measure those magnetic fields, but the PF5 can also measure VLF electric fields from other modern devices like energy saving CFL light bulbs. These electric fields can cause headaches and eye problems among other adverse health effects. The PF5 is an affordable meter that makes it easy to measure these new major sources of EMF exposure.

Technical Specifications

• A line of coloured LEDS shows the level
• Electric fields range: 5 – 200 V/m
• Frequency range: 15 – 2000 Hz ±3% (typical accuracy)
• Magnetic fields range: 0.02 – 2.0 µT
• Resolution: 8 LEDs plus 7 middle points
• Accuracy: 50 to 2000 Hz ±10%
• Accuracy: 20 to 50000 Hz ±3 dB
• with a useable response from 15 Hz – 70 kHz
• Battery: PP3 9V Alkaline or Rechargeable
• Current: 16-23 mA
• Battery life: 25 hours (normal alkaline)
• Low battery (6.7V) shown by red V/m LED
• Size (mm): 110 x 63 x 21 (LxWxD)
• Weight: 140g incl.battery; 175g with pouch