Para-Tech-Geek talks EMF’s

Help me Para-Tech-Geek- what are these things called EMF?

Changes in EMFs are one of the physical conditions believed to contribute to the manifestation of ghostly apparitions.  It can also be one of the most misunderstood.  Most of the questions asked related to EMFs tend to focus upon the following questions:

1.  EMF? 

EMF stands for Electro-Magnetic Field.  It consists of two distinctly separate fields called electric and magnetic.  EMFs are non-ionizing electrical and magnetic waves of energy that radiate from an electrical circuit or device.

2.     Fear Cage is the name of a band isn’t it? 

No.  A Fear Cage Effect is a localized high concentration of EMF contained within a localized area.  It is typically caused by faulty or old wiring that causes large amount of leakage of the magnetic leakage field and causes electrical charging of the surrounding air space.

3.    How do I differentiate between what is normal or paranormal?

Paranormal Investigators should focus attention on EMF readings that are inconsistent and non-repetitive, and above and 2 and less than 8 milli-Gauss (mG).

4.    What types of equipment can be used to detect and measure EMFs? 

There are several different types of commercially available EMF detectors and measurement (meter) devices.  They are designed to measure the amount of EMF given off by most U.S. domestic household appliances (50 – 60 Hz depending upon the governing market application).  Most EMF detectors or meters marketed are affordable for the average paranormal investigator.  

An Electro-Magnetic Field (EMF) is made up of two distinct and separate fields called electric and magnetic.  Electromagnetic fields may also be known as electromagnetic radiation (EMR).  EMFs are non-ionizing electrical and magnetic energy (waves) that radiate from an electrical circuit or device.   Most of the electromagnetic fields experienced are generated by household or industrial appliances, equipment, or distribution circuitry within the location.

EMF is an invisible byproduct of electricity.  When the device’s motor is not plugged in and operating or a switch is left open (device off), the electrons are not free to move through the cable’s wire, therefore, no electromagnetic field exists.  After the switch is closed or the device is plugged in (device turned on) the electrons are allowed to freely flow (current) and a magnetic field is created that exists around the circuit and the connected device. The frequency of the wave is dependent upon the device itself.  Most of the commercially available EMF detectors or measurement devices are affordable to the average paranormal investigator. 

Fear Cage Effect

A phenomenon coined “fear cage effect” occurs when there is a high concentration of EMF contained within a localized area.   “Fear cage” effects are typically caused by faulty or old wiring that causes a large amount of magnetic leakage field and electrical charging of the surrounding air space.  People walking into the “cage” complain of symptoms such as nausea, paranoia, the feeling of being watched, anxiety, anger, and mood swings. Some people may even feel euphoric.  Although non-ionizing radiation is not strong enough to alter atoms, it can be strong enough to heat up human tissue and that can contribute to these types of feelings.

Many people said to have experienced paranormal activity may have felt the same symptoms associated with that of a fear cage.  It is recommended before investigating location that client interviews are conducted and EMF measurements are taken.”

The concentrated presence of high EMFs may be contributing to an illusion of paranormalcy.  Recently conducted research by researchers shows some individuals’ brains may be highly susceptible to EMF emissions. Their studies have shown has shown a brain sensitive to electrical stimuli may be interfered with by the leaking EMFs causing one to believe they had experienced something “strange” where one or more of the five senses was affected. 

When combined, the information acquired can help identify locations where paranormal activity may have occurred and even possibly explain it based upon the physical environment.  Investigators should carefully monitor and locate areas where incoming power lines, switch boxes, unshielded wiring (old) or operating air conditioning units, motors, and pumps could possibly be contributing to inordinately high EMF.

EMF Fear Cage Effect

Laboratory experiments have indicated the critical frequencies that affect the mind are lower, in the 0.5Hz – 30Hz range.  Brain activity is seen typically in ranges referred to by Greek letters:  Delta (0.5-4Hz), Theta (5-7Hz), Alpha (8-12Hz), Beta (18-30Hz) and Gamma (30-50Hz). It is the lower ranges – Delta – Beta that typically cause the subject to experience events that they may describe as being paranormal.

Most EMF detectors and meters measure the amount of EMF given off by domestic appliances at 50H – 60 Hz. European electrical circuits operate using 50 Hz whereas American electrical circuits use 60 Hz.   Many paranormal investigators suggest that the effects of electricity may be linked to the effects upon the mind and reported paranormal activity. 

EMF Detection & Measurement Equipment

An important primary instrument used to conduct paranormal investigation is an EMF detector or meter.   There are several different types of commercially available EMF detectors and measurement (meter) devices.  Most EMF detectors or meters marketed are affordable for the average paranormal investigator.  They are designed to measure the amount of EMF given off by most domestic household appliances. 

EMF detectors are mainly used to locate the presence or strength of an EMF field and determined how far it may extend from the source.  An exact measurement of the amount of EMF is not usually needed unless one is attempting to quantify the actual amount of leakage occurring or determining the presence of a “fear cage”.

A detector does not indicate an actual readout of a measured numerical value. Detectors alert the operator that EMFs were detected and exceeded a pre-established threshold. Most standard EMF detector LED lights represent a 1 mG change at the X10 setting.  Many paranormal investigators believe reading between 2-8 mG could be possibly indicative of paranormal activity.

EMF meters measure the amount of electromagnetic radiation and display the reading obtained. Some EMF equipment is capable of measuring alternating fields as low as 20 Hz.  Frequency is measured in Hz (number of cycles per second).  EMF meters and detectors of suitable quality can also be used able to locate extremely low frequency (ELF) and high EMFs (hotspots).

Paranormal researchers should be interested in detecting and measuring extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields.  Measurement of electromagnetic fields can be obtained using specially designed sensors or probes. The probes used are antennas that don’t disrupt the electromagnetic field and don’t cause coupling or reflection in order to obtain a precise measurement. The two most common types of EMF measurement devices include:

• Broadband:  Measurements are obtained using a broadband probe that senses any a wide range of frequencies and is typically made of using three independent diode detectors.
• Narrowband:  Frequency measurements are taken by either a field antenna and a frequency selective receiver or spectrum analyzer that allows monitoring of a specified frequencies within a given interest range.

Single (mono) axis meters are less expensive than tri-axis meters.   Single axis meters require more time to complete a survey because the meter only measures one dimension of the field.  Single axis instruments have to be tilted and turned on all three axes to obtain a full measurement. The Lutron 822-A Digital EMF Meter is an example of an economical digital low-frequency EMF meter with great sensitivity.  It is capable of measuring a range between 0.1 milli-Gauss, and 199.9 mG.

An isotropic (tri-axial) probe simplifies the measurement procedure because the measurement obtained includes the field’s three values (X, Y and Z).  The reading displayed is taken simultaneously without changing the sensor’s position.  The unit’s three independent broadband sensing elements are placed orthogonal to each other and measure using three consecutive time intervals.  These models tend to be somewhat more expensive.  The Tri-field Electromagnetic Field Meter is a time tested proven meter used to conduct paranormal investigations.  It allows simultaneous independent testing of the electrical and the magnetic fields – both components of electromagnetic radiation.

The Tri-field meter has both high and low sensitivity range settings that can be used to measure magnetic radiation.  It measures EMFs in all three planes simultaneously and sums them electronically into one single reading.   It does not require any movement by the investigator.  It also measures radio / microwave EMF but lacks sensitivity in this range. The Tri-field meter is a good tool to detect EMF leaks from normal electrical circuits but shouldn’t be used to monitor cell phone tower or radio station antenna, or wireless network EMFs. The Natural EM Tri-Field is an excellent commercially available EMF monitoring device that a paranormal investigator should own and use.  It is a hand-held, stand-alone device that enables paranormal investigators to see real time changes in field strength.  Other meters, such as the Model 1394 Tri-axial digital meter must be linked to a PC for either real-time or data-logging and can be used for greater degrees of accuracy at a slightly higher cost.

Investigation Application

The best way to use your EMF meter is to hold it in a manner such that the sensors located near the top of the meter are not obstructed. Be advised that metallic objects such as jewelry (e.g. rings, bracelets and watches) may interfere with the meter’s reading.   It should be noted EMF meters and detectors can be caused to artificially activate by placing a magnet in the area of the meter or detector.  They also can be activated using radio waves such as  that from cell phones or walkie-talkies.

Some paranormal investigators believe ghosts can cause EMF readings to vary in strength as EMF energy is absorbed during manifestation.  Other investigators believe ghosts emit or give off EMF radiation as they manifest and that condition is measured when their EMF detector is activated or a reading is obtained.  Ghosts are not known to radiate electro-magnetic energy. The internet and television shows have contributed to misinformation regarding EMF detectors being used as ‘ghost detectors’.

Paranormal Investigators attention should focus on EMF readings obtained are inconsistent (non-repetitive) in nature and above 2mg and less than 8 mg (>2 mG and <8 mG).  Obtained stable EMF readings below 2 mG should be ignored because they are indicative of stray EMFs coming from distant high voltage lines, microwaves, instrument vibration, or ungrounded circuits.   Readings found above 8 mg are typically due to environmental conditions due to environmental conditions such as electrical circuits, operating motors, or compressors, etc.

One of the biggest mistakes investigators make is conducting a baseline measurement of a location and then never revisiting the baseline during the investigation.  EMF detectors and meters should be used throughout the investigation and whenever there is an unusual occurrence.  EMF readings obtained should be cross referenced against other evidence obtained from instruments that were in use at the time such as audio recorders, captured photographic evidence,  or thermometers.

EMF’s , exist within most location environments. Their strength may vary depending upon the age of the location and wiring, appliances used, etc.   It is wrong to assume that any EMF reading detected or measured is of an anomalous or paranormal origin without added extensive examination and evaluation.  The tools we use as investigators may simply be the wrong type and may not be capable of detecting causal emissions.

The information supplied by EMF detectors or measurement devices should only be treated as a tool; a guide to help the paranormal investigator discern between the presence of a fear cage effect or potential subtle changes in a electrically charged environment that may or may not be demonstrating consistent or inconsistent behavior.