TriField Model TF2 EMF Meter Owner's Manual

Overview

Introduction

The TriField® EMF Meter is an AC gaussmeter, AC electric field meter, and radio power density meter in a single unit. It combines all the features needed for fast, accurate measurements of electromagnetic fields (EMF). In addition to standard AC measurement modes, a special frequency weighted mode properly scales the magnetic and electric measurements to indicate the full magnitude of currents produced by each type of field inside the human body.

Features

• Detects all three types of EMF pollution: AC magnetic, AC electric, and RF/microwave.
• Special frequency weighting mode for measuring electric current from EMF in the human body.
• AC Magnetic Mode covers 40 Hz - 100 kHz with a range of 0.1 - 100.0 milligauss (mG).
• AC Electric Mode covers 40 Hz - 100 kHz with a range of 1 - 1000 volts per meter (V/m).
• RF Mode covers 20 MHz - 6 GHz with a range of 0.001 - 19.999 milliwatts per square meter (mW/m²).
• AC magnetic measurements are 3-axis, allowing for quick readings, regardless of meter orientation.
• Large liquid-crystal display (LCD) for crystal clear, accurate readings.
• Adjustable backlight for use in low-light environments.
• Audio Indicator emits sound that helps to pinpoint EMF sources.
• Peak Hold captures fast pulses, for measuring fast digital signals.
• Operates for more than 20 hours on a 9V battery, with a low battery indicator.

Applications

• Mobile phone and cell tower RF radiation.
• Smart meter RF radiation.
• Wi-Fi router and Bluetooth RF radiation.
• Overhead AC power line and transformer EMF emissions.
• Laptop, refrigerator, circuit breaker box, etc. appliance EMF emission.
• EMF emission inside aircraft and motor vehicles.
• Microwave oven leak detection.
• Location and EMF of wiring in walls.
• EMF from plumbing pipes used as grounding.

Using the TriField EMF Meter

1. Holding the Meter: Hold the meter as shown in the diagram. Note: Please do not cover the sensors at the top of the meter with your hand or other objects.

2. Mode Selection: The knob is used to switch between measurement modes and to turn the meter off when not in use.

3. Measurement Modes: For measuring the effect of EMF on the human body (or any conductive body), use the dark blue Weighted modes. For direct measurement of field strength, use the light blue Standard modes. The red RF mode can be used for any radio or microwave measuring purpose.

4. Display Information: The display shows the Field Measurement number and the units at the bottom of the screen. The Peak Measurement number is shown at the top left next to the peak icon PEAK.

5. Audio Indicator: To turn on the Audio Indicator, first remove the battery cover by sliding it downward. Press the audio button [audio indicator symbol ?]. Press the audio button again to turn the audio off.

6. Backlight: To turn on the backlight, first remove the battery cover by sliding it downward. Press the backlight button [backlight symbol ?] until the desired brightness is reached.

7. Battery Replacement: When the battery life indicator [battery symbol ?] at the top right shows only 1 bar remaining, it's time to replace the battery. Remove the battery cover by sliding it downward and tap the battery compartment on the palm of your hand so the battery falls out. Replace with a 9V alkaline battery.

Reading the LCD

The Field Measurement shows the numerical measurement and units at the bottom of the LCD. It is averaged to give the most stable, accurate reading possible. The Field Percentage Indicator shows a circular bar graph of the percentage of maximum range that corresponds to the Field Measurement, on a logarithmic scale. This indicator has tick marks for 0, 10, 20, 50, and 100 percent of maximum range.

The Peak Measurement captures the highest peak measured and holds that value for 3 seconds or until a higher peak is measured. It can capture peaks every 12 milliseconds (ms). The Peak Measurement is shown numerically at the top left of the LCD, next to the PEAK icon. The Peak Percentage Indicator shows a circular arc graph of the percentage of maximum range corresponding to the Peak Measurement, using the same scale as the Field Percentage Indicator.

When turning the meter on, allow 1.5 seconds for the reading to stabilize.

EMF Detection Modes

AC Magnetic Field Detection

To measure the 60 Hz-equivalent effect of an AC magnetic field on the human body, turn the knob to the Weighted MAG setting and hold the meter at the desired location. For standard technical AC magnetic field measurement, turn the knob to the Standard MAG setting.

The orientation of the meter does not matter in magnetic modes because all 3 axes are combined. Your body and hand do not shield the magnetic field and do not interfere with the measurement.

The AC Magnetic Mode uses three ferrite-core coils pointing in the X, Y, and Z directions. The X, Y, and Z signals are combined into a true magnitude of the field strength, independent of meter orientation. Maximum range is 100.0 mG, with resolution of 0.1 mG, and accuracy of ±4% of reading at 50 Hz and 60 Hz. Frequency response graphs for Standard and Weighted modes are available.

Common sources of high magnetic fields in homes and offices include unpaired internal wiring. Contrary to popular belief, power transmission lines and transformers contribute less to indoor magnetic fields than internal wiring because high voltage lines carry relatively low current, and transformers are shielded. Other sources include video displays, fluorescent lights, light dimmers, transformers in consumer devices, electric blankets, heaters, and anything with a motor. Many fields are from harmonics or multiples of 60 Hz (e.g., 120 Hz, 180 Hz). Cars and motorcycles can also produce strong fields at frequencies higher than 60 Hz.

AC Electric Field Detection

To measure the effect of an AC electric field on the human body, turn the knob to the Weighted ELEC setting and hold the meter at the location to be measured. For standard technical AC electric field measurement, turn the knob to the Standard ELEC setting.

Your body can easily shield electric fields; the reading is lower if you cover the top surface of the meter with your hand. The presence of your hand at the back of the meter compresses the electric field, making it read somewhat higher than if the meter were suspended from a string or held away from you. The meter displays the true electric field near the meter.

The AC Electric Mode uses a metal plate sensor under the top of the meter. Its circuitry converts signals into an electric field strength. Maximum range is 1000 V/m with resolution of 1 V/m and accuracy of ±5% of reading at 50 Hz and 60 Hz. Frequency response graphs for Standard and Weighted modes are available.

Areas in homes that often show high electric field readings include those near improperly grounded equipment, the front of video displays, and fluorescent lights.

RF and Microwave Field Detection

To measure an RF field, turn the knob to the RF setting and point the top of the meter at the potential source, or hold the meter vertically. Your hand can shield RF signals, so grip the meter as shown in the "Using the TriField EMF Meter" diagram.

The RF Mode uses the same plate sensor as the AC Electric Mode. The signal is amplified and converted to a power density magnitude, calibrated at 1 GHz (1000 MHz). Maximum range is 19.999 mW/m² with resolution of 0.001 mW/m², and accuracy of ±20% of reading at 1 GHz. A frequency response graph for the RF mode is available.

When reading RF emitted by digital devices (e.g., mobile phones, smart meters), the Peak Measurement (small numerals in the upper-left of the display) is more significant than the Field Measurement (large numerals at the bottom). Information from digital RF devices is transmitted in brief packets that occur irregularly. The Peak Measurement detects these packets and displays the strongest one for several seconds before resetting.

RF and microwaves are composed of a self-sustaining combination of electric and magnetic fields. For frequencies below about 100 MHz, the primary effect on a conducting body is from the magnetic field part. This is because the electric field component of radio waves produces weaker currents in the body than the magnetic field unless the wavelength is smaller than the body's height. Low-frequency electric fields can create significant current if they are from sources other than true radio waves.

The Standard and Weighted Modes

The light blue Standard modes for AC magnetic (MAG) and AC electric (ELEC) fields measure fields using a flat frequency response, meaning all frequencies from 40 Hz to 100 kHz are measured with equal sensitivity. The dark blue Weighted modes for magnetic and electric fields measure 60 Hz fields with the same sensitivity as the Standard mode. However, Weighted modes are more sensitive at frequencies higher than 60 Hz. From 60 Hz to 500 Hz, sensitivity increases proportionally to frequency. For example, 1 mG at 60 Hz reads "1.0", while 1 mG at 120 Hz reads "2.0".

On Weighted modes, the Field Measurement shows a number proportional to the average electric current induced inside the human body from the fields. This number is equivalent to the amount of 60 Hz magnetic or electric field that would be required to induce that much current. Biological reactions generally occur at speeds slower than 1000 Hz, so on Weighted modes, the meter becomes less sensitive at frequencies above 1000 Hz.

EMF Exposure Limits

Various national and international standards for EMF exposure limits have been published. These standards consider factors like EMF frequency, length of exposure, and affected body parts. Notably, IEEE and most Western European limits are based on the thermal impact of EMF on the human body, while Russian and Eastern European limits focus more on dose over extended exposure periods.

Sources:

• [1] SanPiN 2.1.2.1002-00, Sanitary and epidemiological requirements for residential buildings and premises
• [2] GB 8702-2014, Controlling limits for electromagnetic environment
• [3] ICNIRP GUIDELINES FOR LIMITING EXPOSURE TO TIME-VARYING ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS (1 Hz - 100 kHz)
• [4] ICNIRP GUIDELINES FOR LIMITING EXPOSURE TO TIME-VARYING ELECTRIC, MAGNETIC AND ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS (UP TO 300 GHz)
• [5] IEEE Std C95.6™-2002, IEEE Standard for Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields, 0-3 kHz
• [6] IEEE Std C95.1™-2005, IEEE Standard for Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz

Typical Home and Office EMF Levels

The maximum exposure limits shown above are generally much higher than levels typically encountered. Some authorities recommend lower levels for long-term exposure, but there is no consensus on safe levels. Generally, for homes or offices, only areas where people spend time or where EMF-sensitive equipment is located are important. In the middle of a typical home or office, magnetic field is usually less than 5.0 mG, electric field is usually less than 20 V/m, and RF is usually less than 5.000 mW/m².

Specifications

Frequency Response Graphs:

The document includes three frequency response graphs:

• AC Magnetic: Plots Relative Gain (%) against Frequency (Hz) from 10 Hz to 100 kHz, showing separate lines for "Weighted" and "Standard" modes.
• AC Electric: Plots Relative Gain (%) against Frequency (Hz) from 10 Hz to 100 kHz, showing separate lines for "Weighted" and "Standard" modes.
• RF/Microwave: Plots Relative Gain (dB) against Frequency (MHz) from 1 MHz to 10 GHz, showing a single line for the RF mode.

Warranty

AlphaLab, Inc. warrants this product, when purchased from AlphaLab, Inc. or an authorized AlphaLab, Inc. dealer, to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service. This warranty is valid to the original purchaser only and is non-transferable.

AlphaLab, Inc.'s liability under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing defective materials that show evidence of defect, provided the product is returned to AlphaLab, Inc., where all parts and labor will be covered up to a period of one year.

The consumer forfeits the benefits of this warranty if the product's main assembly is opened and tampered with by anyone other than an authorized AlphaLab, Inc. technician.

The foregoing is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied. AlphaLab, Inc. neither assumes nor authorizes any person to assume any obligation or liability in connection with the sale of this product. In no event shall AlphaLab, Inc. or its dealers be liable for special or consequential damages or for any delay in the performance of this warranty due to causes beyond their control.

Technical Support and Service

For support, visit www.trifield.com/support or send an email to support@trifield.com. Be prepared to describe the problem accurately. Before returning a product for service, refer to this manual and ensure operating procedures were correctly followed. After the warranty expires, a reasonable charge may apply for parts, labor, and shipping for factory service. Customers are responsible for transportation charges to the factory. If the product is still under warranty, AlphaLab, Inc. will pay for return shipping.

Disclaimer

Use of the meter is solely at the user's discretion to identify exposure to non-ionizing electromagnetism. Because this type of meter may malfunction, the user is responsible for determining if the meter is working properly by measuring a known reference. The manufacturer or dealer cannot assume responsibility for damages resulting from a defective meter (except for replacement or repair within the warranty period) or from inaccuracies in the present body of knowledge concerning potential health hazards of electromagnetism.

The meter should be used so that simple steps (such as moving furniture) can be taken to reduce relative exposure within a home or office. If more drastic actions are contemplated, consult expert advice and perform independent tests with another type of meter.