Extech 480826 Triple Axis EMF Tester
Specifications
- DISPLAY: 3-1/2 digit (2000 count) LCD
- MEASUREMENT RATE: 0.4 seconds
- FREQUENCY BANDWIDTH: 30 to 300Hz
- OVER-RANGE INDICATION: “1___” is displayed
- POWER SOURCE: 9V Battery
- POWER CONSUMPTION: 2.7mA DC
- DIMENSIONS METER: 195 x 68 x 30mm (7.6 x 2.6 x 1.2”), Probe: 70 x 58 x 220mm (2.8 x 2.3 x 8.7”)
- SENSOR CABLE LENGTH: 1m (3 ft) approx.
- WEIGHT: 460g (16.2 oz.) including probe and battery
Introduction
The Model 480826 is a battery powered meter that measures and displays EMF in Gauss and Tesla units with a frequency bandwidth of 30 to 300Hz. The 3 axis sensor allows for three component (xyz) measurement coverage. The Model 480826 is specifically designed to determine the magnitude of electromagnetic fields generated by power lines, computers electric appliances, televisions and many other similar devices. This meter is shipped fully tested and calibrated and, with proper use, will provide years of reliable service.
Meter Operation
- Press the POWER button to turn the meter ON.
- Press the UNIT button to select either µTesla or mGauss units.
- If the approximate range of the measurement is known, select the suitable meter range using the RANGE button. For unknown measurements, start with the highest range and work down through the ranges until the optimum range is reached.
- Hold the probe by its handle and move it slowly toward the object under test. If the LCD display is completely blank or if the low battery symbol appears on the LCD, check the 9V battery.
- Notice that the field intensity reading increases as you move closer to a field.
- Use the XYZ button to read the EMF measurement in the X, Y, or Z axis.
- If the meter’s display indicates a “1” on the left side of the LCD, an overload condition exists. This indicates that the measured radiation is higher than the capability of the currently selected range. Find the appropriate range using the RANGE button as described above.
Measurement Notes
Due to environmental electromagnetic interference the display may show small EMF values before testing. This is normal and due to the high sensitivity of the meter. Once a signal is detected by the sensor, the meter will display accurately.
If the object under test is turned off in the middle of testing, the meter reading should fall close to zero unless a field from another source is detected.
Data Hold feature
To freeze a displayed reading, press the HOLD button. The DH display icon will switch on. To unlock the display and return to normal operation, press the HOLD button again. The DH indicator will switch off.
Meter Description
- Sensor plug shown inserted in meter’s sensor jack
- LCD Display
- XYZ axis select button
- Manual Range button
- Power button
- Data Hold button
- Unit select button
- Sensor
- Sensor grip handle
- Tripod mount
- Pull-out tilt stand
- Battery compartment access screw
- Battery compartment cover
EMF Exposure
The effect of EMF exposure is a modern day concern. At the time of this writing, to the best of our knowledge, no standards or recommendations exist regarding limits of EMF exposure. Exposure limits of 1 to 3mG have been suggested by several international bodies. Until evidence suggests that there is not a health risk associated with EMF exposure, common sense would dictate that a practice of minimal exposure be exercised.
Battery Replacement
When the low battery icon appears on the left corner of the LCD, the 9V battery has fallen to a critically low voltage level and should be replaced as soon as possible. The battery compartment cover is located at the bottom rear of the meter. Remove the Phillips head screw that secures the battery compartment and slide off the battery compartment cover. Replace the battery and secure the compartment cover before use.
You, as the end user, are legally bound (Battery ordinance) to return all used batteries and accumulators; disposal in the household garbage is prohibited!
You can hand over your used batteries/accumulators at collection points in your community or wherever batteries/accumulators are sold!
Disposal: Follow the valid legal stipulations in respect of the disposal of the device at the end of its lifecycle
Frequently Asked Questions
The sampling rate is 1 second.
This item measures: Magnetic Field, Electric Field, and Radio Frequency (RF) Strength.
Yes, up to 3.5 GHz.
They won’t break the money and are sensitive and precise enough for the majority of individuals. You can accurately measure all four types of electromagnetic fields thanks to them as well. In my ten years of research in this area, these EMF meters are simply the best.
An EMF meter can be used to measure the EMF levels in your house. You may buy these handheld devices online. But keep in mind that most have low accuracy and can’t measure EMFs with very high frequencies, which limits their usefulness. To arrange for an on-site reading, you can also give your neighborhood power company a call.
While gauss meters or magnetometers measure DC electromagnetic fields, which are naturally occurring in the Earth’s geomagnetic field and are emitted from other sources where direct current is present, EMF meters can measure AC electromagnetic fields, which are typically emitted from man-made sources like electrical wiring.
EMF meters are high-tech devices that detect electromagnetic fields created by alternating current from sources including power lines, transformers, and wire for overhead lighting, solar panels, and other electrical equipment. EMF meters typically have a single axis or three axes.
Yes! Smartphones are capable of measuring EMF since this capability is essential to their ability to communicate. However, a smartphone can only detect EMF generated by Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 2G, 3G, or 4G networks.
According to some scientists, a safe EMF exposure level should be between 0.5 mG and 2.5 mG. Your risk of electromagnetic-related disease and illness is modest at this rate, while the effects may differ based on your level of electrosensitivity.
According to reports, exposure to EMFs is linked to neurological conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, which raises the risk factor amyloid beta in the brain.
Building biologists typically use three possible methods to assess EMF/EMR: AC Magnetic Fields using a Gauss Meter. Using a radio frequency (RF) meter, measure radio frequencies. Using a multimeter, measure the body’s voltage in AC electrical fields.
Not just Smart Meters, but other electrical equipment such as meters, can cause home EMF hotspots. Near main distribution panels or fuse boxes, transformers, battery chargers, backup power sources, and inverters, expect to see significant EMF readings.
EMFs cause increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, and other changes in the dynamics of cardiovascular function.
