The 8 Best EMF Detectors
This wiki has been updated 34 times since it was first published in February of 2016. For those who are worried about the effects of electromagnetic frequencies being emitted by all the devices in our lives, or radio waves from local cell towers, you can now measure them with one of these EMF meters. They are also essential for planning electrical line routes, installing antennae, checking for signal interference, and, even, perhaps, for detecting paranormal occurrences. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Trifield TF2
2. GQ EMF-390
3. Meterk Tester
Editor's Notes
December 19, 2020:
While all fields measured by EMF meters lie on the same spectrum, these devices measure the power of these fields, and not just their presence, and as the power or intensity of these fields is measured in different units – magnetic intensity is measured in microtesla or milligauss, for instance, whereas RF intensity is often expressed in decibel-milliwatts – it can cost more to build multiple layers of detection capabilities into an EMF tester. Models that include radio frequency testing typically cost the most, which is why it can be helpful to know what you want to measure beforehand. I’ve added the Acoustimeter AM11 which is arguably the best RF-only tester on the market, while the Trifield TF2 is arguably the best ‘all-around’ tester. I’ve also updated the Cornet ED-78S to the ED-88T – the latter model adds a faster sampling rate, among other tweaks.
November 16, 2019:
Removed some of the outdated models like the Sonic Technology Electrosensor and Lutron 822-A, and added newer devices like the Cambridge Labs Rechargeable and KKmoon AS1392. A particular favorite of mine is the newly added and rather versatile GQ EMF-390 for its detailed and rather data-populated display modes, as well as its RF power spectrum.
The K2 BL has aged quite well and is still a very user-friendly model with a simple interface - and it’s good on reliability and durability measures too. Conversely, the Technology Alternatives Cell Sensor hasn’t fared as well for its slight lack of sophistication and accuracy which may not have been the case in the EMF market in 2007 when it was first released. However, it’s very cheap and it’s still a great introductory model and option for your kids and teenagers who may not require such high levels of reading accuracy.
And yes, the Alternative Tech International Ghost Meter may still be a good choice for your paranormal adventures, though we question its capabilities with regards to more practical tasks.
4. Cornet ED-88T
5. Acoustimeter AM11
6. KKmoon AS1392
7. Cambridge Labs Rechargeable
8. Tacklife Meter
What Do EMF Detectors Do?
The strength of the reading is a direct indicator of the strength of the frequency.
Once thought to be separate forces, electricity and magnetism have since been joined into a unified theory called electromagnetism. The study of electromagnetism deals with how electrically charged particles interact with each other and with magnetic fields.
Electromagnetic radiation takes many forms. Common examples include radio waves, microwaves, X-rays and gamma rays. Sunlight is also a form of electromagnetic energy, but the visible light it gives off is only a very small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, which contains a broad range of wavelengths.
Many things in daily life also create electromagnetic fields. Electronics such as cellular phones, video game consoles, computers, radios, and even simple power outlets give off electromagnetic fields. Larger fields are created by larger sources of electricity. Power lines, refrigerators, and generators give off a larger field than a small clock radio, for instance. Electromagnetic fields also exist in nature, such as when the atmosphere becomes charged during a lightning storm.
The job of an EMF detector is to pick up signs of these electromagnetic fields. Stronger currents give off stronger EMF readings. The problem with electromagnetic fields is that they are rarely, if ever, visible to the naked eye, though they are often present in the atmosphere from natural electrical or magnetic sources. This is why EMF detectors are so important.
EMF detectors indicate the presence of electromagnetic frequency through the use of one or more receiving antennae that measure differing AC or DC electrical currents. When EMF is present the meter signals the user. The strength of the reading is a direct indicator of the strength of the frequency.
Why Do Ghosts Give Off EMF Fields?
While EMF meters have been specifically designed for use by utility workers, some researchers have used EMF meters for reasons beyond their original purposes, namely to search for paranormal phenomena.
The paranormal theory of electromagnetism states that a spirit, ghost, or other otherworldly entity either gives off or disrupts the normal electromagnetic fields which can be detected by EMF readers.
This energy can then be picked up by EMF readers and used to track, and perhaps communicate with ghosts.
Most things in nature, both alive and inanimate, emit at least a weak electromagnetic field. As the law of the conservation of energy is understood to mean energy cannot be created nor destroyed, the electromagnetic nature of the human body is believed to persist after death, should a soul choose not to commit its energy to the afterlife. This energy can then be picked up by EMF readers and used to track, and perhaps communicate with ghosts.
Science contends that the energy borrowed by a human being is given back to the environment which created it after that human's death. This does not need to stop believers in the paranormal from using an EMF reader to track pulses from the beyond. In fact, since the early 21st century nearly half of Americans believe in ghosts, while up to 13 percent have experienced hauntings.
A ghost or paranormal occurrence in electromagnetism is said to give off a milligaus reading in the range of 1.5-6mg, depending on the sensitivity of the meter. Paranormal readings are also never steady readings. Steady readings are nearly always artificially created. Following spikes in an EMF reader is how paranormal hunters are led by ghosts. They may also choose to communicate with the ghosts using the spikes these readers pick up to indicate yes or no answers.
Potential Effects Of EMF Fields On Human Health
Electricity has become an integral part of everyday life, powering things of both convenience and necessity. Where electricity flows, electromagnetic fields exist. Questions about human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) and extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields have been addressed by governmental bodies and even the World Health Organization.
While there have been concerns about EMF exposure for decades, there have been no studies which can confirm these concerns at normal levels.
The exposure to electromagnetic fields is anything but new. During the 20th and 21st centuries, however, the exposure to man-made electromagnetic fields has steadily increased. Growing demand for electricity has led to entire populations of cities living within a grid of electromagnetic radiation. In general, the average person is exposed to a large mix of electromagnetic fields every single day. Everything from the generation and transmission of electricity through wall outlets to telecommunications and radio broadcasting creates steady electromagnetic radiation.
Research shows that low-frequency electric fields influence the human body because it is made up of charged particles. When electric fields act on conductive materials like the body, they influence the electric charge at the body's surface. This causes current to flow through the body to the ground.
Low-frequency magnetic fields cause currents to circulate within the body. Depending on the strength of the current, this may influence unnoticed factors like biological processes, or it can influence noticeable factors, such as making the hairs stand on end.
Long term exposure to ELF and EMF fields may negatively impact the immune system as well. They may alter the expression of MCP-1, which helps regulate the body's T cells and natural killer cells. While there have been concerns about EMF exposure for decades, there have been no studies which can confirm these concerns at normal levels. Therefore, exposure to EMF at normal levels is deemed relatively safe to humans.
Kaivaan grew up in a little town called York in the north of England, though he was whisked off to sunny Jamaica at the age of 14, where he attended high school. After graduating, he returned to the UK to study electronic engineering at the University of Warwick, where he became the chief editor for the engineering society’s flagship magazine. A couple of uninspiring internships in engineering later however, and after some time spent soul-searching and traveling across Asia and East Africa, he he now lives and works in in Dubai.