TriField Meter

NEW! From AlphaLab, Inc. makers of the original TriField Meter Model 100XE.

The TriField EMF Meter Model TF2 is an AC gaussmeter, AC electric field meter, and radio power density meter in a single unit, that 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 will properly scale the magnetic and electric measurements to indicate the full magnitude of currents produced by each type of field inside the human body. (If only powerline frequency is present, Standard and Weighted will read the same. If higher frequencies are present, Weighted reads higher). Made in USA by AlphaLab, Inc.

Magnetic (“MAG”) Fields– Turn the knob to Standard MAG or Weighted MAG. Read the large numerals in the center. In a typical home or office with low EMF, living areas will read 3.0 milligauss or less on Standard MAG and 5.0 milligauss or less on weighted. In a car (gas or electric), the reading may be higher. “Weighted” emphasizes the frequencies that are higher than powerline frequencies, while “Standard” measures all frequencies equally. Some home locations, such as near the breaker box, will have a higher magnetic field. If you rarely or never visit these high-field areas, the high reading is not important. The fields are only important in locations where you spend time.

The magnetic readings show the field at the location where the meter is held, and is independent of how you orient the meter. It is also independent of whether your hand is blocking the meter. However, the electric (“ELEC”) and RF detectors are different. These sensors read the field correctly when the top of the meter is pointed toward the source, but your hand CAN block these fields, so hold the meter by its lower half when measuring electric or RF.

Electric (“ELEC”) fields– In an electromagnetically quiet home or office, both Standard and Weighted will read less than 10 V/m, but the reading may be higher when the meter is pointed toward fluorescent lights, a wall outlet or switch plate, or an improperly-grounded appliance.

RF– Digital RF signals are pulsing. This means that the peak power density (see PEAK on the upper left of the screen) is higher than the average power density (main number in center) and you will see the bars pulse up and down if digital RF signals are present. THE MAIN (AVERAGE) NUMBER MAY BE FLUCTUATING. THIS IS A PROPERTY OF DIGITAL SIGNALS; IN THIS CASE, THE PEAK NUMBER IS MORE CONSISTENT. A “smart meter” from your electric power company only pulses about once a minute. To read this pulse strength, hold the TF2 near the “smart meter” and wait for the bars to jump. Then read the PEAK number, which will hold for several seconds. Smart Meters from the gas company pulse much less frequently (perhaps only once a day) so it is difficult to read RF from them, but they pulse so infrequently that it is probably irrelevant. Wi-Fi routers, that are broadcasting, pulse more than once a second. Computers (and other devices that are on line with a WiFi router) emit much less RF power than a router. Microwave ovens leak a significant amount of RF, but it is more continuous, not digital pulses. An RF quiet area will typically have less than 1.000 milliwatts per square meter as a peak (highest PEAK reading after watching the meter for a minute), and 0.200 average (the large numerals). RF can be effectively shielded by placing any metal sheet (aluminum foil or aluminum siding) or metal mesh (aluminum screen door material) between you and the RF source, which is typically a cell tower. Metal sheet or mesh affects RF in the same way that a mirror reflects light. Note that both RF and electric field are affected by where you stand or position your hands relative to the meter. These fields are usually stronger near the surface of your body because you are electrically conductive. If you hold the meter, it will read the field correctly in the vicinity of your hand. If you set the meter down, the reading will often be lower because the field is lower away from your hand. Inside an elevator, the RF and electric field are essentially zero. Unlike several other meters which have a false high reading in RF, the TF2 actually reads near zero in this environment. Near zero-field environment can also be achieved by wrapping the meter in aluminum foil (except for a small opening to see the display). This demonstrates how well foil will shield RF and electric field.