Essentials of Electromagnetic Fields
written by: Kelly

EMF readings (measurements taken of the Electromagnetic Field in a given area) have steadily risen to the top of the queue for paranormal researchers over the preceding decades. It is critical that those seeking to apply this sort of data to have a firm understanding both of what the readings represent; and since they are dynamic, how they naturally function. Since this activity has been theoretically linked to many different classes of paranormal events, being capable of informed analysis is a major asset to any investigative team.

The Electromagnetic Interaction is one of only four Fundamental Forces in physics (where it is alternately referred to as EMR rather than EMF). It results from a combination of charged particles and currents of charges that are moving from particle to particle; and exists (in very basic terms) as a range within which energy is transferred from the source to other particles (via particle/waves). These fields are strongest close to the source and dissipate as they move away from it. An EMF is affected when another source of relative substantiality enters or leaves the field (at any point), and the EMF will adapt size and net charge to reflect the sources working with-in its influence. Essentially, bringing in a device which is emitting such a field, or turning off a device which had been emitting such a field, will can cause fluctuation in your readings of an EMF, even if you are outside of the range of the variable source. Aside from the great EM fields that we inhabit everyday (the electrical field of a thunderstorm, or the static magnetic field of the Earth) X-Ray machines, power lines, telecommunication devices, and nearly any technical gadget that we use today (with the exception of those utilizing DC current) create an Electromagnetic field and hence it is very important to have an idea of the base-line in an area of investigation, and of the EMF that you may be generating through the congregation of your own equipment.

EMF detectors measure strength in Hertz, Volts per Meter (V/m), or most commonly (because they can incorporate magnetic and electric charge) Gauss and milliGauss (mGauss). Correspondingly, there are many different uses and types of EMF meters. Most detectors used in paranormal research are measuring Electromagnetic Radiation, or in other words, the wave-like behaviors of an EM field. The way these work is by using a thin piece of conductive metal to measure any current that runs through the metal. This current is the result of an EM field. There are two basic models of EMF meters, single-axis and 3-axis- referring to the use of either one or three small conductors to catch the EM waves. The major disadvantage to the single-axis is that the EMF will create current only when its orientation meets the conductor at the correct angle- so one MUST move the meter in all three directions (backwards/forwards, up/down, right/left) in order to avoid gathering faulty data. This is complicated by the fact that these readings (unless you are using a detector which simply measures electric and not Electromagnetic fields) are reliant on the movement of charge and current, so moving either the detector or source quickly in relation to the other will result in a faulty spike as well. This is solved by the more expensive 3-axis model, which can be correctly operated while being held stationary.

Theories involving EMF range from telekinesis to ghostly activity- but as the focus of the paper has been on conventionally occurring EMFs and the proper use of detection tools, it is clear that EMF presence alone does not corroborate any sort of paranormal activity. While most of these theories involve use of the energy readily available in an EMF to manifest paranormal activity, it is anomalous behavior of an EMF that could be indicative of the paranormal, and not merely it’s presence or a lack thereof.



In this respect, an operational knowledge of common EMF behavior and equipment would be essential to the detection of such paranormal activity.

Some common appliances EMF measurements inside of four inches (many properly maintained household applications are too weak to register significant EMF far from source):
Blender (50-220 mGauss)
Microwave (100-500 mGauss)
Television (5-100 mGauss)
Vacuum cleaner (230-1300 mGauss)
Computer (4-20 mGauss)
Fluorescent lamp (400-4000 mGauss)