SPI
Contact
Protocols
Articles
Investigations
Support SPI
|
EMF Meter Use and Protocol
Purpose:
In a paranormal investigation, EMF readings
are taken to discover whether changes in the local Electromagnetic field
do or do not accompany paranormal phenomena.
This protocol is designed to ensure that
EMF baseline readings and mid-investigation readings are taken in a
consistent manner that will allow comparisons to be made between sites,
phenomena and different dates.
Materials:
An EMF meter. Spare batteries. Recording
tools (usually paper and pen).
Methods:
- EMF work will be conducted with a
minimum of one and a maximum of three investigators. Where more than
one investigator is present, an investigator not working with an EMF
meter will take down the readings.
- Each room will be treated as a
separate space if there are clear delineations (i.e. walls or doors)
between one space and another, or as one continual space if these
features are not present.
- For the baseline readings: The room
will be measured and divided into grid-squares, the scale depending
on the size of the room, but being no more than a meter square and
no smaller than one third of a meter (3ft/1ft respectively).
Measurements will be approximate because homeowners are unlikely to
allow a formal grid to be drawn out in their property.
- An investigator who has been trained
in the use of an EMF meter will pace the grid. He will stop for at
least 5 seconds in each grid-square, hold the EMF meter where it can
be read and take a reading. The investigator will remain still while
he does this.
- This will be repeated in each room to
be investigated.
- After the grid is established, any
spikes will be investigated. If there are no spikes, readings will
be taken from electrical devices - to include power outlets, light
switches, wall mounted electrical devices like intercoms, light
fittings, air conditioning controls, thermostats, ceiling fans and
any domestic appliances present in each room.
During an investigation, EMF spot
readings may be taken using the following method:
- An investigator trained in the use of
an EMF meter will approach a location, stand still and allow the
meter to settle. If the reading is higher than the baseline,
readings will be taken in the area to determine whether this is a
localized spike.
- Another EMF meter will be brought in,
preferably a tri-axis meter, to confirm the reading. If a tri-axis
meter is not available any other single axis EMF meter can be used
as long as its calibration is known.
- If a spike is confirmed the electrical
outlets, devices and appliances should be measured again.
Controls:
- Recording sheets will be used that are
signed and dated.
- Only EMF meters with a known
calibration will be used. New meters will not be used to perform
baseline or spot readings.
- No EMF spike will be treated as
significant in itself until it has been shown to be above the
baseline, significantly below the baseline and sufficiently removed
from sources of electricity to, under normal circumstances or normal
operation, produce a negligible reading.
- The scale we will use has been
provided by the World Health Organization and is >0.02 at a
distance of one meter from the appliance.
Data Interpretation:
- EMF data will be reviewed and
documented by the Investigative Team Lead unless assigned to another
investigator.
- The EMF logs and the interpretation of
the data will become part of the SPI investigation report.
|
|
