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  • Writer's pictureSafer EMF

Four common types of EMF and their sources

Updated: Apr 25


The four common types of Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs) we measure at high levels in homes are:


  1. Radio-Frequency Radiation (RFR) / Wireless Radiation

  2. Magnetic Fields

  3. Electric Fields

  4. Dirty Electricity


Radio-Frequency Radiation (RFR or wireless radiation) are radio waves that emit from radio and television, microwaves, 3G/4G/5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, radar and smart devices. RFR is commonly measured in microwatts (uW/m2) or milliwatts (mW/m2) using RFR Meters. The Safe and Sound Pro II, ENV RD-10au, Trifield TF2 and Cornet ED88TPLUS 5G2 all measure RFR. The Safe and Sound mmWave 5G Meter will measure high band 5G which emits at 26GHz


Common sources of RFR include:


  • WiFi and WiFi boosters or extenders

  • Neighbour WiFi and wireless devices

  • Mobile phone base station transmitters - 3/4/5G

  • NBN satellite & fixed wireless

  • Mobile phones

  • Laptops

  • Tablets

  • Printers

  • Speakers

  • Gaming consoles and remote control toys

  • Ear buds and wireless headphones

  • Hearing aids and wireless medical devices

  • Smart watches

  • Sleep tracking rings

  • Mouse and keyboard

  • Smart appliances like TV's, Apple TV's, TV remotes, sound bars, washing machines, fridges, air-conditioners, robot vacuums, air purifiers, coffee machines, etc

  • Security systems

  • Baby monitors

  • Solar panel monitoring systems and inverters

  • Smart meters

  • Cordless DECT phones

  • Microwave ovens

  • Internet of Things (IOT) devices

  • Vehicle Bluetooth

  • Vehicle onboard sim to mobile networks, like in a Tesla


Magnetic Fields are created by imbalances in active and neutral electrical wiring, wiring errors or stray current. Magnetic Fields are commonly measured in Milligauss (mG) or Nanoteslas (nT) using Gauss or Multi Meter. The ENV RD-10au, Trifield TF2 and the Cornet ED88TPLUS 5G2 measure magnetic fields. Common sources include:

  • Powerlines

  • Electrical appliances

  • Induction cooktops

  • Electrical switch board and solar inverters

  • Vehicles

  • Stray current on water pipes

  • Electrical wiring errors

  • Metal house framing


Electric Fields are created by the current from unshielded electrical wiring. Electric fields are commonly measured in volts (V/m) using Volt or Multi Meter. The ENV RD-10au, Trifield TF2 and the Cornet ED88TPLUS 5G2 measure electric fields. Common sources include:

  • Mobile phone chargers

  • Extension leads and power boards

  • Electrical wiring

  • Electrical switch board

  • Bed-side lighting

  • Electrical appliances and charging cables, including laptops, PC's and display screens

  • Reclining lounges


Dirty Electricity (DE) is a deviation from the standard 50 Hz electrical wave in wiring, which causes spikes in electrical wiring and devices. DE is commonly measured in millivolts Peak-to-Peak (mVpp) using an Oscilloscope or Power Line Meter. The Power Line EMI Meter will measure DE. Common sources include:

  • Dimmer lights

  • LED lighting

  • Solar panel inverters

  • Variable-speed motors, like inverter air conditioners

  • Electric vehicle charging

  • Neighbour high DE devices like solar panel inverters


Safer EMF measures all 4 sources of EMF during an onsite consultation. We recommend and install effective solutions to reduce your exposure. We also offer phone or video consultations. Learn more about our Services or visit our Shop to hire or purchase meters and shielding products that we use and recommend.


Stay Safe


Safer EMF












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