Frequently Asked Questions
Technical
What am I looking for when using the TF2?
The two types of field that are of most concern are the Standard MAG (magnetic) and RF:
Magnetic
The large numerals (not PEAK) in Standard MAG should be 3.0 or less, or at least on average over time be 3.0 or less. This should be measured in places where you spend time. Even though the reading may be high in a corner of a room or near a circuit breaker box, if you don’t spend time in that corner, a high reading there is not a cause for concern. Whereas standard magnetic should be below 3.0, weighted magnetic is usually a little higher, but should be below 5.0 milligauss.
Radio Frequency
RF should be 0.200 or less, on average, in places where you spend time. Some digital RF is pulsing so the large numerals may be hard to interpret. In that case, read the PEAK on RF. It will read higher than the large numerals, but it should be below 1.000 on average.
Electric field is of much less concern, but if it reads over 50 (standard or weighted) on a metal, like a refrigerator door, it may be a shock hazard, and the grounding should be checked for safety.
What amount of EMF is hazardous to my health?
Many different EMF exposure limit standards have been published. Below is a table of some of the published national and international standards. There are many variables that determine the basis of these standards, including: EMF frequency, length of exposure, and affected body part(s). One thing to note is that the IEEE and most western European limits are based on the thermal impact of EMF on the human body, whereas the Russian and eastern European limits focus more on dose over extended exposure periods.
| Mains Electricity | 2000 MHz (2 GHz) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Magnetic (mG) | Electric (V/m) | RF (mW/m2) | |
| Russia[1] | 100 | 500 | 100 |
| China[2] | 1,000 | 4,000 | 400 |
| ICNIRP[3,4] | 2,000 | 5,000 | 10,000 |
| IEEE[5,6] | 9,040 | 5,000 | 10,000 |
[1] SanPiN 2.1.2.1002-00, Sanitary and epidemiological requirements for residential buildings and premises
[2] GB 8702-2014, Controlling limits for electromagnetic environment
[3] ICNIRP GUIDELINES FOR LIMITING EXPOSURE TO TIME‐VARYING ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS (1HZ – 100 kHZ)
[4] ICNIRP GUIDELINES FOR LIMITING EXPOSURE TO TIME‐VARYING ELECTRIC, MAGNETIC AND ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS (UP TO 300 GHZ)
[5] IEEE Std C95.6™-2002, IEEE Standard for Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields, 0-3 kHz
[6] IEEE Std C95.1™-2005, IEEE Standard for Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz
What is the difference between the standard and weighted modes?
The weighted mode is applicable for those concerned over the effect of EMF on the human body. The purpose for the weighted version is as follows: The amount of energy induced into living tissue from a 100 Hz frequency at 1000 V/m, would be twice as much over the same period as a 50 Hz frequency at the same 1000 V/m strength. A frequency weighted TriField meter will indicate that the 100 Hz signal is twice the level of the 50 Hz even though their actual strength was the same.
The standard mode on the TriField EMF Meter measures the actual electric and magnetic field with a flat frequency response. For epistemological scientific applications, the standard frequency mode is applicable.
What is the TF2 sampling rate?
| TF2 Sampling Rates | |
|---|---|
| Magnetic: | 6.9 kHz |
| Electric: | 50 kHz |
| RF: | 19.2 kHz |
Sampling rate is only one tool among many analog and firmware signal processing techniques that result in a stable, high resolution, ideal bandwidth measurement. The end goal of sampling rate for a scientific instrument is resolution and bandwidth so I would use those two metrics to evaluate a scientific instrument. It’s completely possible for a device to have a higher sample rate and perform worse than another device with a lower sample rate.
The numerical LCD elements update every 0.25 seconds and the graphical elements update every 0.05 seconds.
What is EMF?
The word “EMF” is a general term that includes radio waves (electromagnetic waves with a specific magnetic : electric ratio of 1 milligauss : 30 V/m), and any electric field or magnetic field whether oscillating or not, even if it is pure electric field such as from static electricity, or pure magnetic field, such as from an electromagnetic (AC or DC). “RF” is more specific than “EMF”.
Is there a 50 Hz version?
The TF2 Electric Mode frequency response has been improved over the TF100XE and has a more accurate 3 dB point at 40 Hz. The TF2 Electric Mode works at both 50 Hz and 60 Hz on both the Standard and Weighted modes.
The meter isn’t reading accurately enough.
If you want a more precise reading of a AC magnetic field, AlphaLab also offers the AC Milligauss Meter Model UHS2 at www.alphalabinc.com.
The TriField EMF Meter is accurate to ±20% of the reading in the Magnetic section. In order to perform a test to see if one TriField EMF Meter is reading similar to another TriField EMF Meter, you will have to put the 1st meter down in one specific location, test, remove the meter, then put the 2nd TriField EMF Meter down in that exact same position without the 1st meter (or any other meters) near. The presence of one meter has the potential to change the reading of another meter. If you are performing the test in this method and you are receiving readings that are more than ±20% different, then there could be something wrong with the meter.
Each TriField EMF Meter is sent out tested and calibrated. Yes, they vary slightly, but, they are all within spec upon shipment. Most customers are concerned with whether or not they are near a high field, not in knowing EXACTLY what that field is.
Shipping
How will my meter ship?
Orders to the U.S. are shipped by UPS with the option of ground, 2nd day air or next day air.
All other orders are shipped by DHL Express.
Can you ship internationally?
Yes! www.trifield.com offers shipping to all countries except Russia. Please contact us directly for shipping to Russia, by calling +1 (801) 487-9492 or emailing mail@trifield.com.
Payment
Can I get a wholesale discount for buying multiple meters?
Please email us at mail@trifield.com or call us at +1 (801) 487-9492 for a wholesale quote.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and PayPal.
Warranty and Repairs
Is there a warranty?
Yes! If your meter stops working within the first year of use because of a defect, you can send it in, and we will either repair or replace the meter. Please refer to our terms and conditions for full details on our warranty policy.
My meter broke and the warranty period has expired.
After expiration of the warranty, a reasonable charge will be made for parts, labor, and packing if you choose to use the factory service facility. Please email us at mail@trifield.com or call us at +1 (801) 487-9492.
Still need help? Send us a note!
For any other questions, please write us at mail@trifield.com or call us on +1 (801) 487-9492