Electromagnetic field meters, often known as EMF meters, are commonly used in businesses and residences to monitor non-ionizing radiation. An EMF meter is able to measure electric field, magnetic field, and radiofrequency field.
On the other hand, there is another device to measure only the magnetic field which is the Gauss magnetometer or Gauss meter. The current version of a Gauss Magnetometer which is the Gauss Meter is used to measure the direction and intensity of weak magnetic fields.
This article essentially presents an overview of the two meters and how they differ in their operation, purpose, methodology, and so on.
What is An EMF Meter and What Does It Measure?
As we know, electromagnetic fields arise in the environment as a result of both man-made and nature-made sources. Electric charges from thunderstorms are an example of nature-made source. On the other hand, industrial sources such as television antennas, X-rays, or electrical wirings are classified as human-made sources.
Although the electromagnetic spectrum covers both the non-ionizing and ionizing radiation, most of the time, the term “Electromagnetic Field” only covers the non-ionizing spectrum. That means it is from low-frequency range to microwave frequency range.
In general, EMF meters are used to measure either AC or DC electromagnetic fields. Both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) produce electromagnetic force, which is an amalgam of electric and magnetic energy which they measure in hertz. As a result, an EMF meter can be used for a number of purposes, such as testing appliances around the house or evaluating the EMF radiated by power lines and other troubleshooting gadgets.
EMF meters are frequently classified into two major groups/types. The first is the single-axis type, while the second is the tri-axis type. A single-axis meter has only one dimension on the field and is less expensive than a tri-axis meter, however, tri-axis meters can measure all three dimensions at once faster the single-axis EMF meters.
As a result of their effectiveness in measuring the electromagnetic field from any specific region or item, EMF meters are becoming increasingly popular.
What is A Gauss Meter and What Does It Measure?
As previously stated, a Gauss meter measures the direction and intensity of weak magnetic fields and is typically composed of a gauss probe, the meter itself, and a cable to connect to it. The units Gauss meter measures in usually are Tesla, milliTesla, microTesla, Gauss and milligauss.
The operation of a Gauss meter is straightforward. The meter transmits the test current via the probe, and the Hall Effect produces the voltage that the meter records. However, because magnetic fields are rarely static, voltage usually changes, hence the meter only records the maximum value of the voltage observed.
Difference Between EMF Meter and Gauss Meter
In contrast to Gauss meters, EMF meters are used to measure both electrical and magnetic fields, whereas Gauss meters are only used to measure the direction and intensity of small/weak magnetic fields.
EMF meters, unlike Gauss meters, do not operate on the Hall Effect theory; instead, they are very sensitive detectors capable of detecting changes in an electrical or magnetic field in a specific area.
Furthermore, the demand for EMF meters has expanded beyond the scientific sector and into the realms of spirituality, where many individuals believe that they may be used to detect any ghostly presence, which is exceedingly unlikely in the case of Gauss meters.
Finally, EMF meters can measure in the milliTesla, microTesla, V/m, and milliGauss units, A Guass meter can measure in, milliTesla, microTesla, milligauss units, and no V/m. The reading of V/m is not included since a Gauss meter cannot measure electric field strength.
Conclusion
Both the instruments are designed for specific purposes even though they share common features. An EMF meter can measure magnetic field strengths as well as electric field strength. For the users who want to measure EMF disturbances within the power lines or in their house then, an EMF meter would be the perfect tool. A Gauss meter is perfect for measuring very weak magnetic fields and their directions which an EMF meter cannot measure. Also Gauss meters are more sensitive compared to an EMF meter.
