I’ve observed how several groups employ the use of EMF detectors, as well as how they are used on a few television shows and they always make me ask, “Do these guys not understand how these things work?”

Much of the time what I see is they employ them like they are “paranormal detectors,” and at other times they seem to use them to search out EMF sources that may be causing people to experience paranormal type symptoms.  While the first use is highly questionable, especially since nobody has done the diligence to establish a connection between the paranormal and EMF, the second still raises questions.  In both cases I have seen leaps to conclusions without true justification.  With those employing them as “paranormal detectors”, the leap is apparent since as already mentioned the ground work of establishing a relationship between EMF and the paranormal has yet to be done, but in the second case there seems to be another leap being made, and that is that just because a high EMF source has been located that experiences were a direct result of that source.  I’m not arguing that this is not the case, but when I see an investigator locate a high EMF source, let’s say 100mg, and that source is 15 feet from the location where “paranormal feelings” have occurred and EMF readings are measuring one to two mg, I’d have to say a leap was made.

Another thing I’ve noticed is how many investigators hold and rotate the detector while taking measurements.  This may or may not be an issue depending on the EMF detector.  If it’s a single pole detector then it becomes a major issue, which the majority of EMF detectors being employed are of this type.  The reason it’s such an issue is that single pole detectors are polarized, therefore changing orientation of the meter can change it’s ability to accurately measure the strength of an EM field. &;This can lead to the false conclusion that a field has died off when in reality the field hasn’t changed strength at all.  I would say this is the biggest problem that investigators run into without even knowing there is an issue.

Another thing that many investigators fail to realize is that typical EMF detectors are designed to measure alternating or varying magnetic fields.  They do not measure static magnetic fields, if the meter is stationary.  They will see a static field if the meter is moved around, simulating a varying field, which can also lead to a false conclusion on the part of the investigator.  This is something that an investigator needs to be aware of when they wave their EMF detector around searching for fields.

One last thing that investigators should take note of is the effect that appliances can have on EMF detectors.  Things like refrigerators, hot water tanks, or other appliances that cycle power can create temporary increases in the fields they generate.  I once watched an investigator who became excited as he watched a magnetic field appear, disappear, then appear again at the same time an EVP was recorded.  To me, the EVP didn’t even sound like a voice, but because it coincided with the EMF meter producing a ten milligauss spike, they were certain that it was paranormal activity.  After looking at the map of the location, I could see that what he was measuring on the EMF detector was being created by the refrigerator on the other side of the wall, and was later confirmed on a follow up investigation as well as the EVP, which was nothing more than the sound of the refrigerator turning on and distorted by the cheap recorder involved.  So, to all the investigators out there who are using EMF detectors, I highly encourage you to throw the main breaker in the house to help avoid this type of thing happening to you.