Otis Singleton
Dirty electricity, also known as dirty power, electrical noise, line noise, power line EMI (electromagnetic interference), and microsurge electrical pollution, is caused by electronic devices that manipulate standard electrical currents to operate. This can lead to erratic spikes and surges of energy, which can interfere with the functioning of appliances and electronic equipment. To test for dirty electricity, you can use a meter that measures electromagnetic interference (EMI), such as a Graham-Stetzer meter, an AM radio, or an oscilloscope and spectrum analyzer. These tools can help identify sources of dirty electricity and guide the installation of filters to reduce its impact. Testing for dirty electricity involves turning off all appliances to identify external sources, and then conducting another test with appliances turned on to detect internal sources. Proper grounding is also crucial to ensure electrical safety and prevent shocking surprises.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is dirty electricity? | Abnormal currents in your electric supply |
| What causes it? | Electronic devices or appliances that convert AC electricity to DC |
| What are the dangers? | Interference with the proper functioning of appliances and electronic equipment, which can lead to damage over time |
| What are the health risks? | Exposure to dirty electricity has been associated with cancer, asthma, sleep disturbances, fatigue, skin rashes, tingling sensations, allergy symptoms, headaches, muscle and joint pain, brain fog, memory loss, ADD/ADHD symptoms, depression, and more |
| How to test for it? | Use an AM radio, a Graham-Stetzer meter, an oscilloscope or spectrum analyzer, or a plug-in EMI meter |
| What to do if you find it? | Use dirty electricity filters, or, if the problem is with electrical wiring, consult an electrician |
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What You'll Learn
Using an AM radio
AM radios are a simple, low-cost tool that can be used to detect dirty electricity and lower radio frequencies. They are sensitive to interference by dirty electricity and can detect a broad range of weak magnetic fields. Basic AM radios are available for around $15, with older models such as the Radio Shack AM/FM Model 12-467 recommended. Newer models often have noise suppression technology, which makes them less useful for detecting electromagnetic interference (EMI).
To use an AM radio to detect dirty electricity, first turn off all breakers in your house, including any solar systems. Then, turn the AM dial all the way to the left (500 KHz) and right (2 MHz). The radio will show a difference in static based on changes in the electromagnetic environment. Move around your house with the radio, holding it near electrical sockets. If the radio starts to hiss, this indicates the presence of dirty electricity.
You can also use the radio to detect dirty electricity in your wiring. Hold the radio up against the electrical line going into your house, if possible, with the speaker facing you. The radio will buzz near AC magnetic fields, which are produced by dirty electricity.
Another way to use an AM radio to detect dirty electricity is to tune it to the white noise between stations. Any place within the house or office that causes interference may be an area affected by dirty electricity.
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Using a Graham-Stetzer meter
A Graham-Stetzer Microsurge Meter is a simple device used to test for "electromagnetic pollution" or "dirty electricity" in your home. Dirty electricity is a form of EMF radiation, electromagnetic radiation from the electrical wiring in a building that radiates through the walls into the living or working space.
To use a Graham-Stetzer Microsurge Meter, simply plug it into a normal AC electric outlet. The meter will then tell you how much dirty electricity is on that circuit. If the circuit reads above the safe range, you can then insert a filter, called a Graham-Stetzer Filter, to see if that will bring the circuit down into the safe range. Readings are given in Graham-Stetzer (GS) units, with readings ideally below 50 GS units. However, this is quite rare, and readings below 100 GS are usually safe for most people.
If you want to test an entire building, you need to plug the Graham-Stetzer Microsurge Meter into each circuit in the building. The circuits that have a problem that a filter will correct can then be corrected with a filter.
You can also use the meter to test for electrical wiring problems. If you have a circuit that is reading extra high, stick a Graham-Stetzer filter into the circuit, and if the reading does not reduce significantly, you likely have an electrical wiring problem.
To optimise filter placement for maximum reduction, you can try unplugging appliances and using power strips.
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Testing for grounding with a multimeter
- Turn off the power supply: Before you begin, ensure that you turn off the power supply to the circuit you want to test. Do this at your circuit breaker.
- Set up the multimeter: Set the multimeter to measure resistance (ohms) and select the lowest range for resistance. It is important to also ensure that your multimeter is set to measure voltage.
- Connect the probes: Connect the black probe to the common (COM) socket on the multimeter, and the red probe to the socket marked for resistance (ohms). Essentially, the black probe goes into the common port, and the red probe goes into the port for measuring voltage.
- Test the probes: Touch the probes together to ensure that the multimeter is working correctly. If the multimeter shows zero resistance, it is functioning properly.
- Touch the ground: Touch the black probe to a known ground, such as the metal chassis of the equipment you are testing.
- Touch the wire: With the red probe, touch the wire that you want to test for a ground. Observe the ground reading on the multimeter.
- Interpret the reading: If the multimeter displays a low resistance reading, it indicates that the wire is properly grounded. However, if the reading is high or infinite, it signifies that the wire is not grounded, and you may need to call an electrician for further assistance or repairs.
Repeat these steps to test other wires in the circuit for a ground using the multimeter probes. After completing the testing, remember to turn on the power supply to the circuit. It is crucial to prioritize safety when working with electrical wiring, as it can be dangerous for inexperienced individuals. Always seek the help of a trained professional or qualified electrician if you are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with the process.
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Using an oscilloscope and spectrum analyser
To test for electricity in dirt, you can use an oscilloscope or a spectrum analyser.
Using an Oscilloscope
An oscilloscope can be used to detect dirty electricity. To do this, you will need an oscilloscope that does not have the chassis on AC ground. You must carefully identify the actual scope and the DUT (Device Under Test) and ensure that the scope ground and the DUT ground are connected.
You can use a single-channel oscilloscope, such as the Tekpower CQ5010C 10 MHz, to test for dirty electricity. You will need to use a single-ended output transformer with the primary connected to the power line and the secondary connected to the scope.
Another option is to use a PC-based oscilloscope, such as the SDS5032E 30MHz 250MS/s 2-Ch Oscilloscope, which can be used for frequency analysis of dirty electricity and body voltage.
When using an oscilloscope to test for dirty electricity, you will see the wave of the 50-60Hz electricity and the higher-frequency electronic noise. You will need to measure the electronic noise amplitude and main frequency. By observing the noise wave shape, frequency, and amplitude, you can guess the main source of the noise.
Using a Spectrum Analyser
A spectrum analyser measures the magnitude of an input signal versus frequency within the full frequency range of the instrument. It is primarily used to measure the power of the spectrum of known and unknown signals. The most common input signals that spectrum analysers measure are electrical, but they can also measure other signals, such as acoustic pressure waves and optical light waves, with the use of an appropriate transducer.
Spectrum analysers are used to determine whether a wireless transmitter is working according to defined standards for purity of emissions. They can also be used to determine the bandwidth of a digital or analog signal.
In addition, spectrum analysers are used by audio engineers to assess their work. In these cases, the spectrum analyser will show volume levels of frequency bands across the typical range of human hearing.
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Using a plug-in EMI meter
The Line Noise EMI Meter is a plug-in device that measures dirty electricity on your electrical system. It measures a much wider range of frequencies than the Stetzer meter, from 10 KHz to 10 MHz, and translates these frequencies into milliVolts (mV). Acceptable readings are generally between 200 and 400 mV, while high readings are over 800 mV. Electrically sensitive people may require lower readings.
To use the Line Noise EMI Meter, simply plug it into a power socket, and the electronic display will show readings in millivolts (mV). The meter's OLED screen will display both the AC voltage and noise voltage. It also has a speaker that emits a sound that increases in intensity according to the frequency, so the more interference there is, the louder the sound.
The meter can be used with and without filters to compare the difference in readings. Simply plug the meter into an electrical outlet to find out how much dirty electricity is present on nearby wiring. This can help identify if there is an electrical wiring problem. For example, if a high reading is detected on a certain circuit, a Graham-Stetzer filter can be stuck into an electrical outlet on that circuit. If the reading does not go down significantly, it is likely an electrical wiring problem.
The Line Noise EMI Meter is an excellent tool for guiding the installation of filters. It can help identify significant sources of dirty electricity and determine the optimal number of filters to install in each room.
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Frequently asked questions
Dirty electricity refers to abnormal currents in your electric supply. It is also known as dirty power, electrical noise, line noise, power line EMI (electromagnetic interference), and microsurge electrical pollution.
You can test for dirty electricity using a meter that can measure electromagnetic interference or EMI. Some meters that can be used to measure dirty electricity include the AM radio, Graham-Stetzer meter, Line Noise EMI meter, and the oscilloscope or spectrum analyzer.
Dirty electricity can interfere with the proper functioning of appliances and electronic equipment. It may also cause health problems such as cancer, asthma, sleep disturbances, fatigue, skin rashes, and tingling sensations.
