Otis Singleton
Dirty electricity (DE) refers to the electromagnetic noise on the mains wiring of a house, which can be caused by internal devices such as dimmer switches, televisions, and computers. DE is characterised by high-frequency electrical noise, typically above 1000 Hz (1 kHz) and extending into the MHz region. DE can be generated by devices with switched-mode power supplies, which are commonly found in modern energy-efficient devices. The radio-frequencies produced by DE can be detected using an ordinary AM radio and may have potential health implications, with some studies suggesting a link between exposure to DE and increased cancer risks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | High-frequency radiation that exists on electrical wiring, typically above 2 kHz |
| Other Names | Dirty mains, dirty power, electrical pollution |
| Frequency Range | 2 kHz and upwards |
| Sources | Devices with "switched-mode power supplies", variable speed motors, solar panel inverters, induction cooker hobs, dimmer switches, televisions, fluorescent light bulbs, computers, and more |
| Measurement Tools | Stetzer Microsurge meter, AM radio |
| Health Concerns | Increased cancer risk, negative impact on health and well-being, potential risk factor in neurodegenerative diseases |
| Mitigation | Reduce the presence of dirty-electricity promoting devices, use filters |
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What You'll Learn
Dirty electricity (DE) is electrical noise above 1 kHz
Dirty electricity (DE), also known as electrical pollution, is a term that refers to the problem of electromagnetic noise on the mains wiring of a house. DE is electrical noise above 1 kHz or 1000 Hz. It is mostly from devices with "switched-mode power supplies", but includes short, sharp transient spikes from inductive loads like motors being switched on and off. DE can travel into your house on the local electricity supply, or it can be generated by devices in your home. In the UK, for example, the incoming supply is normally quite clean, so most DE is generated by internal devices.
DE is the least understood and hardest to mitigate of the four types of EMFs. It can be measured with a meter, such as the Stetzer Microsurge meter, which measures noise between about 2 kHz and 120 kHz. However, DE noise extends up into the MHz region, and most DE is below 1 MHz. DE is also associated with radio-frequencies above 150 kHz that go up to several tens of MHz.
Common large contributors to DE include solar panel inverters, induction cooker hobs, dimmer switches, televisions, fluorescent light bulbs (including CFLs, or energy-efficient bulbs), and computers. Any device that has a "switched-mode power supply" will naturally create DE. Switch mode power supplies are miniature, chip-based transformers that reduce voltage in space-limited devices like computers and energy-efficient light bulbs.
Dirty electricity can also come from variable speed motors, such as those found in front-load washing machines and new, energy-efficient furnaces. The inverters of solar panels are a known source of DE, producing a 20,000 Hz (20 kHz) fundamental frequency that travels as DE throughout the house and to neighbours' houses.
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DE is associated with devices with switched-mode power supplies
Dirty electricity (DE), also known as electrical pollution, is a term used to describe the problem of electromagnetic noise on the mains wiring of a house. DE is mostly generated by devices with "switched-mode power supplies" (SMPS). These are electronic power supplies that incorporate a switching regulator to convert electrical power efficiently. They are commonly found in energy-efficient light bulbs and electronic devices, such as computers and televisions.
SMPS operates at a high switching frequency, ranging from several hundred kHz to several MHz. This is in contrast to the 50 or 60 Hz mains frequency used by the transformer in a linear power supply. The higher switching frequency allows for a smaller and lighter transformer. However, it can also cause electrical noise problems if not carefully suppressed. DE consists of high-frequency "electrical noise" of 1000 Hz (1 kHz) and upwards that becomes superimposed on the wires.
DE can be measured using a Stetzer Microsurge meter, which detects noise between 2 kHz and 120 kHz. However, DE noise can extend up into the MHz region. It is important to note that DE fields do not extend long distances into a room from the devices that generate them. Instead, they ride on circuits and plastic appliance cords, emanating a few feet off these wires.
DE can be mitigated by reducing the presence of devices that promote it. This includes dimmer switches, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and certain LEDs and halogen lights. Additionally, electrically hypersensitive (EHS) individuals may want to avoid installing solar panels, as their inverters are known to produce DE.
Overall, DE is closely associated with devices that utilize switched-mode power supplies, and understanding this relationship can help in taking appropriate corrective steps to reduce DE levels.
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DE can be generated by internal devices in the home
Dirty electricity (DE) is a term that describes electromagnetic noise on the mains wiring of a house. DE can travel into your home via the local electricity supply, but it is also commonly generated by devices inside the home. In the UK, for example, the incoming electricity supply is usually quite clean, so most DE is generated by internal devices.
DE consists of high-frequency "electrical noise" of 1000 Hz (1 kHz) and above, which becomes superimposed on your wires. DE is mostly generated by devices with ""switched-mode power supplies", but it also includes short, sharp transient spikes from inductive loads like motors being switched on and off. DE frequencies can extend up into the MHz region, and while they do not extend long distances into rooms from the devices that generate them, they can travel through circuits and plastic appliance cords, emanating a few feet off these wires.
There are many devices that can generate DE inside a home. Common large contributors to DE include solar panel inverters, induction cooker hobs, dimmer switches, televisions, fluorescent light bulbs (including compact fluorescent lamps or CFLs), and computers. Any device with a "switched-mode power supply" will naturally create DE, and most modern, energy-efficient electronic devices now have them. These are miniature, chip-based transformers that reduce voltage in space-limited areas like computers and energy-efficient light bulbs.
Other sources of DE inside the home include variable speed motors found in front-load washing machines and new, energy-efficient furnaces. The motor control circuit board of variable speed furnace motors, in particular, distorts the 60 Hz sine wave, which bothers many electrically hypersensitive (EHS) individuals. Additionally, smart home devices and appliances, such as smart plugs, light switches, fixtures, and appliances, can also contribute to DE.
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DE meters don't detect radio frequencies above 150 kHz
Dirty electricity (DE) is a term used to describe the problem of electromagnetic noise on the mains wiring of a house. DE is mostly generated by devices with "switched-mode power supplies", which include solar panel inverters, induction cooker hobs, dimmer switches, televisions, fluorescent light bulbs, and computers. These devices produce high-frequency "electrical noise" of 1000 Hz (1 kHz) and above, which can be measured with a Stetzer Microsurge meter. However, it is important to note that DE meters do not detect radio frequencies above 150 kHz.
DE is considered a form of electromagnetic pollution, and exposure to high-frequency voltage transients (HFVT) or dirty electricity has been linked to potential health risks. While the studies published on this topic have methodological flaws, they suggest a possible association between DE and increased cancer risks, as well as various health improvements when DE is removed or reduced.
DE is challenging to mitigate due to its unique characteristics compared to other types of electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Unlike other EMFs, DE fields do not extend long distances from the devices that generate them. Instead, they travel through circuits and plastic appliance cords throughout the house, emitting frequencies a few feet off these wires. This is particularly true for unshielded circuits and plugged-in cords, which are commonly found in most homes.
While metal-clad circuits can provide shielding from 60 Hz AC electric fields, they do not offer protection against magnetic fields below 1 MHz. Since most DE falls below 1 MHz, it can still affect individuals even in homes with metal-clad circuits. This limitation highlights the complexity of addressing DE and the need for comprehensive solutions.
In conclusion, while DE meters are useful tools for measuring and understanding DE, they have limitations in detecting radio frequencies above 150 kHz. This restriction underscores the multifaceted nature of DE and the importance of adopting a range of strategies to reduce its presence and potential health impacts.
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DE is linked to health issues and increased cancer risks
Dirty electricity ?(DE) is a term used to describe electromagnetic noise on the mains wiring of a house. DE is caused by spikes and surges in electrical wiring and is often attributed to various electrical devices, dimmer light switches, and compact fluorescent light bulbs. DE consists of high-frequency electrical noise of 1000 Hz (1 kHz) and above, with noise extending up into the MHz region. While DE is not a scientific term, it has been linked to several health issues and concerns about increased cancer risks.
Several health issues have been associated with exposure to DE, including headaches, anxiety, nausea, fatigue, and loss of libido. Some people also report symptoms such as sleeplessness, general pains, and even cancer and suicide. However, it is important to note that scientific evidence does not currently support a direct link between these symptoms and exposure to electromagnetic fields. Any health problems may be caused by other factors, such as noise or anxiety related to new technologies. Nonetheless, the concern around DE has led to the development of filters that can be plugged into home outlets to reduce the signal from harmonics and, thus, the level of DE.
The potential health effects of DE are believed to result from changes in cell communication and reaction to invaders. This constant state of stress for the body and cells can suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to disease and infection. Experts consider DE a contributing factor to behaviour issues and diseases. Notably, Dr Sam Milham's book, "Dirty Electricity: Electrification and The Diseases of Civilization", highlights a sudden increase in cancer diagnoses among teachers and students at a school in California. Milham found that teachers who spent more than ten years in a room with high levels of DE had "seven times more cancer than would be expected by chance".
The link between DE and cancer has been further supported by studies showing increased cancer risks associated with environmental exposure to high-frequency voltage transients (HFVT), also known as DE. Removal of 4-100 kHz HFVT from 50-60 Hz ELF circuits has been linked to improvements in various health areas, including plasma glucose levels in diabetic patients, symptoms of multiple sclerosis, asthma, insomnia, and student behaviour. However, these studies have been criticised for methodological flaws, preventing a definitive conclusion about a causal relationship.
DE can be generated by various devices, including induction cooker hobs, dimmer switches, televisions, fluorescent light bulbs, computers, and solar panel inverters. It is important to note that DE frequencies do not extend long distances into a room from the generating devices. Instead, they ride on circuits and appliance cords, emanating a few feet off these wires. While metal-clad circuits can shield against 60 Hz AC electric fields, they do not protect against magnetic fields below 1 MHz, where most DE falls.
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Frequently asked questions
Dirty electricity (DE) is a term used to describe electromagnetic noise on the mains wiring of a house. It involves high-frequency radiation that exists on electrical wiring, typically above 2 kHz.
Dirty electricity occupies the spectrum between the power frequency fields (50/60 Hz) created by power lines and microwaves produced by wireless devices (MHz and GHz waves). DE can also involve radio frequencies in the kHz range.
Common sources of dirty electricity include solar panel inverters, induction cooker hobs, dimmer switches, televisions, fluorescent light bulbs, and computers. Any device with a ""switched-mode power supply" will create DE.
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