EMF Guidelines:
ELF magnetic and electric fields
Minimize your exposure to ELF magnetic and electric fields as much as possible.
In areas where you spend more than 4 hours a day,
keep your exposure at least below the recommended precautionary values.
Precautionary values
ELF MAGNETIC field
Average (AVG)
Maximum (MAX)
ELF ELECTRIC field
Maximum (MAX)
nT
mG
nT
mG
V/m
Sensitive
populations
30
0.3
300
3
0.3
Daytime exposure
100
1
1,000
10
10
Nighttime exposure
100
1
1,000
10
1
Measurement specifications
Basis for evaluation of ELF MAGNETIC fields
Average and maximum values (RMS)
Short-term spot measurements, also to identify
magnetic field source(s)Long-term measurements in bed or at workplace,
at least for 24 hMains current (50/60 Hz) and railway current (16.7 Hz) should be evaluated separately, if applicable.
Distinct harmonics should be evaluated more critically.
Basis for evaluation of ELF ELECTRIC fields
Maximum values (RMS)
Work areas: 3- to 6-point measurement grid
Sleeping areas: 9-point measurement grid
Short-term spot measurements, also to identify
electric field source(s)Long-term measurements not needed
Distinct harmonics should be evaluated more critically.
Measuring instruments and methods
Back to EUROPAEM EMF Guideline
Last modified on 27 January 2025
Measuring instruments and methods
Magnetic field meter
Isotropic field probe
Magnetic flux density in nT or mG
Frequency range: 50 Hz – 2 kHz
EMF sources:
50/60 Hz mains power
16.7 Hz railway networks
400 Hz on airplanes
Electric field meter
Isotropic field probe
Electric field in V/m without ground reference
Frequency range: 50 Hz – 2 kHz
EMF sources:
50/60 Hz mains power
16.7 Hz railway networks