Electromagnetic Surveys

Electromagnetic site surveys are used to evaluate the electromagnetic environment at specific locations and including measurements of frequency, field strength and other parameters.
Frequencies of interest may include Radio Frequencies (RF) used for radio-communications or industrial, scientific and medical applications. Other surveys may involve measurements of electrical or magnetic fields at frequencies associated with electrical power at 50 Hz or 60 Hz (sometimes referred to as Extremely Low Frequencies or ELF).

Electromagnetic site surveys may be required for many reasons including:

• Identifying sources of electrical interference problems.
• Determining whether a site is suitable for locating sensitive electronic equipment or instruments.
• Quantifying shielding requirements required to solve electromagnetic interference problems.
• Investigation of electromagnetic field or RF exposure levels for health and safety assessments.

Wave Scientific offer electromagnetic surveys over any frequency range from DC (0 Hz) up to 40 GHz and beyond including power frequencies (e.g. 50 Hz or 60 Hz), cellular bands for mobile phones as well as other commonly used communication and Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) frequency bands.

We can perform site surveys for you in all environments and conditions both indoors and outdoors and can supply you with survey reports that can be readily understood with information to help you interpret the data when required. We can also advise you on shielding and filtering solutions to reduce electromagnetic fields to acceptable levels depending on your individual requirements.

Contact us to discuss your electromagnetic survey requirements.

Radio Frequency (RF) surveys

Radio Frequency surveys include measurements of signal strengths which may be at frequencies from a few kHz up to many GHz. This covers the frequency spectrum of common radio communication equipment, as well as frequencies used in Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) applications.

The type of signals that need to be evaluated will depend on the purpose of the survey, so each survey is uniquely tailored to your requirements. We offer measurements covering a wide frequency and dynamic range and can also monitor signals that vary with time.

Reasons for requiring measurements at radio frequencies are varied but include:

• Identifying the source of radio interference problems.
• Measurements at the planning stage of construction projects to quantify the electromagnetic environment and identify potential problems early in development.
• Assessment of a particular site or environment prior to installation of sensitive equipment.
• Measurement of workplace or residential environments for assessment against ICNIRP and similar guidelines related to the health effects from exposure to electromagnetic fields.
• Assessing electromagnetic fields which may cause interfere with implantable medical devices (e.g. pacemakers).

Power frequency and ELF surveys

Measurements of Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) fields are often performed in order to quantify electric and magnetic fields from electrical installations.

These fields arise from the transmission and use of electricity at AC power frequencies (typically 50 Hz or 60 Hz). Relatively high field levels can be measured in the vicinity of power distribution equipment (e.g. high voltage power lines, substation transformers and electrical switchgear) as well as electrical motors and other high power electrical equipment, particularly in industrial environments.

These power frequency electric and magnetic fields may interfere with sensitive electrical and electronic equipment. Human exposure may also be of concern due to health effects resulting from exposure to high levels of power frequency electric and magnetic field.

Power frequency surveys are often performed during construction projects to assess the potential impact of electric and magnetic fields from power distribution systems and other electrical installations.

We also provide measurements to assess electromagnetic field exposure against ICNIRP guidelines including exposure to power frequency magnetic and electric fields from electrical cables, pylons, substations and other electrical distribution infrastructure.

Contact us to discuss your electromagnetic survey requirements.