EMF Meter Use and Protocol

Purpose:

In a paranormal investigation, EMF readings are taken to discover whether changes in the local Electromagnetic field do or do not accompany paranormal phenomena.

This protocol is designed to ensure that EMF baseline readings and mid-investigation readings are taken in a consistent manner that will allow comparisons to be made between sites, phenomena and different dates.

Materials:

An EMF meter. Spare batteries. Recording tools (usually paper and pen).

Methods:

EMF work will be conducted with a minimum of one and a maximum of three investigators. Where more than one investigator is present, an investigator not working with an EMF meter will take down the readings.
Each room will be treated as a separate space if there are clear delineations (i.e. walls or doors) between one space and another, or as one continual space if these features are not present.
For the baseline readings: The room will be measured and divided into grid-squares, the scale depending on the size of the room, but being no more than a meter square and no smaller than one third of a meter (3ft/1ft respectively). Measurements will be approximate because homeowners are unlikely to allow a formal grid to be drawn out in their property.
An investigator who has been trained in the use of an EMF meter will pace the grid. He will stop for at least 5 seconds in each grid-square, hold the EMF meter where it can be read and take a reading. The investigator will remain still while he does this.
This will be repeated in each room to be investigated.
After the grid is established, any spikes will be investigated. If there are no spikes, readings will be taken from electrical devices - to include power outlets, light switches, wall mounted electrical devices like intercoms, light fittings, air conditioning controls, thermostats, ceiling fans and any domestic appliances present in each room.

During an investigation, EMF spot readings may be taken using the following method:

An investigator trained in the use of an EMF meter will approach a location, stand still and allow the meter to settle. If the reading is higher than the baseline, readings will be taken in the area to determine whether this is a localized spike.
Another EMF meter will be brought in, preferably a tri-axis meter, to confirm the reading. If a tri-axis meter is not available any other single axis EMF meter can be used as long as its calibration is known.
If a spike is confirmed the electrical outlets, devices and appliances should be measured again.

Controls:

Recording sheets will be used that are signed and dated.
Only EMF meters with a known calibration will be used. New meters will not be used to perform baseline or spot readings.
No EMF spike will be treated as significant in itself until it has been shown to be above the baseline, significantly below the baseline and sufficiently removed from sources of electricity to, under normal circumstances or normal operation, produce a negligible reading.
The scale we will use has been provided by the World Health Organization and is >0.02 at a distance of one meter from the appliance.

Data Interpretation:

EMF data will be reviewed and documented by the Investigative Team Lead unless assigned to another investigator.
The EMF logs and the interpretation of the data will become part of the SPI investigation report.