Electromagnetic field meters, or "EMF" meters or readers, are useful in many roles. They are commonly used for routine diagnosis of electrical systems, and also, famously, as tools for detecting paranormal activity. Though these kinds of uses are radically different, the main function of the electromagnetic field meter is the same: to find a "level" of electromagnetic intensity for any given location.

Businesses who want to get EMF reading into their set of skills and services can look to the Internet for a variety of training options for learning to use these interesting and useful tools for measuring electromagnetic fields. Web users can find the following:

1. Program offers from schools and colleges, where using electromagnetic field meters is part of a greater education on the nature of electromagnetic fields.

2. Electromagnetic field testers information from how-to, tutorial or guide pages available for free on the net.

3. More from public web forums on the uses of EMF readers "in the field."

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find scholastic training for electromagnetic field testers

Trades schools, colleges, or independent learning centers can offer opportunities for learning about how to use EMF readers and other tools. This can be an efficient solution for a business that needs to really know what's behind the use of a reader or meter to measure this kind of energy-related manifestation.

I recommend: VitaTech Engineering provides an electromagnetic field tester program including theory on the electromagnetic spectrum, training for tools like industrial electromagnetic field testers and much more. Get more training on EMF readers and tools from state schools like Boise State -- look for the "electromagnetic tools" aspects listed in course offerings online.

Locate more on electromagnetic field testers from handy info pages

Other sites offer practical guides on using EMF readers, including selecting your tools based on the aspects you will be studying, and more on what EMF readers actually do.

I recommend: Find a detailed guide to using an electromagnetic field tester or Gauss reader to measure electromagnetic emissions from various common objects in the home at Natural News. Readers can use the tips for selecting electromagnetic field testers at The EMF Safety Superstore to help with finding the right industrial electromagnetic field tester for the job.

Get more info on electromagnetic field testers from public web forums

For learning more about these handy tools, there are a variety of web forums where users post on using EMF readers and more. Some are posting and blogging about EMF reading for 'general electronics,' but others are holding forth on the ghost-hunting uses of this item -- the electromagnetic field meter is a hot commodity in the world of phantom pursuits and lots of online posters want you to know about it! If this is the kind of business you want to be in, pay attention.

I recommend: Check out posts on EMF readers as ghost hunting tools at Paranormal Soup. Find details on the workings of the EMF reader for testing magnetic fields as well as user posts at Slippery Brick.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Let your electromagnetic field meters education and training go beyond just how to use the tool, into a study of EMF reading in today's high-tech world. The issue of growing EMF proliferation is going to be a big issue in coming years; these training opportunities can help a business be in the vanguard of educating the public.

Electromagnetic field meters provide a means for detecting electromagnetic radiation. This energy contains both electric and magnetic fields while transferring energy from one location to another. Energy moves through a wire and external to the wire. Common media include power lines, electrical wiring, cables, cell phones, appliances and free travel from an antenna. Some sources, such as radio stations and garage door openers, produce waves intentionally, while others, such as computer systems and medical equipment, give off unintentional or undesirable waves as a byproduct of other activity.

The prices for electromagnetic field meters cover a wide range. Each model contains specific calibration parameters and features. Hand held meters remain popular choices with digital LCD screens. When buying an electromagnetic field meter consider the following:

1. Buy a low priced EMF (electromagnetic field) meter for personal, office or home use.

2. Consider the needed measurement applications before purchasing an industrial EMF tester.

3. Purchase a single or triple axis meter based on your allocated budget.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find low priced electromagnetic field meters for average use

These selections don't have all the bells and whistles but provide readings for many electrical devices and appliances. They provide an entry point for personal, office and home use.

I recommend: Get a CellSensor EMF detection meter, single-axis gauss, for detecting electromagnetic fields from power lines, computers, appliances and wiring at HealthGoods, LLC. Select the model of choice from several low priced magnetic field meters that include a general purpose EMF detector, an analog meter with audible tone or a meter with fast response rate at Pro-Measure, a division of DAS Distribution, Inc.

Locate industrial electromagnetic field testers for big jobs

These electrical magnetic field meters provide the measurement specifications needed in industrial and commercial settings.

I recommend: Check out the Extech triple-axis electromagnetic field tester for measuring EMF around appliances, power lines and industrial devices with large LCD display at Fotronic Corporation’s Test Equipment Depot. Contact Hotek Technologies, Inc. after selecting the right model from the list for an electromagnetic field monitor with tripod mounting and suitable for many sources including industrial, scientific and medical equipment. Scroll down the page at Less EMF, Inc. to “Commercial Grade AC Magnetic Field Meter” with models calibrated to check 50Hz, 60 Hz or 180 Hz, ideal for measuring transmission lines and electrical devices.

Find single-axis electromagnetic field meters with good specs

A single-axis electromagnetic fields meter costs less that the triple axis model because they take longer to process the electrical field. To obtain X, Y and Z-axis the meter needs manual directional turning to correlate and provide the readings of the axis.

I recommend: Go to Professional Equipment, a division of Lab Safety Supply, Inc., for a selection of nicely priced single-axis low frequency meters for testing terminals, fans, faulty wiring, power lines, appliances and other devices. Measuring electromagnetic fields is easy with the 3.5-inch LCD readout that uses one 9V alkaline battery in the REED EMF field tester at Efston Science, Inc.

Buy tri-axis electromagnetic field testers to save time

Triple axis eliminates calculating X, Y and Z-axis or turning the meter for a proper reading. These models range higher in price over the single-axis ones.

I recommend: Select from the two triple-axis meters, TM-192 to review up to 500 screen readings or TM-192D that records 9999 readings downloadable to your computer via USB port, with tripods and nice specs at Technika, a Sper Scientific, LTD Company. See the triple-axis field meter with remote sensor probe and 3-foot cable at National Safety Products, Inc. Quantity discounts are available.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Most electromagnetic field meters measure 50-60Hz, common to electrical currents needed for appliances and other home, office and industrial settings. Some of the models listed provide wider ranges of measurements used for multiple applications. Look for models specific to your business field.