How
to Use an EMF Meter for Successful Paranormal Investigation
Many paranormal groups have recently
sprung up, their enthusiasm fired by TV shows, they invariably rush out
to buy their own EMF meter and without a backward glance at the research
material suddenly have the means to detect ghosts and ghostly activity.
To make matters worse still, these ‘investigators’ then go on to
encounter perfectly normal EMF levels that trigger their detector and
after a quick sweep over the main wiring to pronounce it not the cause
they happily declare the location haunted and have proved it to be so!
The first problem with that theory is
walking along with any item of EMF detection can cause the unit to
register EMF present, this is simply because we too can produce EMF (see
Items That Emit EMF at the end of this article), a better example would
be static, some items of clothing when rubbing together can cause a
small build up of electrical energy. Therefore if an investigator does
record results in these conditions, they should be discounted or other
experiments take place to determine further information.
Most paranormal Investigators simply do
not possess the knowledge of the effects or the correct areas of the EMF
range which are important for our research. There is a disturbing trend
seen in recent years and one that seems to be spreading rapidly! That is
shown by groups who possess EMF measuring instruments without any
knowledge whatsoever what they are looking for or even why. Many also
believe that ghosts emit or give off EMF radiation and that when their
EMF detector ‘goes off’ then it has detected the presence of a ghost. As
far as is known ghosts are not known for their ability to radiate EMF’s
and so such an idea is counter-productive and unlikely to further our
knowledge. Most of this poor information comes from the Internet, and
further compounded by a number of TV shows that claim to be
investigating the paranormal and appear to be using these EMF detectors
as ‘Ghost Detectors’. Therefore in addition to any item of EMF
detection, each investigator should look into the background of physics
and EMF’s before the use of the equipment, this research is invaluable.
Much information is available, but look for the correct sources.
So, use of any EMF unit can determine
the wiring system of any room, logging all information, this can then
assist in later detections, and therefore discount some of the
information, remember these fields can emit outwards, and can be found
in central area’s away from the actual source.
In truth, EMF’s are to be found within
most environments and locations and with a huge variation in their
amplitude too. It is therefore wrong to simply assume that any EMF that
is detected is of an anomalous or paranormal origin without extensive
testing. Even then, the tools that are available may simply be the wrong
item of equipment and may not be capable of detecting the cause of the
emissions.
Most investigators call for baseline
measurements to be taken, although there may actually be problems with
this. An EMF source within an area, may depend upon the current
transmissions through a wiring system at any time. Imagine a room with
all electrical appliances and other sources being used at the same time,
the EMF emissions will be higher than when, in most circumstances, a
paranormal investigation is taking place, lights are usually off, and
appliances unused. This should show a distinctly different Electro
Magnetic Field. As a result, recordings may give an investigator a false
overview of the area concerned. Additionally, power surges do occur,
this must also be kept in mind if and when higher than normal EMF
results are found during any assessment.
After determining all possibilities, the
device should be placed in an area of EMF interest and left, if the
device has the option to connect to a PC via wiring, this is probably
the best practice, as no outside interference should affect recordings,
set up a taped off area where colleagues or witnesses can not enter, and
watch for information changes on screen. If the unit does not have the
PC option, again it should be left and via either CCTV be observed, or
by a regular visual check from a distance as far as possible. All
results should be noted, and checked for trends and results of interest.
It seems that environmental EMF’s are
linked to anomalous personal experiences. In one experiment a group of
test volunteers reported a higher number of feelings of being watched or
uncomfortable in particular areas where the EMF was higher than in areas
where no ‘paranormal’ activity had been reported. Many ghosthunters
carry an EMF detector. In fact the EMF detector is the current number 1
‘must have’ tool for any self respecting ghosthunter. Most of the
devices available to the average paranormal investigator are designed
purely to measure the amount of EMF that is given off by domestic
appliances at 60Hz . These devices simply measure too high a frequency
to be of any use. Laboratory experiments have indicated that the
critical frequencies that affect the mind are much lower, in the 0.5Hz –
30Hz range.
Brain activity is seen typically into
ranges referred to by Greek letters: Delta (0.5-4Hz), Theta (5-7Hz),
Alpha (8-12Hz), Beta (18-30Hz) and Gamma (30-50Hz).
It is the lower ranges Delta – Beta that
typically cause the subject to experience events that they may describe
as being paranormal. Equipment to measure EMF in these ranges is rare
and almost without exception very expensive.
So to conclude, revise the background
information of the area you are recording, check the area thoroughly
before and after any Ghosthunt, record all results, and if still
uncertain, contact an organization who have produced experiments and
reports on the subject for further advice.
