Overview

Evaluation of EMF Measurement Devices DC, AC, and RF Fields:

The objective of this research is to assist the electric utility industry in evaluating the types, characteristics, and quality of various EMF measurement devices available in the marketplace, both domestically and internationally, to measure DC, AC, and RF sources. Although the focus is on higher quality devices, consumer- grade instruments may also be included for comparison purposes. Part 1 of the project will involve polling utility members to gather information on the equipment they currently use and conducting an internet search to identify available equipment. Based on the findings from this initial study, Part 2 may involve developing characterization protocols for each type of meter, acquiring samples, and performing detailed characterization measurements.

EMF Myth Busters: Evaluating Effectiveness of Consumer EMF Protection Products:

This project aims to assess the effectiveness of consumer-grade EMF protection devices commonly marketed to the public. With growing concerns around EMF exposure, many individuals invest in mitigation products that may not deliver scientifically validated results. By testing these devices in controlled environments, the project will provide utilities with clear, evidence-based insights into their performance. This information will empower utility representatives to engage more confidently and transparently with the public, helping to dispel misinformation, support informed decision-making, and strengthen community trust.

Evaluation of EMF Impacts from Grid-Enhancing Technologies and New Designs/Operational Approaches:

Evaluating the impacts of EMF exposure early in the design phase is crucial for utilities, especially when adopting new technologies or new operational approaches. Early assessment allows for the identification and mitigation of potential risks to both human health and non-human biota, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and public safety standards. By assessing the EMF environment and their potential effects, utilities can design systems that minimize adverse impacts, optimize performance, and avoid costly modifications later. Additionally, proactive evaluation supports informed decision-making and fosters trust with the local community. Utilities are considering the adoption of new grid-enhancing technologies and operational approaches to meet electricity needs. Our project will monitor new grid technologies/designs and assess their EMF exposure impacts. This ensures our members can integrate the latest innovations into their transmission and distribution designs, optimizing performance while protecting health and the environment.

EMF Software and Database Maintenance:

This project develops and maintains calculational tools and databases to assist utilities in managing EMF and RF exposures for workers and the public. EMFast Web is a user-friendly, web-based EMF modeling software designed for quick and reliable calculations of EMF near one or more transmission or distribution lines. The EMF Occupational Exposure Database is an innovative tool that EPRI members can use to inform their characterization and assessment of magnetic fields associated with typical equipment and tasks in the electric power industry. Evaluating EMF levels in the work environment is a crucial component of return-to-work policies for employees with implantable medical devices. The EMF Residential Exposure Database offers members a unique resource of EMF residential exposure measurements from multiple regions worldwide, enabling them to investigate trends and provide context when explaining EMF values to the public. Additional calculational tools will be developed, based on member needs.

Characterization of Electrical Vehicle Charging Technologies:

Electric vehicles (EVs) play a key role in the electrification of the grid. Viewed by many as financially and environmentally beneficial, members of the public and electric power industries are moving toward EVs for their day-to-day operations. To facilitate adoption, many utilities are considering hosting or developing charging infrastructure that will be used by the public and/or workers. There is a growing desire for rapid charging in which the vehicle operator may stay in the vehicle during charging. The potential for EMF exposure to vehicle operators or nearby people during charging operations is a potential public concern, especially as it relates to health effects or interference with implantable medical devices. This project aims to identify EV charging technologies and perform characterization measurements during vehicle charging for a representative sample to help inform a utility’s electric vehicle charging strategy.

EMF Exposures from Home Electrification:

The EMF environment in and around a home is changing because of the introduction of new electrification technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (for example, solar panels, battery storage, EV charging, induction stoves, and heat pumps). In addition, there are increasing and diverse RF exposure sources in the home because of the adoption of more artificial intelligence (AI)-based appliances and wireless connectivity applications. This project provides updated EMF characterization information of various new home electrification technologies to inform adoption and utility risk communication.

Radio-Frequency Exposures to 5G Base Stations:

During the past few years, the introduction of 5G technology in the wireless telecommunications industry has resulted in the installation of high-power systems that can be near the workplace of electric utility employees. Assessing potential exposure to workers in these environments is complicated because of the variability in direction and intensity of the moving beams from beamforming technology. 5G beamforming technology makes use of multi-input-multioutput (MIMO) technology to improve communication efficiency and enhance communication integrity despite interference or obstructions. This project intends to investigate how RF fields may change near a utility worker when MIMO technology is applied. The results of this work can help inform exposure compliance assessments for workers who may need to work near 5G base stations.

Planning and Mitigation Approaches to Minimize Worker Radio-Frequency Burns from Nearby AM Radio Stations:

The long-wavelength RF fields produced by AM radio stations couple easily with very large conductive structures, such as the wires and metal poles associated with overhead power lines. In some cases, the configuration of power line wires can exhibit a resonance with the AM station frequency, leading to very strong RF currents being induced in the “inadvertent antennas” formed by power line conductors. Risk of RF- induced current and burn injury to utility workers can be made worse when power lines are deenergized and grounded for maintenance. This project is intended to provide members with guidance and resources to identify the potential for high induced RF voltages on power line structures that are near AM radio broadcast stations using an RF field prediction algorithm and the location of AM radio stations. The study also intends to evaluate the factors, worker scenarios, or electrical environments that could lead to burns and provide the industry with practical guidance to prevent and mitigate their occurrence.

Factors Affecting Extremely Low Frequency Immunity Limits for Implantable Medical Devices:

The typical evaluation for extremely low-frequency (ELF) EMF interference with implantable medical devices usually assumes that a person is in a uniform, unperturbed electric field, erect, arms at side, and perfectly grounded. However, for a variety of work activities and situations, this typical approach may not be appropriate because it represents an ideal scenario and may be overly conservative. The objective of this work is to describe and analyze various situations (such as climbing a steel lattice tower or working isolated from an electrical ground in a “bucket truck”) to determine if alternate assumptions and parameters should be considered when assessing worker EMF exposure and medical implant interference for different work environments of the electric power industry. Utilities could apply this research as part of their return-to-work policy for workers with implantable medical devices.

EMF Now and EMF/RF Technical Webinars:

EMF Now is a monthly publication and summary of curated EMF study results to keep members current on scientific studies being conducted around the world as well as related developments, such as media coverage, litigation, and public opposition to new projects. Webinars are intended to be scheduled throughout the year to provide timely information on various technical topics of member interest. Whenever possible, topics are to be solicited from the program membership. In the past, webinars were conducted on topics such as dirty electricity, EMF measurements for the public, effects of induced current on large vehicles, and electromagnetic hypersensitivity.