EMF Meters

[Lauraakafoxy]

There is a strong link to ghosts and emf, no one is sure exactly what is going on, but emf fluctuations have been noted during paranormal activity and some experts link some emf fluctuations to the evp phenomenon,

EMF meters have been labeled a must for ghost hunting, this can be true if used correctly, and understanding that not only ghosts can cause EMF fluctuations

An EMF meter is a simple device with an inductor coil as a pickup coupled to an amplifier, when EMF is over a coil (or wire) it produces current (the opposite is also true, when a current is passed through a wire, EMF are produced), this current is then amplified to a readable output,

most EMF meters on the market are callibrated to 50/60hz this is the main frequency of the worlds electrical supply, so these devices are more likely to pick up readings from normal electrical appliances that emit these frequencies so base line tests are a must to establish any natural or man made electro magnetic fields and to make notes of there strength and position

[baruc]

Personally, I have yet to see any strong evidence to link the two but I think that the theory holds water, the only flaw being that you have to prove that ghosts exist first before you can start to measure them.

Unfortunately, the majority of meters used on investigations (and I use the term loosely) are unsuitable for the task and even those that are suitable are usually used incorrectly, invalidating any results.

Kind Regards
Baruc.

[Steve]

When using an EMF meter on an investigation it is important to carry out 'Baseline Tests' prior to the vigils, this will give you an idea of areas that already have have high readings of EMF.

Although an area that previously gave no reading could of course give a reading later in the night due to electrical equipment being turned on etc.

We also have to be careful of cables hidden in walls or under floors etc.

If during an investigation an EMF meter gives high readings in an area where the baseline test showed little or no reading, then a logical explanation should be sought. If there is no obvious explanation, then the reading could be classed as 'Paranormal'
After all one explanation of the word 'paranormal' is 'Something that has no scientific explanation'.

A couple of years ago I was staying at a supposedly Haunted Hotel just outside Oxford. I took my EMF meter along with me (Much to my partners dismay !) I did lots of tests with it during the day in the room with no abnormal readings. (except for the obvious around light fittings and cables etc) I did the same tests in the evening and at night with the same results.
BUT- A few times, later on (12-1 am) there was an extremely high reading over the centre of the bed (four poster of course !) This reading peaked for a couple of minutes the fell back to normal, and only occurred on my side of the bed ! no one was in the bed, the reading was the same with all the lights on or off and only occurred about 1-2ft above the mattress and in an area of about 3ft by 3ft. I looked for hidden cables electric blanket etc but none were found. I could not get the same high readings during the day or early evening.
To my mind this was indeed paranormal.

Steve.

[Steve]

The current edition of 'Paranormal Magazine' (Dec 08) carries an article by ASSAP (Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena). Titled 'Science Vs Pseudo-science'

The article states that too many 'ghost investigation teams' are suffering from 'pseudo-science' with too many gadgets including 'cheap EMF meters from eBay'. They say the best way to start out investigating is sitting quietly listening for noises etc and perhaps using a voice recorder and camera. Then trying to explain any noises rationally and getting use to the noises that buildings make when sitting in the dark with your senses heightened.

I do agree with the sitting quietly bit ! and the more you do it the more you will find rational explanations for some of the noises etc.

Here at Essex Paranormal we use a good combination of investigation techniques, including sitting quietly, divination and 'scientific' equipment.

They state the there is no proven scientific connection between high EMF readings and 'Ghosts'
BUT I ask is there scientific proof that high EMF readings and paranormal phenomena are NOT connected ?

They say that the use of EMF meters came about as a misunderstanding of parappsychological theory that certain EM fields could lead to hallucinations that could be interpreted as manifestations etc. (I think they are referring to 'infra sound' - low frequency noise that can not be heard but can be picked up as vibrations and cause certain sensations such as hallucinations and being touched etc). They say that an EMF meter cannot pickup these low frequencies. Which is probably true.

As I stated in my post above. If EMF meters are used correctly and not just waved about at an investigation then I believe they can be useful.

The article also states that all 'scientific' equipment should be used foremost to help prove natural causes of phenomena.
I agree to a certain extent, thermometers can be used to trace draughts etc to prove why a particular area is colder than the rest of the room. EMF meters used with proper baseline tests can show high areas of EMF due to cables, sockets or other electrical sources prior to the start of the invest, so those areas can be discounted if they show high readings when someone 'senses' something in that area.

But it's the times when EMF readings are high in a particular area during the investigation and no rational explanation can be found, then to my mind that can be classed as 'paranormal'.

So until it has been scientifically proved that high EMF readings are nothing paranormal and can be explained in all cases, I shall be using my meter 'carefully' on our investigations !

I am not wishing to debunk the work of ASSAP, they do some very valuable work in the scientific area of paranormal investigation, their website has some very useful information on it. But I just think they should be slightly more open minded on subjects that have been neither proved nor disproved.

I will now climb down off my soap box !

Steve.

[baruc]

I think that its a case of pot kettle black in respect of the author.

Kind Regards
Baruc.

[cheekyboy]

Nov 23, 2008 14:13:58 GMT Steve said:

The current edition of 'Paranormal Magazine' (Dec 08) carries an article by ASSAP (Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena). Titled 'Science Vs Pseudo-science'

The article states that too many 'ghost investigation teams' are suffering from 'pseudo-science' with too many gadgets including 'cheap EMF meters from eBay'. They say the best way to start out investigating is sitting quietly listening for noises etc and perhaps using a voice recorder and camera. Then trying to explain any noises rationally and getting use to the noises that buildings make when sitting in the dark with your senses heightened.

I do agree with the sitting quietly bit ! and the more you do it the more you will find rational explanations for some of the noises etc.

Here at Essex Paranormal we use a good combination of investigation techniques, including sitting quietly, divination and 'scientific' equipment.

They state the there is no proven scientific connection between high EMF readings and 'Ghosts'
BUT I ask is there scientific proof that high EMF readings and paranormal phenomena are NOT connected ?

They say that the use of EMF meters came about as a misunderstanding of parappsychological theory that certain EM fields could lead to hallucinations that could be interpreted as manifestations etc. (I think they are referring to 'infra sound' - low frequency noise that can not be heard but can be picked up as vibrations and cause certain sensations such as hallucinations and being touched etc). They say that an EMF meter cannot pickup these low frequencies. Which is probably true.

As I stated in my post above. If EMF meters are used correctly and not just waved about at an investigation then I believe they can be useful.

The article also states that all 'scientific' equipment should be used foremost to help prove natural causes of phenomena.
I agree to a certain extent, thermometers can be used to trace draughts etc to prove why a particular area is colder than the rest of the room. EMF meters used with proper baseline tests can show high areas of EMF due to cables, sockets or other electrical sources prior to the start of the invest, so those areas can be discounted if they show high readings when someone 'senses' something in that area.

But it's the times when EMF readings are high in a particular area during the investigation and no rational explanation can be found, then to my mind that can be classed as 'paranormal'.

So until it has been scientifically proved that high EMF readings are nothing paranormal and can be explained in all cases, I shall be using my meter 'carefully' on our investigations !

I am not wishing to debunk the work of ASSAP, they do some very valuable work in the scientific area of paranormal investigation, their website has some very useful information on it. But I just think they should be slightly more open minded on subjects that have been neither proved nor disproved.

I will now climb down off my soap box !

Steve.

well said!