ME 3951A User's Guide
Contents
1. 6 Ideally all measurements are to be repeated during various times of the day and on different days of the week in order to identify fluctuations 7 The additional sound signal that is proportional to the field strength makes the detection of field sources easy Measurement Instructions AC Electric Fields 1 Grounding the Field Meter and the Person Performing the Testing According to relevant guidelines TCO MPR II TUV prior to any electric field testing the field meter needs to be connected to ground potential through the supplied grounding lead in order to obtain reliable reproducible testing results Without a proper connection to ground potential no reliable statements on AC electric fields can be made Unvarnished metal piping for water gas or heating can be used to connect the grounding lead with its grounding clip As an alter native a licensed electrician could also use an alligator clip to establish a grounding connection through the grounding conduc tor in a grounded outlet Warning In case the phase conductor is touched an electric shock hazard may result Picture 06 by GIGAHERTZ SOLUTIONS GmbH 90579 Langenzenn www gigahertz solutions com 9 Measurement Instructions SOLUTIONS Insert the jack plug of the grounding lead into the dedicated socket ground ground icon and at the same time run the grounding lead alongside the case to the back Touch the AC or DC socket with your finger in ord2. As soon as electric power comes back on the instrument will automatically switch back to the adapter Place the adapter as far away from the field meter as possible in order to keep the detection of its emissions as low as possible By making note of the field strength with and without having the adapter plugged into the outlet it is possible to calculate the correction value which of course should be subtracted from the total measurement values Changing Batteries Opening the Case Turn off the field meter and disconnect all extension cords plug ged into it Having the labeled side facing up toward you hold the field meter in your hand or put it down on a table Use the supplied wedge to open the case Picture 23 1 While opening the case hold the instrument firmly in one hand and with the other insert the wedge into the notch on the side about 1 cm 1 2 below the upper corner and press the wedge down on its thick end There the lid will then lift slightly Picture 23 Picture 24 16 by GIGAHERTZ SOLUTIONS GmbH 90579 Langenzenn www gigahertz solutions com Changing Batteries SOLUTIONS 2 The same procedure shall be repeated on the same side but this time about 1 cm 1 2 above the lower corner Picture 24 Now the cover is open on one side Picture 25 3 Points 1 through 2 will also have to be repeated on the opposite side Pictures 25 and 26 Now the cover can be easily lifted off Picture 26 Place
3. Resolution O 1 nt 1al 0 1 V m 1 V m basic tolerance 2 2 2 2 50 Hz tracable calibrated normal Linearity Deviation O0 3nl 3nI 0 2V m 0 2 V m at 50 Hz Offset 04nT 4nT 404V m 0 4 V m at 50 Hz Power Supply 15 20 mA according to the mode of operation 3 5 digit LCD easy to read display indication of field type being measured and low Batt Tone signal proportional to field strength Signal outputs for AC signals up to 30 kHz and DC signals To connect for ex data loggings plotters or head phones for acoustic frequency analysis Test mode to correct Offset Instrument Contents 16 Hz band pass filter 4th order Q Factor 10 be selected 60 Hz high pass filter Sth order be selected 2 kHz high pass filter 5th order be selected At 20 C and 45 of the relative air humidity Measuring procedures according to the international Recogni zed standards of workstations TCO and MPR Dimensions 74 x 122 x 31 mm weight appr 196 grams High flexible grounding lead 5 m to measure electric field strength BNC measurement adapter to connect with a spectru ana lyzer Detailed spezifications and users guide Typical frequency response curve ohne _Filter 100 0V m Filter 1 100 0V m amp Filter 2 100 0V m Filter 3 100 0V m 1dB 100 0V m 3dB 100 0V m electric field strength 1
4. according to the instructions laid out under Getting Started 2 First of all take measurements of AC electric and magnetic fields outdoors to get a feel for the background radiation If the field meter registers more than 5 V m or 5 nT 0 05 mG this will give you an idea of the background exposure By means of turning off the circuit breakers in the main panel it is possible to determine which of the fields are caused from inside the house and which ones from outside such as high tension power lines railway trails pole mounted or surface transformers as well as neighboring houses apartments If external fields are Suspec ted their sources can be traced by moving the field meter into the direction of the highest rea dings 3 When performing an EMR survey in homes or at workplaces all typical electric appliances and electronic devices should be turned on also including those that come on only temporarily such as refrigerators or storage space heaters e g in adjoining rooms By turning the various appli ances off and on it is possible to locate the most important field sources 4 A sketch of the area to be measured that shows the corresponding test results and allows for a later analysis of the situation Thus appropriate remediation strategies can be assigned 5 Start with the measurement range 200 nT Vm Only if the display goes in overload because of rather high ambient field strengths switch to the higher range 2000 nT Vm
5. electric as well as AC magnetic field exposures according to the internationally recognized Swedish guidelines for com puter monitors TCO MPR covering the entire frequency range from 5 Hz up to 400 kHz We appreciate the confidence you showed when purchasing the ME 3951A field meter With the confidence that your expectations will be met we wish you great success in collecting useful information with this field meter by the manufacturer GIGAHERTZ SOLUTIONS GmbH D 90579 Langenzenn All rights reserved No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical including pho tocopying or recorded by any information storage or retrieval system without permission in writing by GIGAHERTZ SOLUTIONS GmbH 2 by GIGAHERTZ SOLUTIONS GmbH 90579 Langenzenn www gigahertz solutions com Contents Safety Instructions SOLUTIONS Contents Page Abel MOCOS ecs8eccseo sect ere E E A EE EEE EAE EEEE 3 PUN CHON G CONTOS rarr E E E E EE E E 4 GErMO SIIEU srani e EEEE ANEETA A E EE ENEA EEEE E O 6 Nieds rement NSTUCUONS ssessrsne eaa E EEE Ee 8 oRandng Banero mesener E ee A E E E ee en E E E E 16 Banen Monado moni sereen E E 18 Safety Instructions It is important to read carefully the instruction manual prior to using the field meter Important infor mation regarding safety use and maintenance is provided herein The adapter is only to be used with the specified rechargeabl
6. off As soon as an appliance is turned on there is current flow and an AC magnetic field is added 4 Beside the field strength AC electric or magnetic fields are also characterized by their fre quency We distinguish between the low frequencies of the ELF and VLF range between 5 Hz and 400 kHz as defined by the MPR TCO guidelines for the assessment of computer monitors as well as all the higher frequencies including radio waves and microwaves Furthermore there are also static magnetic and electrostatic fields each of which requires a totally different approach to testing just like RF radiation Introduction to Measurement Instructions In order to obtain meaningful testing results the Okotest magazine 6 96 demands the following minimum requirements for testing equipment of electric and magnetic fields in the ELF and VLF range 1 Separate measurements of AC electric fields with ground reference and AC magnetic fields 2 Reproducible high accuracy 3 Flat frequency response across the entire specified frequency range which should at least cover the railway frequency 16 67 Hz all the way through to the kilohertz range only in Europe 4 High sensitivity 10 nT or 1 V m or better The field meters by GIGAHERTZ SOLUTIONS meet all the above requirements 8 by GIGAHERTZ SOLUTIONS GmbH 90579 Langenzenn www gigahertz solutions com Measurement Instructions SOLUTIONS Preparations Prior to Testing 1 Check the field meter
7. the cover flush with the open field meter Ensure that the battery check button the light diode and the frequency filter but ton all fit snugly into their designated openings in the cover Using thumbs and pointing fingers of both hands press down on the cover with a steady and gentle pressure As a result the cover will Snap into its place on both sides Picture 27 Picture 27 Change batteries only while the instrument is turned off After having opened the cover the rechargeable battery including its clip can be removed or lifted out sideways In order to remove the battery clip from the rechargeable battery slip the small end of the wedge as far up between both contacts as possible then move the wide end of the wedge up and down Thus the clip can be easily detached Picture 28 ha F Picture 28 Under no circumstances ever pull at the leads or the plastic clip of the contacts otherwise they can easily be damaged or broken Inserting Batteries Attach the new rechargeable battery to the battery clip and place it back into the battery com partment While putting the battery back into the compartment ensure that none of the battery by GIGAHERTZ SOLUTIONS GmbH 90579 Langenzenn www gigahertz solutions com 17 SOLUTIONS Battery Management leads will get trapped between the battery and some protruding part from the circuit board In this case you would be unable to slide the cover back properly In order to replac
8. to the suspected field source or if no such concrete source is known check the space systematically Proceed as fol lows First of all move slowly through the room to be measured Stop frequently and take measurements pointing to the back to the left to the right and to the ceiling Always keep in mind to have the grounding lead run to the back of the instrument Follow into the direction of the highest reading in order to identify the field source In areas where people spend substantial amounts of time such as in bed or at a workplace check all directions as mentioned above and make note of the orientation of the field meter at maximum readings In such a position a reference measurement of the absolute value should be taken as close to the body as possible After having checked all directions the maximum measurement value can be used as a first approximation of the resultant field strength See footnote 1 When the field meter is placed on a tripod or on a table it is necessary to also place a person 5 cm 2 behind the instrument to obtain accurate measurements For reproducible measurements a metal plate 50 cm x 50 cm is required to be orthogonal and centered 5 cm behind the instru ment An EMR survey of sleeping areas should also include measurements under sleep conditions that is bedside lamp turned off Under certain circumstances the electric field can even increase after something was turned off Re
9. 10 100 1000 10000 100000 1000000 frequency Hz ohne _Filter 500nT Filter 1 500nT amp Filter 2 500nT l Filter 3 500nT 1dB 500nT 3dB 500nT 600 D 500 T S _ 400 5 300 2 200 D 100 0 a 1 10 100 1000 10000 100000 1000000 frequency Hz Power Supply Integrated rechargeable battery with a soft battery charge management to protect from becoming completely dischar ged or overcharged Operating time 8 hours according to the mode of operation Battery low indicator and auto power off function auto power off is not active when data logging 12 VDC adapter to charge the rechargeable battery included Optional Accessories Calibrating Certificate calibration periode 1 year Stable plastic box with protectors External extra rechargeable battery with high capacity for data loggings gt 48 hours Extra external Display Meter to measure in areas with difficult or no entries or for observation the measurement by a 2nd per son Retrofitable Frequency Filter Modul with extra switchable limit Ing frequencies by GIGAHERTZ SOLUTIONS Guaranteed Quality Innovative electronics patented technology Durable precession through self calibrating circuit elements Made in Germany state of the art SMD Manufacturing process High end components FR4 material and reproducible manu facturing methods 2 Years Warranty on manufacturing
10. SEMENE ME 3951A With F1B2H31 Frequency Fitter Module 16 Hz Band Pass 50Hz High Pass 2kHz High Pass 2 Charging Ground qdo CGo fal i 12 24 vot be ame ke to AN LF Field Strength Meter Range Field selection Type 200 HATTE 4 4 nT m Soliera E 5 Auto Power Off M Test gt 4 2000 nT Vm 5 Hz to 400 kHz M gt 16 Hz 50 Hz to 400 kHz ume TEPP Mode gt 4DC Range of meter cf j p Electric 0 1 W m 19399 V m o Magnetic 0 1 nT 1999 nT ON p E 4 AC 0 001 mG 19 99 mG Batlery Check Charging Electric Field Field Strength V m Magnetic Field Flux Density nT GIGAHERTZ SOLUTIONS CE Made in Germany User s Guide Functions amp Controls Operation and Maintenance Measurement Instructions Field Theory It is important to read carefully the instruction manual prior to using the field meter Important information regarding safety use and maintenance is provided herein Crean iii With the field meters of the ME 3 series GIGAHERTZ SOLUTIONS sets new standards in elec tromagnetic field testing Professional measurement engineering is offered with a unique price performance ratio the only one of its kind worldwide This was made possible through the consistent use of innovative integrated components some of which have patents pending as well as highly sophisticated production engineering The field meter you purchased allows a competent assessment of AC
11. Volt at a maximum reading 2000 nT Vm or 200 nT Vm The negative signal was preferred over the positive signal because it clearly offered better linearity and correspondence with the display value Most analy sis instruments can internally convert the input signal into the appropriate absolute value If this is not the case simply reverse the polarity of the plug of the analysis instrument in order to display positive values When using the BNC adapter the shielding of the testing lead is connected to mass potential Even though the maximum values of the display show either 2000 nT or 2000 V m the DC signal at the DC output is actually still quite linear up to 5000 nT or 5000 V m respective ly The technical specifications of the field meter refer to the values shown as maximum values on the display As long as a jack plug is plugged into the DC socket the Auto Power Off function is deactivated in order to accommodate long term data logging Caution If during data logging the battery runs so low that low Batt is displayed the Auto Power Off function will be activated in order to prevent the battery from becoming completely discharged which otherwise might destroy the rechargeable battery 24 hour data logging can be supported through a connection to the electric power system via the adapter or a 12 V battery In the event a power outage occurs during data logging the recharge able battery in the instrument will take over automatically
12. agnetically shielded circuit by GIGAHERTZ SOLUTIONS GmbH 90579 Langenzenn www gigahertz solutions com 5 Sensor for AC Electric Fields Field plate see pages SOLUTIONS Switch to short circuit the field plate which is only used by the manufacturer for calibration purposes Rechargeable Battery 9 Volt E Block Caution Battery should only be used within the supplied isolation compartment made of cardboard in order to avoid short circuit damage of the instrument see pages 17 Battery Compartment LC Display 3 5 digit display of the measurement value RMS including field type and low batt indicator see page 19 Picture 02 SOLUTIONS Strument Contents Getting Started Instrument Contents 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 sometimes already inserted into the field meter Getting Started Turning On If no display is activated insert rechargeable battery See section Changing Battery Charging If display shows low batt indicator charge battery or insert a fully charged battery See section Battery Management 6 by GIGAHERTZ SOLUTIONS GmbH 90579 Langenzenn www gigahertz solutions com Function Testing Offset SOLUTIONS Function Testing Display of Magnetic Flux Density 1 Display Field Type M Measurement Range 200 nT Vm Fre quency Range 5 Hz 400 KHz Operation Speaker Icon 2 Move the field meter in fast an
13. ch continues to show increasing measurement values Simply keep the field meter aligned in the direction of the maximum readings For an accurate measurement however hold the instrument very steady or put it down at a relevant measurement point In the important places where we work sit or sleep all three dimensions of AC magnetic fields should be checked each time Proceed as follows Accurate Measurement of the Magnetic Field Strength in the Presence of Several Field Sources In this event it is necessary to take three separate measurements and write the readings down The field meter should be held as shown in the pictures point to the front Picture 16 to the cei ling Picture 17 and to the side so that it is perpendicular to the front axis Picture 18 In order to estimate the resultant that is the actual AC magnetic field exposure the following rules of thumb can be applied Rules of Thumb for Estimating the Total Magnetic Field Strength Measurement Value Corresponding Total Magnetic Field One high two low values Highest value Two high one low value Highest value half of the second highest value Three similar values One and a half times of the highest 12 by GIGAHERTZ SOLUTIONS GmbH 90579 Langenzenn www gigahertz solutions com Measurement Instructions SOLUTIONS Picture 16 Picture 17 Picture 18 Recommended Exposure Limit up to 2 kHz Below 200 nT better yet below 20 ni For frequ
14. commended Exposure Limit up to 2 kHz Below 10 V m better yet below 1 V m For frequencies above 2 kHz always below 1 V m by GIGAHERTZ SOLUTIONS GmbH 90579 Langenzenn www gigahertz solutions com 11 SOLUTIONS _ Measurement Instructions AC Magnetic Field Testing 50 Hz to 400 KHz Turn on the field meter and set the switch Field Type to M for AC magnetic field Picture 15 M gt F Set the switch for the frequency filter to 50 Hz to 400 kHz Thus self inductions due to micromovements shaking of hand will be Suppressed Picture 15 Picture 15 For reliable measurements of AC magnetic fields neither the field meter nor the person performing the measurements need to be grounded Other persons or mass potentials in the vicinity of the field meter do not affect the testing results If a field source is suspected point into that direction Otherwise check the space systematically Proceed as follows First of all move slowly through the room to be measured The magnetic sensor is positioned in such a way in the instrument that most typical field sources in residential settings are detec ted as long as the field meter is held horizontally In addition all three dimensions should be checked from time to time as shown in the pictures 16 through 18 In practice the identification of a field source has proven to be most effective by locating the direction of the highest reading first Then you follow the direction whi
15. con ditions e g temperature air humidity etc The tolerance of the subsequent electric and magnetic field measurements will be increased by this deviation value by GIGAHERTZ SOLUTIONS GmbH 90579 Langenzenn www gigahertz solutions com T SOLUTIONS _ Measurement Instructions Measurement Instructions Introduction to the Properties of AC Electric and Magnetic Fields Generally speaking the sensory organs of the human body cannot perceive alternating electric and magnetic fields These fields are simply there and expand into three dimensional space fol lowing rather complex physical laws For measurement practice the following properties of alter nating electric and magnetic fields are very important 1 Any measurement is always determined by position as well as direction The slightest change in position or direction of the field meter can have substantial consequences for the measure ment value especially in AC magnetic fields 2 Electric as well as magnetic fields not only penetrate into solid materials including walls glass or the like but also pass right through them This holds especially true for magnetic fields whose shielding is rather costly 3 AC electric fields occur whenever an alternating voltage is applied In residential situations for example all plugged in extension cords and appliances including switches are surrounded by alternating electric fields This even holds true when the appliance is turned
16. d short movements around its lon gitudinal axis back and forth as shown in picture 03 Pictue03 AS a result the static geomagnetic field is turned into a quasi alternating field The faster and greater the movements the stronger the induced alternating field will be This will be reflected in the higher measurement values on the display and the faster rattling noise from the speaker which is proportional to the field strength Function Testing Display of Electric Field Strength Tap here 1 Display Field Type E Measurement Range 200 nT Vm Frequen cy Range 5 Hz 400 kHz Operation Speaker Icon 2 Keep the field meter steady while tapping the front of the case with your fingers as shown in picture 04 Picture04 Due to your fingers mass potential a quasi AC electric field is created whose strengths is reflected through higher measurement values on the display and the faster rattling noise from the spea Ker Turn on the instrument and set the switch field type to the test rest E position On the left hand side of the display a 1 as icon for the test mode will appear and on the right hand side either 00 0 or 000 depending on the selected measurement range i If instead of 000 or 00 0 a higher measurement value is dis 4 4 played this value would reflect the current deviation from zero Picture05 Such a situation can occur because of current environmental
17. defects DRU0147a KW482006 GmbH 90579 Langenzenn www gigahertz solutions com
18. e battery Never try to recharge non chargeable primary batteries e g zinc coal or alkaline batteries with it Explosion Hazard The grounding of the field meter required for the electric field measurements should be performed with the supplied grounding lead which can be connected to bare water gas or heating pipes If there is none of the above mentioned grounding options available a licensed electrician could temporarily also make use of the grounding conductor in a grounded outlet In this case howe ver an electric shock hazard may occur when the grounding clip touches the current carrying phase conductor To prevent shock hazards or the destruction of the field meter neither the instrument itself nor the adapter should ever come into contact with water The penetration of water into the case may lead to the destruction of the electronics inside Field meters are not to be stored outdoors or used during rain Clean the case only from the outside using a slightly moist cloth Do not use cleaners or sprays Prior to cleaning the field meter or opening the case shut it off and unplug all extension cords There are no user serviceable parts inside the instrument Due to the high sensitivity level the electronics of the field meter are very sensitive to heat impact as well as touch Therefore do not leave the instrument in the hot sun on a heating element or the like Do not let it drop nor try to manipulate its electronics inside whe
19. e the supplied frequency filter with another one from GIGAHERTZ SOLUTI ONS please follow the instructions enclosed with the new frequency filter Battery Management Operating Time Immediately after having recharged the supplied battery for a total of 11 continuous hours it can be operated continuously for about 8 hours Battery Charging First plug the supplied or a similar power adapter into an outlet Insert the low voltage jack of the power adapter into the designated socket upper left Caution Take great care that the polarity of the adapter internal conductor and external conductor as well as the corresponding voltage 12 24 VDC are correct In order to start charging the battery turn on field meter and then off just once After that leave it turned off The green light of the diode will shine during the charging After about 11 hours the charging mode will be turned off automatically Low Batt 1 When the field meter is turned on and the two dots appear in the display low batt the battery is in a low state Using the meter in BBE cid Strength Vien this condition will cause measuring errors Picture 29 But even before the low battery indicator comes on you can find Magnetic Field Flux Density nT out the charge status of the battery with the Batt Check by pressing the respective button SOLUTIONS E Picture 29 Auto Power Off This function conserves energy and extends the total
20. eld Type in Use Dash at the top Electric field strength is displayed Dash at the bottom Magnetic flux density is display ed Two Dashes Self diagnostics LC Display 3 5 digit display of the measu rement value mean value see page 19 4 by GIGAHERTZ SOLUTIONS GmbH 90579 Langenzenn Ground Connection of the grounding lead for electric field testing see page 9 Field type E Electric Field M Magnetic Field Test Offset Display see pages 7 10 11 Operation Speaker Icon Speaker tur ned on On Field meter turned on Off Field meter turned off see pages 7 11 18 Frequency Filter F1B2H31 16 Hz Band pass 50 Hz High pass 2 kHz Highpass for buil ding biology assessments to identify railway systems elec tric power grid as well as har monics of higher frequencies see pages 11 12 14 Light diode comes on while battery is being charged see page 18 Button to be pressed for the display of the battery status as well as the display check see page 19 Picture 01 www gigahertz solutions com Function amp Controls Switch to short circuit the magnetic sensor which is only used by the manufacturer for calibration purposes Sensor for AC Magnetic Fields see pages 7 Pegs to hold the rechargeable battery in place Frequency Filter Module F1B2H31 Can be replaced with modu les featuring other threshold frequencies see pages 11 12 14 2 Miniature Speakers in a m
21. encies above 2 kHz below 20 nT better yet below 2 nT The resultant total magnetic field strength the sum of the single field strengths 3 D Measure ment can be accurately calculated according to the following equation Resultant Field Strength Square Root x2 y2 z Picture 19 illustrates the direction of the resultant field which is also called substitute field The photos for pictures 16 through 18 showing the single measurements of the three dimensions as well as picture 20 were taken in a kitchen during a typical testing session If you would insert the display values in the above equation the result would come very close to the value which is dis played in picture 20 There the field meter is held perpendicular to the resultant field Picture 19 Picture 20 by GIGAHERTZ SOLUTIONS GmbH 90579 Langenzenn www gigahertz solutions com 13 SOLUTIONS _ Measurement Instructions Frequency Analysis AC Electric and Magnetic Fields An AC electric or magnetic field is not only defined by its field strength but also by the frequency with which the polarity of the field changes We encounter various common frequencies Overhead railway wires operate at 16 7 Hz only in Europe The electric power grid home wiring high tension power lines operates at a 60 Hz frequen cy in North America and at a 50 Hz frequency in Europe So called natural harmonics are the multiples of the respective fundamental frequency 50 Hz
22. er to bring your own body to ground potential Picture 07 Picture 07 Picture 08 Picture 09 Picture 10 Caution In case the grounding lead runs in front of the instrument case or a finger is between the DC socket and the front of the instrument case testing results will become distorted See also footnote 1 2 Positioning of the Field Meter for AC Electric Field Testing The field meter is calibrated for measurements taken in close proximity to the body Picture 11 The field sources located behind the field meter are shielded through the body Therefore mislea ding concentrations of field lines onto the electric field sensor are avoided Therefore try to avoid taking measurements with a stretched out arm In general this would lead to higher testing results Picture 12 This type of distortions can be reduced or avoided by placing a conductive surface behind the field meter Picture 13 see also footnote 1 Picture 11 Picture 12 Picture 13 1 The electric field strength measured with ground reference always depen s on the geometry of the field source and the sensor the distance between sensor and field source as well as ambient potentials Following TCO guidelines the ME 3951A is calibrated according to the TCO calibrated field meter Radians Innova Enviromentor EMM 4 Serial No 4348 at a distance of 50 cm from a 4 sqm large copper plate ope rating at 50 Hz and 270 V Instead of a person which is also grounded duri
23. ess than 1 20 of the maximum reading e g in the measure ment range 2000 nT this would equal 100 nT there is still a sinusoidal input signal up to 400 KHz with a non linearity lt 1 provided at the AC output Since the field strengths in home and work place settings often are in this range and not that much higher this output can actually be used up to 400 kHz then With a mono headset adjustable volume is recommended plugged into the AC socket it is pos sible to perform a rough acoustic frequency analysis across the audible frequency range ca 16 Hz to 20 kHz If needed use adapter plug The headset LS0002 is available as an accessory from GIGAHERTZ SOLUTIONS Data Logging via DC Output The field strength of a given point in space often changes over a longer period of time For a com plete assessment it is recommended to monitor the field strengths DC values for instance for 24 hours Therefore the field meter comes equipped with outputs where data logging and analy by GIGAHERTZ SOLUTIONS GmbH 90579 Langenzenn www gigahertz solutions com 15 SOLUTIONS _ Measurement Instructions sis equipment can be connected In general the DC output direct current output is used for long term monitoring with for example data loggers or data plotters Across the DC output a DC signal is applied which is proportional to the measurement values It equals minus 0 5 mV per digit That would for example translate into minus 1
24. n the case is open This field meter should only be used for the purposes described herein and only in combination with supplied or recommended accessories by GIGAHERTZ SOLUTIONS GmbH 90579 Langenzenn www gigahertz solutions com 3 SOLUTIONS Battery Charging Extension cord of the supplied adapter 12 24 VDC with at the internal conductor and at the external conductor Only to be used during battery Function amp Controls Charging doo 12 24 ZME 3951A LF Field Strength Meter charging see pages 6 18 Range Field Selection p Type f dq 200 SETEC E gt Range Selection iiba Auto Powerof r ae 2000 200 nT Vm fine 4 tm Seale M gt O to 199 9 Nanotesla nT 16 Hz 0 to 199 9 Volt per Meter V m ere VE Mode 2000 nT Vm coarse 4DC d gt O to 1999 Nanotesla nT 0 to 1999 Volt per Meter V m Magnetic 0 1 nT 1999 n 4 AC 0 001 mG 19 99 mG ON gt see page 9 DC Signal output O to 1 VDC Signal output E Suitable for long term monito M ring with a data logger or data plotter but also for connecting the optional external display unit DP 3000A JDensity nT see page 15 SOLUTIONS Made in Germany C E AC Signal output 1 VAC at maximum display Connector for a spectrum analyzer to analyze the fre quency spectrum of the mea sured signals At maximum display the maximum fre quency output is 30 kHz see page 15 Display of the Fi
25. ng testing in the field a grounded square copper plate measuring 50 cm ca 20 on its sides is placed behind the field meter during calibration The same procedure is recommended for reproducible tripod measurements Testing results of the ME 3951A can only be expected to correspond with those of an original TCO sensor when the distance from the field plate is greater than 30 cm 12 The measured field strength represents a spatial integral across the testing equipment whose simplification measurement value in the direction of the highest display resultant field strength is a good approximation for practical purpo ses 10 by GIGAHERTZ SOLUTIONS GmbH 90579 Langenzenn www gigahertz solutions com Measurement Instructions SOLUTIONS 3 AC Electric Field Testing Turn on the field meter and set the switch Field Type to E for AC electric field Picture 14 Set the switch for the frequency filter to 50 Hz to 400 KHz Thus self inductions due to micromovements Shaking of hand will be suppressed Picture 14 TI T _ SOHz to 400 kHz l l l Picture 14 During testing always ensure that the grounding lead runs to the back of the case and that the person performing the survey as well as anybody else present are located behind the field meter Keep the field meter close to your body The further away you hold the instrument or if it is even put down the falsely higher the testing results tend to become Either point
26. operating time 1 In case you forgot to turn off the field meter or it was accidentally turned on during transport it will be automatically shut off after 40 minutes of continuous use 18 by GIGAHERTZ SOLUTIONS GmbH 90579 Langenzenn www gigahertz solutions com Battery Management SOLUTIONS 2 When two dots appear in the center of the display low batt the field meter will be turned off after 3 min in order to protect the rechargeable battery from becoming completely discharged which would cause damage In order to turn on the field meter after an Auto Power Off simply turn it off and on again Caution If the DC signal output is connected the normal Auto Power Off function is disabled This way it becomes possible to perform data logging supported by the rechargeable battery up to 8 hours The low battery shut off however will kick in after 3 min just the same in order to protect the rechargeable battery from the damages of a complete deep discharge With an alkaline battery it is possible to perform 24 hour data logging Caution If an alkaline battery is being used under no circumstances ever should the power adapter be connected at the same time Otherwise the battery may explode Checking Battery Status and Display Check Since the integrated rechargeable battery is not always charged Press the button completely it is possible to find out the remaining operating time as well as the proper functioning of all dis
27. or 60 Hz In addition various electronic devices are used in our homes that generate a variety of fields with higher frequencies in the KHz range artificial harmonics such as switch mode power adapters transformers ballasts of fluorescent tubing and energy saving lamps as well as dimmer switches with so called switch mode technology and the like For the assessment of a certain area and especially with regards to appropriate remediation stra tegies it is very useful to Know how many of the different frequencies contribute to the total expo sure An exposure caused by overhead railway wires for example cannot be remedied by instal lations of the homeowner However it is possible to avoid certain signals of the kHz range by choosing devices without such emissions e g incandescent lamp instead of fluorescent tubing only in Europe The ME 3951A field meter offers you different options to analyze frequencies Frequency Analysis with Frequency Filter Module F1B2H31 5 Hz to 400 kHz 16 Hz 50 Hz to 400 kHz 2 KHz to 400 kHz ange QI merel Picture 21 Picture 22 Depending on the testing situation GIGAHERTZ SOLUTIONS offers several different frequen cy filter modules for the ME 3951A The Frequency Filter Module F1B2H31 Picture 21 22 alrea dy supplied with the field meter is specifically designed for building biology needs The following frequencies can be selected 1 5 Hz to 400 kHz Entire TCO frequency range best
28. play segments by pres sing the Batt Check button 1 In order to check the battery status simply turn on the field meter press the button and continue to keep it pressed If the display shows 1999 or 1888 the instrument is optimally supplied with power and all display elements function accurately Picture 30 Picture 30 2 When the instrument is turned on and the low battery button is Press the button pressed low batt in the center of the display indicate that under normal conditions the operating time will be less than 1 hour Picture 31 lf need should be recharge battery or turn off field meter Picture 31 Contact Gigahertz Solutions GmbH For your local distributor please contact Am Galgenberg 12 www gigahertz solutions com D 90579 Langenzenn Germany Phone 49 9101 9093 0 Fax 49 9101 9093 23 www gigahertz solutions com by GIGAHERTZ SOLUTIONS GmbH 90579 Langenzenn www gigahertz solutions com 19 SOLUTIONS M E 3951 A Professional Dual Function Gauss Tesla meter for AC electric and AC magnetic fields 5 Hz to 400 kHz with integrated Fre mit F1B2H31 quency Filter Module 20 Technical data Technical data Further functions and equipment magnetic flux density electric field strength one dimension in nT mG against ground potential in V m Frequency Range 5 Hz to 400 kHz 5 Hz to 400 kHz 1 cB limit 1 GB limit Range Selection 200 0 nT 2000nT 200 0 V m 2000 V m
29. r testing results For this frequency band however all renowned institutes recom mend exposure limits that are 10 times lower than those for power frequency fields Therefore the frequency range 200 nT Vm is usually sufficient Note Due to 1 f higher and white noise filter tolerances micromovements of the instrument and frequencies beyond the filtered frequency bands the testing results of the position 5 Hz to 400 kHz can deviate from the sum of the filtered values Frequency Analysis via AC Output Even in a normal work and living environment it is possible to encounter a great variety of fre quencies in addition to the power frequency 60 Hz or 50 Hz respectively For a more detailed ana lysis of the different frequencies a spectrum analyzer can be connected directly to the AC output of the field meter by means of the supplied adapter At the AC output a DC offset of maximum 50 mV is applied It is standard in oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers that this DC offset is usual ly suppressed by a capacitive coupling In case the peripheral analysis instruments are connected to the power grid including grounding conductor the grounding of the field meter should not be connected in order to avoid ground loops Following convention the technical specifications of the field meter refer to the maximum values given on the display according to which the bandwidth of the AC output is limited to 30 kHz If however the measurement value is l
30. suited for tripod measurements 2 16 7 Hz 4th order band pass filter with Q Factor 10 for the frequency of overhead railway wires only in Europe 3 50 Hz to 400 kHz 5th order high pass filter for the electric power grid and its harmo nics 4 2 kHz to 400 kHz 5th order high pass filter for so called artificial harmonics above 2 KHz This frequency range corresponds with band 2 of the Swedish TCO guidelines In order to measure fields of overhead railway wires or harmonics first the respective filter in the 14 by GIGAHERTZ SOLUTIONS GmbH 90579 Langenzenn www gigahertz solutions com Measurement Instructions SOLUTIONS field meter needs to be activated Generally speaking the testing follows the same principles as described in the section Measurement Instructions for the fields of the power grid system There are only two points which deserve special mention here Usually the source of the railway currents is located outside of a house It is recommended nonetheless that the entire house is roughly checked anyway because sometimes railway fre quencies can also be found on for example water or gas piping as well as the electric wiring system due to coupling effects If a house to be tested is closer than 2 to 3 km to an electric railway track such potential sources should be checked to be on the safe side Artificial harmonics usually are less energetic than power or railway frequencies and therefo re show lowe
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