Narda electromagnetic field measuring equipment matches new ICNIRP standard

Narda Safety Test Solutions, a specialist manufacturer of measuring equipment for safety in electromagnetic fields, now offers an “ICNIRP 2010” variant of its Exposure Level Tester ELT-400. The device measures magnetic fields from 1 Hz to 400 kHz with automatic evaluation according to ICNIRP 2010, general public and occupational. All the probes available up till now can also be used with the new instrument. The Electric and Magnetic Field Analyzer EFA-300 can be upgraded using free PC software that enables uploading of the new limit values to the instrument.

In 1998 ICNIRP, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, published its Guidelines for Limiting Exposure to Time-Varying Electric, Magnetic and Electromagnetic Fields (up to 300 GHz). These limit values have been mandatory for over a decade. However, new findings have made it necessary to revise the limit values in the low frequency range. ICNIRP has taken this into account in its Guidelines for Limiting Exposure to Time-Varying Electric and Magnetic Fields (1 Hz – 100 kHz), published in 2010. The new limits allow for significantly higher magnetic field strengths in certain low frequency ranges, both for occupational exposure and for the general public (see graph). Contrastingly, the limit values for electric field strength have been tightened up to some extent.

The graphs shown indicate so-called reference levels. What counts, of course, is the field strength within the human body, but because this cannot be measured directly, corresponding exposure values have been calculated for free space. Whereas the 1998 limit values were based on observations using simple geometrical models, the 2010 values were determined by means of simulations using detailed anatomical models of the human body.

Above all, low frequency fields affect the nervous system; in contrast, high frequency fields can be dangerous due to their heating action. Because there is a transitional range where both effects occur, ICNIRP 2010 specifies the new limit values over and above the accepted low frequency application range up to 10 MHz. The ICNIRP 1998 limit values still apply however in the high frequency range. An amendment is currently being prepared.

The Selective Radiation Meter SRM-3006 for example covers the high frequency range up to 6 GHz. This device can also be equipped with a large number of fixed and editable limit value curves by means of PC software, so future updating to new high frequency limit values presents no problems.

Narda Safety Test Solutions GmbH
Sandwiesenstrasse 7
72793 Pfullingen, Germany
Phone: +49 (0) 7121-97 32-0
Fax: +49 (0) 7121-97 32-790
www.narda-sts.de