Uncovering Dirty Electricity in Australian Homes

In our modern, technology-driven world, we’re constantly surrounded by an invisible sea of electromagnetic fields (EMFs). While many of us are aware of potential risks associated with mobile phone radiation or high-voltage power lines, there’s another form of electromagnetic pollution that often goes unnoticed: 

Dirty Electricity.

This lesser-known phenomenon is becoming increasingly prevalent in our homes and workplaces, potentially impacting our health and wellbeing.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what dirty electricity is, how to detect it, and what steps you can take to mitigate its effects in your home.

What is Dirty Electricity?

Dirty electricity, also known as electrical noise, power line EMI (electromagnetic interference), or microsurge electrical pollution, refers to erratic spikes and surges of electromagnetic energy that travel along power lines and building wiring. In an ideal world, our electrical systems would carry a pure 50 Hz alternating current (in Australia). However, the reality is far from this clean, sinusoidal waveform.

The Science Behind Dirty Electricity

Dirty electricity is a form of ‘electrical pollution’ created as a by-product of electricity. It’s characterised by frequencies that deviate from the standard 50 Hz current used in Australia. While the exact range is debated, frequencies above 2 kHz are thought to be more biologically harmful.

Key points to understand about dirty electricity:

• It can be measured on both electric and magnetic fields.
• It emanates in the space around the source causing the dirty electricity and transmits through the home wiring.
• It acts like a radiofrequency, propagating into the space around the source.

Common Sources of Dirty Electricity

Dirty electricity can be generated by a wide range of common household devices and systems. Some of the most prevalent sources include:

• Solar and split system inverters (the biggest polluters)
• Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and some LED lights
• Dimmer switches
• Smart meters
• Computers, printers, and photocopiers
• Game consoles
• Treadmills and other exercise equipment with motors
• Vacuum cleaners
• Anything with a switched-mode power supply (SMPS)

External sources can also contribute to dirty electricity, including wind turbines, transformers being switched on and off at power stations, and arcing of power lines during lightning strikes and storms.

Detecting Dirty Electricity: Tools and Techniques

To effectively address the issue of dirty electricity, you first need to be able to detect and measure it. There are several tools available for this purpose:

Line Meters: These measure the ‘noise’ on the wiring in millivolts (mV).

Stetzer Meter: Similar to line meters but uses Graham Stetzer (GS) units.

NFA 1000: This advanced meter can measure dirty electricity frequencies above 50 Hz in the air, on the magnetic field, and electric field.

Oscilloscope or Picoscope: These provide detailed waveform analysis but require electrical expertise to use safely.

The Trifield® Line EMI Meter

One particularly useful tool for Australian homeowners is the Trifield® Line EMI Meter, available at Aus Security Products. This meter is specifically designed to measure electromagnetic interference on power lines, making it ideal for detecting dirty electricity.

Key features of the Trifield® Line EMI Meter include:

• Wide frequency range (50 Hz to 20 kHz)
• Easy-to-read LCD display
• Multiple measurement modes (peak and average readings)
• Portable design for testing different outlets
• Battery-powered operation to avoid contributing to the dirty electricity being measured

How to Conduct a Dirty Electricity Assessment

To assess the levels of dirty electricity in your home:

Choose an area like the kitchen to get a baseline reading at normal power usage.

• Take readings at low power (everything switched off).
• Take readings at high power (all appliances/devices turned on), then turn off devices one at a time to determine their individual impact.
• Try DE plug-in filters to see if you can reduce readings if they are still above recommended levels.
• If filters seem effective, recommend installing them in the same locations as tested.

Mitigating Dirty Electricity in Your Australian Home

Once you’ve identified the presence of dirty electricity, there are several steps you can take to reduce your exposure:

Minimise DE-Producing Devices

Remove or replace high sources of dirty electricity where possible. For example, consider removing CFLs and replacing them with incandescent bulbs or high-quality LEDs.

Install Dirty Electricity Filters

There are several types of filters available:

• Plug-in capacitor filters (e.g., EM Fields filters or Stetzer Filters)
• Filters at the main board
• Whole house filters

When using plug-in filters, be cautious not to place them where people will be in close proximity, as they can increase magnetic fields. Generally, no more than 4-6 filters are recommended for a typical house.

Create a Sleep Sanctuary

Reduce dirty electricity in bedrooms by:

• Removing unnecessary electronic devices
• Using battery-powered alarm clocks
• Installing kill switches to cut power to the bedroom at night

Lower Electric and Magnetic Fields

This can help reduce exposure to dirty electricity that propagates off these waves:

• Install demand switches on lights
• Lower electric fields around areas where people spend time (e.g., beds, couches, desks)
• Use shielded, earthed cords and consider shielding wiring in walls

Address Solar System Issues

If you have solar panels:

• Be aware that dirty electricity levels will be lower at night and when the sun is not out
• Consider the differences between single inverter and microinverter systems
• Monitor DE levels and consider additional filtering if necessary

The Australian Context

While the issue of dirty electricity is global, there are some factors specific to Australia to consider:

Solar Power: Australia’s high rate of residential solar panel installation can contribute significantly to dirty electricity levels. Pay special attention to inverter placement and consider additional filtering.

Electrical Standards: Australia uses a 230V 50Hz electrical system. Ensure any dirty electricity filters or EMF meters you purchase are compatible with Australian standards.

Building Materials: Many Australian homes are built with materials like brick and concrete, which can affect how EMFs propagate through a building. This may influence where you need to focus your dirty electricity mitigation efforts.

Conclusion

Dirty electricity is an often-overlooked aspect of our modern electromagnetic environment. While research into its health effects is ongoing, many people report feeling better after reducing their exposure. By understanding what dirty electricity is, learning how to detect it with tools like the Trifield® Line EMI Meter, and implementing strategies to mitigate it, you can take control of this aspect of your home environment.

Remember, the goal isn’t to eliminate all electromagnetic fields from your life - that would be impossible in our modern world. Instead, aim for a balanced approach that reduces unnecessary exposure while still allowing you to enjoy the benefits of modern technology.

As with any home improvement project, always prioritise safety. If you’re unsure about any aspect of detecting or mitigating dirty electricity, don’t hesitate to consult with a qualified professional.

With knowledge, the right tools, and effort, you can create a cleaner electromagnetic environment in your Australian home, potentially improving your health and wellbeing in the process.