Analysis of the influence of the current drawn by the appliance on the close magnetic field

Abstract

The development of technology and the corresponding increase in living standards imply the generalized use of the most diversified and sophisticated equipment, a distinct, significant category being household appliances. The frequent presence of these devices close to a person’s heart, eyes, or brain naturally gives rise to concerns about the level of the associated (low-frequency) magnetic fields. The main objective of our paper is to study the possible correspondence between the low-frequency magnetic field generated by some household appliances and their current consumption. The proposed measurement system consists of the hand-held triple axis 480826 EMF Tester manufactured by Extech Instruments and the 80i-400 Fluke clamp meter. The performed measurement methodology takes into account the operating principles of the appliance. We perform measurements for a large selection of devices (47). The measuring point for the magnetic field is set at 30 cm from the source. Finally, by applying the Biot-Savart law to the previously determined drawn current, we calculate the magnetic field. We also compare the corresponding, directly measured values and analyze them.