{
  "id": "meters:elf-gaussmeter",
  "collection": "meters",
  "slug": "elf-gaussmeter",
  "name": "ELF gaussmeter (power-frequency magnetic field)",
  "summary": "Measures 50/60 Hz magnetic flux density in milligauss or microtesla — the instrument for wiring faults, service panels, transformers and power lines.",
  "status": "verified",
  "lastVerified": "2026-08-12",
  "data": {
    "aliases": [
      "gaussmeter",
      "magnetic field meter",
      "milligauss meter"
    ],
    "measures": [
      "magnetic-flux-density"
    ],
    "bandCovered": {
      "minHz": 30,
      "maxHz": 2000,
      "label": "power frequency plus low harmonics"
    },
    "axes": "triple",
    "priceBandUsd": [
      50,
      400
    ],
    "detects": [
      "Fields from house wiring, panels, transformers and overhead lines",
      "Net-current wiring faults, which show as whole-house elevation that does not fall off with distance",
      "Appliance fields at close range"
    ],
    "cannotDetect": [
      "Radiofrequency sources of any kind",
      "Intermediate-frequency fields from induction hobs and inverters if the meter stops at 2 kHz",
      "Static (DC) magnetic fields unless the meter explicitly supports DC"
    ],
    "buyingCriteria": [
      "Three-axis sensing, so the reading does not depend on how you hold it",
      "Milligauss resolution to 0.1 mG or better, since precautionary bands start at 0.2 mG",
      "Stated frequency response — a 50/60 Hz-only meter misses harmonics",
      "Data logging if you need a 24-hour average or a 95th percentile"
    ],
    "exampleModels": [
      "TriField TF2",
      "Gigahertz Solutions ME3830B",
      "AlphaLab UHS2",
      "Extech 480826"
    ],
    "related": [
      "protocols:elf-magnetic-survey",
      "quantities:magnetic-flux-density"
    ]
  },
  "sources": [
    {
      "id": "sbm-2024",
      "title": "Building Biology Evaluation Guidelines for Sleeping Areas (SBM-2024)",
      "publisher": "Institut für Baubiologie + Nachhaltigkeit (IBN)",
      "url": "https://buildingbiology.com/site/downloads/SBM-2024_EVALUATION_GUIDELINES_EN.pdf",
      "year": 2024,
      "kind": "ngo",
      "retrieved": "2026-08-12"
    },
    {
      "id": "niehs-emf",
      "title": "Electric and Magnetic Fields",
      "publisher": "National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences",
      "url": "https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/emf",
      "kind": "government",
      "retrieved": "2026-08-12"
    }
  ],
  "links": {
    "self": "https://emfbase.com/api/meters/elf-gaussmeter",
    "html": "https://emfbase.com/meters/elf-gaussmeter",
    "markdown": "https://emfbase.com/meters/elf-gaussmeter.md",
    "collection": "https://emfbase.com/api/meters"
  }
}