In recent years EMF detectors have become used more and more during paranormal investigations, most skeptics believe that these meters are useless for determining paranormal activity. How valuable or reliable is EMF detection to an investigation?
Dave: The use of EMF and other detectors, and this includes K-2 Safe Range meters, tri-field meters, Geiger counters, compasses, etc., basically are all looking for the same thing, and that is the presence of energies. We at PPS employ the use of digital readout EMF meters extensively in both pre-investigative site work and during our debunking efforts. Often seemingly paranormal occurrences to the client can be eliminated by dealing with abnormally high EMF causing electrical items. We often dispute reported feelings of paranormal feelings in the bedroom by finding that alarm clocks within a foot of the clients head as they sleep, are cranking out 60+mG. Individuals, especially those who have low EMF tolerance can experience many symptoms such as: paranoia (especially the feeling of being watched), tingling, itching, headaches, etc. that can often be mistaken for something paranormal.
We use both the digital EMF gauge and the K-2 Safe Range Meters during our investigation to compare the area for fluctuations of electro-magnetic readings as compared to our base readings for the same area. It has been shown that entities need to draw energy from their surroundings in order to become visible, or otherwise make themselves known. This ‘drawing of energy’ creates pockets of recordable EMF fluctuations that is used to substantiate personal experiences.
There is a danger though in over-relying on any piece of investigative equipment. A recent case we were on had apparent K-2 fluctuations that timed nicely with the issuance of questions asked by investigators. If we relied on the K-2 hits as concrete evidence, we would have been speaking to the spirit of a nineteen year old, freshman, basketball player that died while attended the college we were investigating. When in reality, our investigators discovered that the college’s Wi-Fi access points surveyed for IP requests every fifteen seconds; approximately the length of time we had asked a question and thought we received an answer.
Tools of the paranormal trade are only as useful as the skills of the investigator. I am very wary of groups who immediately report EMF fluctuations as proof-positive of paranormal evidence without any other corroborating evidence
Jake: EMF detectors are certainly not THE tool for finding paranormal hot spots, but the instrument is extremely useful in its ability to find spikes in EMF readings, which can guide investigators toward where activity may be taking place or beginning to formulate. In my opinion it would be very misguided for any paranormal team to place too much stock into one instrument because EMF detectors, mini DV's, thermals, etc., each play a part in either proving or debunking paranormal activity.
Rex: I think the problem that a lot of groups have is that they use EMF the same way that one would use a barometer, gauging spikes as definitive proof that paranormal activity is happening. I believe this is where skeptics have a problem with EMF meters being used as an investigation tool. At PPS we measure EMF levels throughout all aspects of the investigation. We take baseline readings to determine the "normal" levels of a given location noting anything that causes high EMF levels. This also helps us debunk some claims, since common household items or bad wiring can cause "EMF sickness" which includes paranoia, dizziness, skin irritation and many other symptoms that could be mistaken for paranormal activity. During the investigation we continue to monitor EMF and graph this data and can see if it measures up with our evidence(which is time stamped). When this data and our evidence overlaps it gives more support to the theory that EMF levels are affected by a paranormal presence.
Dave: The use of EMF and other detectors, and this includes K-2 Safe Range meters, tri-field meters, Geiger counters, compasses, etc., basically are all looking for the same thing, and that is the presence of energies. We at PPS employ the use of digital readout EMF meters extensively in both pre-investigative site work and during our debunking efforts. Often seemingly paranormal occurrences to the client can be eliminated by dealing with abnormally high EMF causing electrical items. We often dispute reported feelings of paranormal feelings in the bedroom by finding that alarm clocks within a foot of the clients head as they sleep, are cranking out 60+mG. Individuals, especially those who have low EMF tolerance can experience many symptoms such as: paranoia (especially the feeling of being watched), tingling, itching, headaches, etc. that can often be mistaken for something paranormal.
We use both the digital EMF gauge and the K-2 Safe Range Meters during our investigation to compare the area for fluctuations of electro-magnetic readings as compared to our base readings for the same area. It has been shown that entities need to draw energy from their surroundings in order to become visible, or otherwise make themselves known. This ‘drawing of energy’ creates pockets of recordable EMF fluctuations that is used to substantiate personal experiences.
There is a danger though in over-relying on any piece of investigative equipment. A recent case we were on had apparent K-2 fluctuations that timed nicely with the issuance of questions asked by investigators. If we relied on the K-2 hits as concrete evidence, we would have been speaking to the spirit of a nineteen year old, freshman, basketball player that died while attended the college we were investigating. When in reality, our investigators discovered that the college’s Wi-Fi access points surveyed for IP requests every fifteen seconds; approximately the length of time we had asked a question and thought we received an answer.
Tools of the paranormal trade are only as useful as the skills of the investigator. I am very wary of groups who immediately report EMF fluctuations as proof-positive of paranormal evidence without any other corroborating evidence
Jake: EMF detectors are certainly not THE tool for finding paranormal hot spots, but the instrument is extremely useful in its ability to find spikes in EMF readings, which can guide investigators toward where activity may be taking place or beginning to formulate. In my opinion it would be very misguided for any paranormal team to place too much stock into one instrument because EMF detectors, mini DV's, thermals, etc., each play a part in either proving or debunking paranormal activity.
Rex: I think the problem that a lot of groups have is that they use EMF the same way that one would use a barometer, gauging spikes as definitive proof that paranormal activity is happening. I believe this is where skeptics have a problem with EMF meters being used as an investigation tool. At PPS we measure EMF levels throughout all aspects of the investigation. We take baseline readings to determine the "normal" levels of a given location noting anything that causes high EMF levels. This also helps us debunk some claims, since common household items or bad wiring can cause "EMF sickness" which includes paranoia, dizziness, skin irritation and many other symptoms that could be mistaken for paranormal activity. During the investigation we continue to monitor EMF and graph this data and can see if it measures up with our evidence(which is time stamped). When this data and our evidence overlaps it gives more support to the theory that EMF levels are affected by a paranormal presence.
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