User: karl riley
Asked on: Friday, May 27, 2005 at 12:47 pm EDT
Answered on: Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 12:45 pm EDT
Question: I got an email from a Vancouver BC home owner who has measured 40 mG near a ceiling. This would usually be caused by an incorrect connection of a neutral in a lighting circuit, or else a three-way circuit using 2-conductor travelers. He wanted help from an electrician. I quote his email:"I have checked with half a dozen electricians in my area....and they have no idea what I'm talking about. The standard response was "what is a gauss?" and "all AC circuits produce magnetic fields and there is nothing you can do about it".Maybe we have some Vancouver posters who would like to comment or help?Karl
Possible Causes of High Magnetic Field Reading
Faulty Neutral Connection
An improperly connected neutral wire in a lighting circuit can cause current to flow through the ground wire, creating a magnetic field.
Three-Way Circuit with Two-Conductor Travelers
In a three-way switch circuit, if only two wires (travelers) are used instead of three (travelers and a common), it can lead to induced currents and magnetic fields.
Poor Grounding
Inadequate grounding can allow stray currents to flow through the ground, creating magnetic fields.
Ground Fault Loop
If a ground fault occurs and the ground wire is not properly connected, it can create a loop that generates a magnetic field.
Electricians in Vancouver
West Electrical Services
https://www.westelectrical.ca/
Grassmere Electrical Ltd.
https://www.grassmereelectrical.com/
Avalon Electrician Vancouver
https://www.avalonelectricvancouver.com/
Red Seal Electric
https://www.redsealelectric.ca/
Intrepid Electric
https://www.intrepidco.com/
Tips for the Homeowner: Contact the electricians listed above and explain the situation thoroughly. Provide them with the measurements and location where the high magnetic field was detected. Request a thorough inspection of the electrical system, focusing on the lighting circuits and grounding.* If an electrician is unable to identify the issue, consider consulting with a certified EMF specialist. Flag for review