Think of an Electromagnetic Field as a type of energy aura that surrounds objects that contain an electrical charge. Wireless objects with an electrical battery or power supply also contain this field such as cell phones, laptops etc….

Considering that I am not a scientist, I shall give a definition without explaining too much scientific mumbo jumbo. Think of a light that is plugged into an outlet, if electrical power is transferred to the socket, but the light is turned off, there will still be a small amount of an electrical field generated. Once the light is turned on however, a flow of current causing the movement of electrons into the bulb creates a magnetic field. Both of these fields mixed together create an Electromagnetic Field.

Even our planet Earth is surrounded by an Electromagnetic Field which was formed by the electrons moving on our surface. This field helps with our sense of direction; this is why we are able to point/ direct with a compass. Thus using a compass during a Paranormal Investigation is completely plausible (I’ll explain later).

Now although we are surrounded by this energy, certain types of Electromagnetic Fields have been the cause of major health issues. Children exposed to high amounts of this energy have been linked with cancer. Headaches, nausea, fear, paranoia, anxiety and even hallucinations have been witnessed in homes with greater than normal levels of these fields. X-Rays and lasers however are used as a form of Electromagnetic Radiation which has been a benefit within the health community.

So how does all this relate to the Paranormal?

Within the Paranormal Network, one theory states that when a ghost/ spirit attempts to communicate or manifest themselves, they must use the energy from within their surroundings. Therefore causing either a change in the magnetic fields or even sometimes draining the energy from equipment. This is why you may have experienced brand new batteries suddenly going dead while conducting an investigation. If you ever run out of batteries hopefully you have in your possession a “free-swinging” needle compass. If you do, keep the compass at a flat level, make sure the needle is pointing north, and if you walk slowly and the compass begins to spin erratically, you may have caught yourself some Paranormal Activity.

There is another theory that states, the more Electromagnetic Field detected within an area, the more chance you will have of an increase in activity. Now whether this is true or just an effect of hallucination caused from the radiation is still up for argument.

A magnetic field is neither visible nor contains a scent so detection can be found by using a tool known as an EMF Meter or Electromagnetic Field Meter. These tools are mainly used for detecting Electromagnetic Radiation Flux Density (DC fields) or over time, the change in an Electromagnetic Field (AC Fields). These fields are measured in North America by units known as Gauss (G) or internationally as Tesla (T).

1 Tesla = 10,000 Gauss.

There are many different types and brands of these meters but usually you can find them in two different formats, Single-Axis or Multi-Axis. The Single-Axis meters detect fields coming in from one direction while the Multi-Axis can detect signals from multiple points with some meters built to detect even Electric Fields and Radio/ Microwaves. Multi-Axis meters are of course the more expensive at an average cost of anywhere from $100 to $300, while the more simple Single-Axis can cost anywhere from $10 to $100. EMF Meters are available online or at your local science equipment store and come in either analog or digital.

So how do we use an EMF Meter during an investigation?

In my opinion I suggest that you should do an initial sweep of the area using your meter to verify what might be a natural cause for an EMF spike or the general EMF level of the room. Usually a typical normal reading can be anywhere from 0.1 to 1.5 Gauss (sometimes the cause for the reading can be some hidden or buried wires so be thorough!). Anything over 6G’s is usually an explainable large manmade object and anything from 2.5 to 6 Gauss can be found as small electrical objects. Either take a mental note or a physical recording of the general reading or anything that causes a spike so that it does not confuse you or other team members when conducting your investigation later. Remember, the larger the spike, the closer you are to the source. Paranormal Activity has been theorized at a spike anywhere from 1.5 to 6 Gauss (depending on the meter in use). Slow or rapid increases/ decreases while the meter is motionless are also considered as Paranormal Activity.

During your investigation, record all unusual spikes that may occur using the EMF Meter. Usually these spikes occur in combinations with other experiences such as audible evidence, cold spots, visual recognition or disembodied voice captures. These activities could represent a ghost/ spirit trying to manifest, which of course will cause a rise in Electromagnetic Fields.

Remember, experiencing a rise in Electromagnetic Fields during your investigation is not necessarily paranormal evidence. Never conclude a location as Haunted due to the amount of EMF activity you may have witnessed. Although it has been researched and studied, EMF Meters are still under skepticism for their liability as a Ghost Hunting tool. I suggest you use the meters as a targeting tool to try to capture with more convincing equipment such as an Audio Recorder or Video Recorder. I know it’s tough, but the more creditable the evidence, the less judgment you shall receive.