Electrical Pollution
“Electrical Pollution” is a relatively new, unscientific term
used by some to describe a variety of normal and
unavoidable electrical phenomena.
Key Facts
• There are a variety of well understood electrical phenomena
that are the normal consequence of delivering and using
electrical energy. The term “electrical pollution” is being
loosely used to describe these phenomena.
• These electrical phenomena include;
- Stray voltage
- Electric and magnetic fields
- Earth currents
- Transients and high frequency noise
• The recent availability of sophisticated measuring devices
has made electrical data acquisition simple and inexpensive.
Unfortunately, electrical data are easily misinterpreted,
potentially causing unwarranted fear and anxiety.
• There are devices on the market that falsely claim to
eliminate “electrical pollution.” Not only do they fail to do what
they promise, they may even create electrical safety hazards.
Questions and Answers
What is “electrical pollution”?
"Electrical pollution" is a misused and misunderstood term
that has no basis in engineering or electrical science. There
are a variety of normally occurring electrical phenomena that
arise from our everyday use of electricity. "Electrical pollution"
is being loosely used to describe these phenomena. There is
no scientific consensus that "electrical pollution" is harmful to
human beings. Some self-described "experts" are using the
term to describe beliefs that are not entirely based on the
laws of physics. Consequently, there is a lot of misuse of
sound science and long-proven technical information, and
there are "quick fixes" for "electrical pollution" on the market
that do nothing and may create electrical safety hazards.
Why are there concerns about "electrical pollution"?
Use of the term “electrical pollution” may include one or a
combination of several well understood electrical phenomena:
• Stray voltage is current from on- and off-farm sources