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Post Time: 17/10/2007 22:53:17 |
sarah withers
Total Forum Posts: 3 |
We may be able to buy a currently unused large room adjoining our house. There is a substation in the far corner of the room but should we buy the room we would join it to our house and would be living in the same space as the substation.
Is there any effective means of neutralising the emf's from the substation and make the building safe to live in?
Thanks, Sarah |
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Post Time: 18/10/2007 10:51:02 |
Sarahp
Total Forum Posts: 48 |
Hi Sarah.
The simple answer really is I wouldn't buy it.
There's no way to screen the very high magnetic fields (without spending an absolute fortune (and I'm talking tens of thousands of pounds, and then it would only reduce it, not stop it)).
As to the electric fields, you could screen quite effectively against those with care.
However, the magnetic field situation would rule it out for most people.
Hope that helps. |
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Post Time: 18/10/2007 11:10:57 |
alasdairP
Total Forum Posts: 173 |
It really depends on just how large the room is and where the cables run under the floor/ground.
Fields from substations typically mostly fall off within about 3 metres (10 feet) from the nearest piece of equipment. You would need to hire a power-frequency EMF meter (like our EMFields Pro) and measure the fields around the room.
If they do fall off all quite fast to levels (I suggest) below 0.1 microtesla, then it might well make useful extra space. The room would need to be large enough to leave good space after the substation was separated off by a new wall.
You would also need to look carefully at the legal responsibilities, rights of the electricity company, etc. e.g. who would be legally responsible for the maintenance of the roof of the building?
Substations do tend to hum and buzz (they vary in intensity) and some people find this "uncomfortable" and it may travel through a solid concrete floor. You will have to stand in the room and listen.
It is unlikely to significantly increase the value of your property.
Could it be converted to a garage and then your present garage (if you have one) be converted to living space. That would be better from a selling point of view.
I also agree with Sarahp's comment about not being practical to screen out the magnetic fields. I have done that for clients and it is very expensive and not all that effective.
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Post Time: 18/10/2007 23:08:00 |
sarah withers
Total Forum Posts: 3 |
Hello Sarah & Alasdair,
Thank you both for your advice. I think I realised it wouldn't be a good idea to live in however attractive the extra space might be! I would still like to go ahead and try to buy the space to turn into storage, or, a garage as Alasdair suggests. With this in mind would you be able recommend a specialist who could give us a written report on the emf levels in the space? We are in the London Paddington area. We haven't yet got to the point of looking at the legalities of the building but will be careful once we do. Has there ever been an instance of a sub station being decommissioned? I do realise that there is a need for residential electricity! Many thanks again. |
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Post Time: 19/10/2007 10:01:01 |
Sarahp
Total Forum Posts: 48 |
Hi Sarah
The cheapest option for you would be to hire a PRO meter, and you can take the readings yourself. It's a small handheld monitor, with a digital readout, and is both easy to use and very accurate.
Another option is a gentleman called Lionel Herve - he's an electrician with very good knowledge of powerfrequency EMFs. If you'd like to go this route, I can send you an email with his contact info, or you could call and I'll let you have the number over the phone. |
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Post Time: 19/10/2007 10:02:37 |
Sarahp
Total Forum Posts: 48 |
http://www.powerwatch.org.uk/faq.asp#electrician
here's his contact info - it's on the FAQ section (number 17) on this site :) |
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Post Time: 19/10/2007 14:20:17 |
sarah withers
Total Forum Posts: 3 |
Many thanks for the info i'll be in touch with Mr Herve.
All the best,
Sarah |
