ATEC offers affordable personal RF monitor sales, rentals, and calibrations, with an inventory spanning from low-cost wearable models to high-performance, 5G-ready monitors.
What is an RF Monitor?
A personal RF monitor is worn on the body to alarm users when electromagnetic radiation levels become dangerous. Designed to be lightweight, wearable, and highly accurate, RF monitors indicate the non-ionizing radiation level with LEDs; the unit vibrates and sets off an alarm to alert the wearer when the level of exposure to the electromagnetic field exceeds preset percentages of the safety limit. A more severe alarm generally sounds when levels exceed 100%.
To fulfill safety standards, both occupational and for the general public, a personal RF safety monitor often interfaces with customizable sensors or alternate models devoted to specific requirements. The Narda Nardalert S3, for example, pairs with sensors that fulfill all of the following standards: ACGIH, ARPANSA -RP3, Brazil – ANATEL 303, Canada Safety Code 6 (2015), FCC, EU EMF Directive 2013/35/EU, IEEE C95.1, and Japan RCR-38. Common test features for personal RF safety monitors include data logging functionalities, waveguide leak detection, and dual-use as both wearable alarms and as probes and monitoring devices.
Employees working at broadcasting or telecommunications stations, radar installations, or with industrial equipment are routinely exposed to electromagnetic fields that require monitoring to ensure their safety. For them, a personal RF meter could mean the difference between stepping into light RF exposure and wading into dangerous levels of radiation.
Choosing the Right Personal RF Safety Monitor
While all RF safety monitors serve the same purpose, the device's specifications and design could be better suited for certain work environments. Consider these variables and specifications before deciding on your personal RF monitor.
E-field or H-field Monitoring
Many personal RF meters are designed to monitor either the magnetic field (H-field) or electric field (E-field). Certain models are best for environments rich with magnetic fields, as an H-field RF monitor can detect even the low frequencies which can pose a risk. Other personal RF meters contain powerful E-field sensors to detect EMF at any level. Most modern devices detect both E- and H-fields for use in mixed RF fields.
Frequency Response
The personal RF monitor will detect with a frequency range that is either flat or shaped. The flat frequency response covers the entire range equally. A shaped response will rely on sensors that change with the frequency level and are needed to meet various industry standards.
Frequency Range
To cover the vast depth of frequencies found within work environments, a personal RF monitor must provide an equally large frequency range. Leading devices like the Nardalert S3 can monitor an extensive frequency range of 100 kHz to 100 GHz.
Isotropic or Radial Sensors
Personal RF monitors with an isotropic sensor feature numerous probes on the device to detect frequencies while facing any direction. Isotropic monitors can be worn in any way while still providing reliable RF detection. Radial field monitors may need to be facing or used in a specific direction to deliver the best results.
Personal RF Monitor Test Standards
- ACGIH | Occupational & Environmental Health
- ARPANSA - RP3 | Radiation Protection Standard for Max. Exposure Levels
- Brazil ANATEL 303 | Evaluation of the Human Exposure to EMF
- IEEE Std C95.1-2005 | Human Exposure Safety Levels, 3 kHz to 300 GHz
- Canada Safety Code 6 (2015) | Human Exposure Limits, 3 kHz to 300 GHz
- ICNIRP 1998 | Guidelines for Limiting Exposure, 0 kHz to 300 GHz
- EU Directive 2013/35/EU | Minimum Health & Safety Requirements for Worker Exposure
- FCC 1996 | Guideline for Evaluating Environmental Effects of RF Radiation
- Japan RCR STD-38 | Radiofrequency Exposure Protection
Buy, rent, or calibrate an RF monitor
An official vendor for Narda STS, the leading manufacturer of RF safety equipment, ATEC offers Narda RF monitors for sale, rental, and provides calibration services for all Narda test equipment. We carry both affordable, wearable, personal RF safety monitors, like the Narda Radman, and high-performance personal RF meters like the Narda Nardalert S3. Call
800-404-2832 or request a quote below and an ATEC associate will guide you to the right equipment, calibration, or test solution for your application.