Assessment of EMF-Exposure in Residences due to PLC-based Smart Metering

Abstract

In order to assess residential exposure to electric and magnetic fields caused by PLC-based smart meters (SM) time domain measurements of electric field strength and magnetic flux density were carried out in several positions in different buildings, including detached one-family homes and apartment buildings. The measurement positions were chosen in order to obtain typical (i.e. living room, bed, etc.) as well as worst case (close to distribution box) exposure data. SM types operating in the CENELEC A (36 kHz – 95 kHz) as well as in the FCC (150 kHz – 500 kHz) transmission band were considered. The obtained measurement data were assessed based on the reference levels for general public exposure according to ICNIRP’s 1998 and 2010 guidelines, respectively. Smart meter related magnetic and electric field exposure in areas were persons typically stay (> 20 cm from walls and any components connected to the electric installation) were found below 0.15% and 0.5% of the limits, respectively. Very close to distribution boxes and close to the smart meter, exposure may reach the order of 1-2% of the applicable limits. Overall, the measurements demonstrated that personal exposure caused by PLC-based smart meters is very far below present exposure limits, however, it can be a significant fraction of usual residential background exposure (particularly close to distribution boxes and the smart meter, respectively).