Computer-aided Investigation of Magnetic Fields Induced by Energy Saving Bulbs

Abstract

This article presents the research methodology and results for testing magnetic field generation by energy-efficient light bulbs in the frequency range between 20 Hz and 48 kHz. A high-definition PC sound system tailored to magnetic field testing, a specifically designed sensor and virtual instruments created using Matlab program suite. Spectral analysis has been conducted on the voltage, induced in the magnetic field sensor. It was found that the magnetic intensity generated by energy-saving light bulbs is much higher compared to the magnetic field generated by conventional incandescent bulbs. Also, research was conducted on studying how the energy-saving light bulbs generated magnetic field intensity depends on the distance from the bulb. The outlaid simple computerized test method for measuring the magnetic field generated by energy-saving light bulbs can be applied to assess the electro-smog contamination within households.