The EMF detector or electrometric field detector is one of the most used pieces of equipment in the paranormal field. When used correctly it can yield amazing results. If used incorrectly it can generate an unnecessary distraction from your investigation and waste valuable time better spent in other areas. The average home or so called haunted location has multiple man made and natural magnetic fields. Some of these fields may be hard to discern from true paranormal activity. You must train yourself on how to determine the subtle differences between them. One of the most common examples is when a group comes across a spike on the detector, then freezes in their tracks and spends a half hour talking to a field generated by unshielded wiring in the wall. (I know, I’ve done it).

1st: when entering a suspected location of paranormal activity you must always seek out all man made devices and make notes of their locations along with average EMF readings. Share this information with all members of your group. This will eliminate the chance of them wasting time investigating things that can be explained away. Objects such as TV’s/ stereos/lamps/refrigerators (both sides of the wall) fuse panels/clock radios etc. Do not ever investigate while wearing a natural magnet bracelet or a cell phone case with magnetic cover, you are aware of these objects but the other people investigating with you in the dark may unknowingly scan past you and pick up on them. Taking the time to map out all of the things early in the investigation may save you hours of false reading and unnecessary discussions which results in loss of investigating time. As a foot note you may be able to confirm your readings by using a Stanley stud finder with voltage detector or a RF Radio Field detector with microwave transmission detection capability. The more you can rule out the better off you will be.

2nd: There are many discussions on the proper way to use the EMF detector. I prefer to hold it waist high and scan in a cross pattern. Take a couple of steps, move the EMF from center to one foot left, back to center, to one foot right, back to center then the same movements up and down. It is a waste of time to scan from the ceiling to floor because in an intelligent haunting if an entity is going to communicate via the EMF it will come at you head on. If it is trying to evade your advancements you will never know it was there. In the case of a murder or location with tragic circumstances, it is acceptable to scan the entire area surrounding the event.

3rd: While making your scans, if you come across a spike on the EMF, look for inconsistencies. A reading of 2.0 that jumps higher then lower without any movement from you may be activity testing your reaction. If a reading appears then moves away, you step forward, backwards, left or right and it reappears, like it is leading you somewhere or spikes in a manner consistent with the questions you are asking then this may be considered intelligent movement. Uses of the EMF detector should always be to support other evidence collected in a investigation. The truth is that any conclusions we make is only speculation and can not be considered absolute proof of a haunting without actually seeing, recording (audio/video) or physical contact that results in proof of the appearance of a ghost.