Magnetic field measurement from 132/275 KV overhead power lines

Abstract

This paper presents a study on magnetic field radiated from 132/275kV overhead power lines. The magnetic field radiation from overhead power lines have become a concern to the public due to its adverse health effects such as leukemia in children. A report from World Health Organization (WHO) stated that radiated magnetic fields from overhead power lines may cause leukemia in children if they are exposed to it every day. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to measure the magnetic field radiated from 132/275kV power lines. EMDEX II, a free body meter is used to measure the magnetic field at 1 meter above ground level and the lateral profile was proven using MATLAB calculation. The measurement was done at SJK (T) Gelang Patah and Taman Pulai Utama at a distance of 35 meter from the outermost conductor. The results from both locations show that the radiated magnetic field is much lower than the exposure limit stated in the ICNIRP standard, in which the highest data recorded is only 4mG. The lateral profile magnetic field also shows that exposure to magnetic fields directly below the overhead power line are within the ICNIRP recommended exposure limits. Thus, it can be concluded that the magnetic field radiated by 132/275kV power lines in Malaysia operate at a safe level.