Hi Michelle,

I see that you signed up for phone consulting.  Thank you - this is definitely the best way to discuss these types of things since there is a lot of information to go over and I will have some questions for you as well.  Sometimes we can shield a transformer, but sometimes there is "net current" in the electrical distribution system, which results in elevated fields along the lines coming to and from the transformer.

I look forward to speaking with you on the phone! :)

Hi Michelle,

More information is needed for this.  What are you measuring with, what are you picking up?  I might recommend a phone call with me where we can go into detail on this issue and find a solution for you.

14 gauge cords are capable of up to 15 amps - what most circuit breakers in homes are rated for.  So things like surge suppressors (power strips) usually use a large 14-gauge 15 amp wire.  16 gauge is a smaller wire - capable of safely carrying less current.  So the higher the gauge (also called AWG) number the smaller the wire.  16 gauge is rated for 13 amps.  18 gauge is rated for 10 amps.

Keep in mind even 10 amps is A LOT of power.  Twenty (20) 60-watt incandescent light bulbs would use 10 amps of power.  Our shielded 18 gauge 10 amp cords are commonly used for computers, monitors, some TVs and stereos, some printers, and to rewire lamps and things with lower current draw.

16 gauge extension cords are the typical everyday extension cord.

14 gauge heavy duty (larger wire size) cords handle up to 15 amps and are used for running multiple devices or power tools - larger things.  They have also been used to rewire appliances and larger devices like that.  This is the size we use in our shielded surge suppressor.  This is the size typically used for big things.

I was referring to an automated/remote lighting control system.  I was not referring to a utility meter.  That's a shame - those electronic utility meters are terrible.  It would be much better to have analog.  I always suggest fighting at all costs to keep the analog.

There are some heftier pass-through filters available.  They need to be installed by an electrician.  They are costly, but block a whole lot of everything coming into the house.  A much more sensible solution is to get that smart meter off rather than paying ten thousand dollars or more for a very robust filtering system.  That sort of filtering system can be good for people who are extremely sensitive though as it protects from other signals coming in from the grid.

Fight and don't take no for an answer.  We all gotta unite and refuse these smart meters and demand analog.

Hi RD,

What we have found is that in most cases, the more shielded cords we use, along with the shielded surge suppressor, the lower the numbers go in electric field measurement.  Installing a shielded cord or surge suppressor does not "extend" to non-shielded cords.  However, it can still greatly reduce electric field measurements, even if you are not able to replace all nearby cords with shielded cords.

So our general recommendation for areas where one spends significant time (work areas, bedrooms, etc) is to replace every cord and surge suppressor possible with our shielded version.  It is always best to verify with measurements as well.  But in the vast majority of cases this reduces the readings and optimizes those areas.

Here's a trick: if you have have a shielded cord next to an unshielded cord, it can help to "attach" the two together with zip ties or tape.  Attaching the shielded cord next to the unshielded cord helps to reduce the fields immensely.

We are working right now on a do-it-yourself kit to retro-shield any cord.  It should be available in the next month.

Have you seen our EHS-Shield shielded power cords?  http://www.ehs-shield.com

We have 14 and 16 gauge extension cords.  We also have 18 gauge power cords with C13 ends on them (the kind commonly used for desktop PCs, desktop Apples, monitors, TVs, some printers and stereos and other electronics).  Simply swap-out your standard unshielded cords with these and your electric field exposure should plummet.

We also use these 18 gauge power cords to rewire lamps.  A qualified professional can change the wire to a lamp and if the lamp is metal-bodied also use the cord to properly ground the lamp at the same time.  This is a must-do in my opinion for lamps.

Let me know if this answers it or if you still need clarification or have any other questions.

The Stetzerizer filters move a small amount of current through the electrical system from the power company and through the house through the filter.  They do NOT, however, increase current flowing through devices.  There is no negative effect or risk on appliances.  The filters actually help to protect appliances and electronics.  The filters can help motors to run more efficiently and cooler, and help cancel out voltage spikes on the power system.  I can think of one example of a school in Wisconsin that after installing the filters, they didn't have to replace computers and electronics nearly as much - saving enormously on their electronics budget each year.

I hope that helps.  In 10 years the only device I can even think of that the filters interfered with was one particular home automation system that used the powerlines for communication.  The filters are compatible with just about everything and don't cause any negative side effects with devices/appliances :)

Let me know if I can help with anything else. Have a great day!

It is possible that this coating or layer is a reflective/conductive layer.  If it is truly designed to reflect radiant heat, then it should also have an RF reflection quality as well.  The only way to know is to test it.  Try with an HF35C or Acoustimeter.  Place a radiation source (WiFi router, cordless phone, etc) and put the coat close to it or over it.  See if it is lower with the coat than without the coat :)

Great question.  The Stetzerizer Filters are designed properly to only utilize the "Hot" (ungrounded conductor) and "Neutral" (technically called the grounded conductor).

The filters are 2-prong only and designed purposely this way.  They will work great with your ungrounded outlets.  Beware of 3-prong knockoff filters made by other brands that utilize the ground plug and tie-in filtering circuitry to it.  Ground is not supposed to be used for those types of purposes.

Grounded outlets are always preferred for safety and also necessary for shielded cords and things.  So do NOT use a shielded power cord, surge suppressor, or extension cord in those ungrounded outlets.  In fact you shouldn't use any 3-prong device or cord in an ungrounded or improperly grounded outlet.

The filters are safe as they are 2-prong only, they are non-polarized so they can be used either direction (you can flip them upside-down and use them that way). They are UL listed.  Thank you for your question!