Electrical Pollution

Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

"Electrical pollution" is a misused and misunderstood term that has no basis in

engineering or electrical science. There are a variety of normally occurring electrical
phenomena that arise from our everyday use of electricity. "Electrical pollution" is
being loosely used to describe these phenomena. There is no scientific consensus that
"electrical pollution" is harmful to human beings. Why our concerns over electrical
pollution have not been validated as readily as other forms of pollution such as air,
water or noise pollution is understandable. Up until now we haven’t been able to
gauge the amounts of harmful dirty electricity that exists in our homes or in the
workplace.
Yet our dependence on electronic devices such as computers, cell phones, fax
machines and many types of appliances and entertainment systems continues to rise.
Hence the effect of dirty electricity , voltage surges , traveling waves are to be study
seriously and attempts are made to reduce the electrical pollution.

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Chapter 2

ELECTRICAL POLLUTION

2.1 Definitions

2.1.1 Pollution:-

The presence of unwanted material in the atmosphere in quantities, of

characteristics, & of duration such as to injurious to human, plant, animal, or which
unreasonably affects the comfortable enjoyment of life & property.
For example:- Air pollution
Water pollution
Soil pollution etc.
2.1.2. Electrical pollution:-

There are a variety of well understood electrical phenomena that are the
normal consequence of delivering and using electrical energy. The term “electrical
pollution” is being loosely used to describe these phenomena.
These electrical phenomena include;
1. Stray voltage
2. Electric and magnetic fields
3. Earth currents
4. Transients and high frequency noise
The recent availability of sophisticated measuring devices has made electrical
data acquisition for these phenomena simple and inexpensive. Unfortunately,
electrical data are easily misinterpreted, potentially causing unwarranted fear and
anxiety
There are devices on the market that falsely claim to eliminate “electrical
pollution.” Not only do they fail to do what they promise, they may even create
electrical safety hazards.

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2.1 Causes Of Electrical Pollution

The term “Electrical pollution” is used to describe following electrical phenomena –

2.1.1 Stray voltage

Stray voltage is current from on- and off-farm sources that may be present on
farms at levels known to cause behavioral changes in cattle. This is often a localized
condition due to poor grounding of the farm or utility electrical system, or a failure of
some electrical application.
2.1.2 Electric and magnetic fields

Electric and magnetic fields or EMF are weak, invisible fields of energy that

exist around anything that carries or uses electricity. The strength of these fields

quickly decreases as you move away from the source. Extensive research has failed to

conclusively link EMF to cancer or any other disease.

2.1.3 Earth currents

Earth currents are very low magnitude electrical currents that can be detected

in the soil. Natural activity such as movement of magma deep within the earth and

solar flares create some of these currents, while the delivery and use of electrical

energy create others. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) has

concluded that most earth currents are the result of local electrical loads by the end

consumer of electrical power.

2.1.4 Transients and high frequency noise

Transients and high frequency noise on the wiring of our homes and
businesses are created by the use of modern electronic devices such as radios,
televisions, cell phones and microwaves. This "noise" is normally very small (a tiny
fraction of one volt) compared to the standard 120 volts at a typical wall outlet. As
with earth currents, the source of transients and high frequency noise is primarily the
end user. Because of the design of the electrical distribution system, this noise cannot

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be transmitted very far from its source. We occasionally experience this noise as
momentary interference (snow) on a television screen or a fuzzy buzz in our
communications systems.
When the voltage in a circuit or part of it is raised above its upper design
limit, this is known as over voltage. The conditions may be hazardous. Depending on
its duration, the over voltage event can be permanent or transient, the latter case also
being known as a voltage spike. Electronic and electrical devices are designed to
operate at a certain maximum supply voltage, and considerable damage can be caused
by voltage that is higher than that for which the devices are rated.
For example:-An electric light bulb has a wire in it that at the given rated
voltage will carry a current just large enough for the wire to get very hot (giving off
light and heat), but not hot enough for it to melt. The amount of current in a circuit
depends on the voltage supplied: if the voltage is too high, then the wire may melt and
the light bulb would have "burned out". Similarly other electrical devices may stop
working, or may even burst into flames if an overvoltage is delivered to the circuit of
which these devices are part.

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Chapter 3

POLLUTANT OF ELECTRICAL POLLUTION

This is a new and revolutionary way of looking at electricity and

electromagnetic energy. There are four areas of concern, with regards to a creating
pollution of electrical environment:
3.1 Radio Frequency (RF) Radiation

Caused by: Cell phones, antennas, microwave ovens, broadcasting and

communication transmitters and radar systems generate powerful RF magnetic fields.
Human Effects: Some of the known effects of exposure to RF radiation
include cognitive impairment, memory deficit, EEG modifications, DNA damage,
chromosome aberrations, micronucleus formation, fetal malformation9, increased
permeability of the blood-brain barrier, altered cellular calcium efflux and altered cell
proliferation. RF radiation, a new form of exposure of the human embryo, fetus, and
infant, and an acknowledged environmental toxin under many exposure conditions,
may be associated with the increased incidence of autism.
Frequency range: 300 MHz - 300 GHz
3.2 Dirty Electricity (Electromagnetic Frequencies)

Caused by: Electrical devices such as computers, televisions, energy efficient

lighting, variable speed motors. Dirty electricity generated from our homes and
offices, travels back to the power station, and then is redistributed via the power
company’s hot wires back into the electrical grid.
Human Effects: Electrical hypersensitivity, which includes such effects as
chronic fatigue, depression, headaches, body aches and pains, ringing in the ears,
dizziness, impaired sleep memory loss and confusion.
Frequency range: 4 kHz - 100 kilo Hertz (kHz). Reilly16 and others show
that it is frequencies above 1.7 kHz that dissipate internally to the body.
The Electromagnetic Frequencies waves are as shown below in fig 3.2:-

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Fig No. :- 3.2 Electromagnetic Frequency

3.3 Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMFs)

Caused by: Power and transmission lines, substations, transformers, breaker

panels, power supply cables, appliances, computers (VDT’s), transponders, radar
installations, power generating dams, from underground distribution lines or from
grounded metal pipes, radio towers, cell towers, fluorescent lighting, security and
scanning equipment . These fields are a natural byproduct of each other in the
generation of electricity, but are invisible.
Human effects: Childhood leukemia, breast cancer, miscarriages. EMFs
have been found to reduce melatonin levels in animal and people.
Frequency range: below 60 Hz.
3.4 Ground Current

Caused by: Inadequate return neutral wire on the electrical wires

Human effects: Electrical hypersensitivity.
Animal effects: Dairy cattle have shown decreased milk production, began
to get foot sores and udder problems and had miscarriages. This has resulted in
lawsuits and out of court settlements.
Frequency range: at Power Frequency - 50 & 60 Hz and associated high
frequency harmonics, and transients.

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Chapter 4

EFFECTS OF ELLECTRICAL POLLULLION

The effects of electrical pollution are as follows:-

1. Electrical Hypersensitivity

2. An unnatural warmth or burning sensation in the face.

3. A tingling, stinging or pricking sensation in the face or other areas of the body.
4. Dryness of the upper respiratory tract or eye irritation.
5. Problems with concentration, dizziness and loss of memory.
6. Swollen mucus membranes resulting in non-viral/bacterial swelling of nose,
throat, ear and sinuses.
7. Feeling of impending influenza that never quite breaks out.
8. Headache and nausea.
9. Teeth and jaw pains.
10. Ache in muscles and joints.
11. Cardiac palpitations.
4.1 Electrical Hypersensitivity
People are increasingly becoming sensitive to the various forms of electrical
pollution. “Electrical Oversensitivity or Electrical Hypersensitivity is a fairly new
phenomenon, the first cases and discussions came to public knowledge in the early
seventies.
4.1.1 General Introduction

The first signs of electrical hypersensitivity are often experienced as a minor

irritation when working with VDTs (Computer monitors, surveillance monitors,
common TV - Television sets). A frequent symptom is that of warmth or a burning
sensation in the face, not unlike a strong sunburn. Some people develop a reddish skin
blemish or rash at the same time. These can also be accompanied by a tingling
sensations in the skin, both facially and/or over other parts of the body. In addition

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eye problems can occur. You might get the feeling that the mucus membranes have
dried.

4.1.2 Protective Measurements

1. Switch of the VDT when not in use.

2. Move the VDT far away from the user
3. Buy a new low emission, grounded, monitor with a Cu-net embedded into the
front glass (shielding glass).
4.2 Health Effects Of Electrical Pollution

While the term electrical pollution is not a scientific term, there has been a lot of
research and case studies done to understand the connection between electrical
pollution and human health.
The high frequency currents most commonly created by computers and other
electronic devices are circulated by various wires and systems, emitting the high
frequency currents into home or office environments. Many cases have been
documented where decreasing the amount of “dirty” electricity has lessened the
effects of health problems and complications. Some of those health problems being
attributed to electrical pollution include fibromyalgia, attention deficit disorder,
asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, and asthma. There are also cases that
detail that electrical pollution aggravates other preexisting conditions like multiple
sclerosis and migraine headaches.
neither the Environmental Protection Agency nor the Center for the Prevention of
Disease Control have published studies or policy on electrical pollution, there is a lot
of unofficial research being done on the topic of electrical pollution and its potential
health effects. Electrical pollution could be considered a modern day problem, coming
along into society because of the increased demand for electricity in today’s world.
With this in mind, those worried about electrical pollution have been lobbying for
stricter regulation and legislation to curb the problem. They are fighting for solutions
to possibly alleviate health problems associated with electrical sensitivity to high
frequency currents.

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4.3 Costing Of Electrical Pollution

Most industrial, commercial and office facilities operate in a constant

environment of “Electrical Pollution”! Surges, spikes, glitches and transient over
voltages are caused by lightning, power grid switching, brownouts, blackouts and all
kinds of load switching and cycling. These external surges coupled with internally
generated power pollution, produced by motors and controls, electronic equipment,
load switching and other transient sources, contribute to equipment damage costing
100’s of millions of dollars in the India each year.
4.4 Effects on Power System

The effects on power system are as follows:-

1. It generates Power loss in power system.

2. It damages the electrical equipments.
3. Durability & Reliability of the electrical equipments decreases.
4. It causes aging effect.
5. Stability of the power system also affected.
6. Life or service duration of the electrical equipments decreases.

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Chapter 5

POLLUTION CONTROL

We can protect or control the Electrical Pollution by using the electrical

equipments like “surge protector” & “VSS (Voltage surge suppressor).” It is said that
“prevention is better than cure”. Worst effect of electrical pollution on human being is
the Electrical Hypersensitivity.
The main cause of Electrical Hypersensitivity is over voltages.
5.1 surge protector
The main job of a surge protector system is to protect electronic devices from
"surges." So if you're wondering what a surge protector does, the first question is,
"What are surges?" And then, "Why do electronics need to be protected from them?"
A power surge, or transient voltage, is an increase in voltage significantly above the
designated level in a flow of electricity. In normal household and office wiring in the
United States, the standard voltage is 120 volts. If the voltage rises above 120 volts,
there is a problem, and a surge protector helps to prevent that problem from
destroying your computer.
When you put together a computer system, one piece of standard equipment
you'll probably buy is a surge protector. Most designs serve one immediately obvious
function they let you plug multiple components into one power outlet. With all of the
different components that make up a computer system, this is definitely a useful
device which is as shown in fig. 5.1.
But the other function of a surge protector power strip protecting the
electronics in your computer from surges in power is far more important. In this
article, we'll look at surge protectors, also called surge suppressors, to find out what
they do, when you need them, and how well they work. We'll also find out what levels
of protection are available and see why you might not have all the protection you
need, even if you do use a quality surge protector.

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Fig No.:-5.1 Surge Protector

5.2 Voltage Surge Suppressor (V.S.S.)

A transient voltage suppressor or TVS is a general classification of an array of

devices that are designed to react to sudden or momentary over voltage conditions.
One such common device used for this purpose is known as the transient voltage
suppression diode that is simply a zener diode designed to protect electronics against
over voltages. Another design alternative applies a family of products that are known
as metal-oxide varistor (MOV) that protect electronic circuits and electrical
equipment.
The characteristic of a TVS requires that it respond to over voltages faster than
other common over voltage protection components such as varistors or gas discharge
tubes. This makes TVS devices or components useful for protection against very fast
and often damaging voltage spikes. These fast over voltage spikes are present on all
distribution networks and can be caused by either internal or external events, such as
lightning or motor arcing.
Applications of transient voltage suppression diodes are used for
unidirectional or bidirectional electrostatic discharge protection of transmission or

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data lines in electronic circuits. MOV based TVS's are utilized to protect home
electronics, distribution systems and may accommodate industrial level power
distribution disturbances saving downtime and damage to equipment. The level of

Energy in a transient over voltage can be equated to energy measured in joules or

related to amperage when devices are rated for various applications. These bursts of
over voltage can be measured with specialized electronic meters that are capable of
showing power disturbances of high amplitude, thousands of volts, that last for very
short time periods, even nanoseconds.
Transient Voltage Surge Suppression (TVSS) System is specifically designed to
safely eliminate those external and internal surges and transients before they damage
your sensitive electronic and electrical equipment as shown in fig 5.2.

Fig No.:- 5.2 Voltage Surge Suspensor

5.3 Cost

Cost of both Surge protector & V.S.S. are in thousands of rupees.

Surge protector:- 2300/- to 4500/-
V.S.S.:- 4700/- to 7200/-

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5.4 Legislation And Regulation Of Electrical Pollution

Electrical pollution originates from misdirected currents. Instead of flowing

back to its neutral due to overload, the currents flow into the ground to produce high
frequency currents. These currents can be harmful to people who are “electrically
sensitive” causing health problems in some cases.
Electrical pollution researchers and those trying to stop its spread claim that
the only way to fix this growing problem is to encourage the passage of legislation
and the enforcement of regulations to be strictly followed by utility companies. This is
difficult, however. The difficulty stems from the fact that electrical pollution is not yet
an issue being addressed nationally, or by federal agencies. With this in mind,
regulatory actions would have to be taken on a state and local level.
The Electrical Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers (IEEE) have identified remedies for electrical ground currents
([Link]/[Link]). These remedies correct routing
problems and keep electricity at clean levels of 60 Hz when entering environments
like homes or office buildings. These remedies would be templates for regulation of
utility companies to clean up its dirty electricity. But getting the regulations to be
passed and installed is the hard part.
Legislation has been introduced in the state of Wisconsin in 2002 to require that
utilities allow no current on the grounding rods except during a fault situation. Simply
put, this would control the ground currents problem, which is considered the center of
the electrical pollution origination.
Those trying to stop the worsening of electrical also say that other things can
be done, on the national level to stop electrical pollution. In Europe, harmonic filters
for non-linear, time varying loads are required for certain electrical devices.
Legislative force could be used in this case, as it could be a law to require that
electronic devices contain the filters. It is more costly to manufacture the products
with the filters, but proponents say it is worth the extra costs to alleviate electrical

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pollution. Instituting laws to require the harmonic filters would be a complimentary

action to legislation to regulate utility companies in their grounding rod practices.

Chapter 6

CONCLUSION

Electrical pollution should be recognized as pollution at International level as

it affects the human being. Also several millions of dollars are getting wastage
because of Electrical Pollution. These wastage of money can be reduce , means
pollution can be controlled by following some simple steps & using some simple
electrical equipments .cost of such equipments are very low as compared to wastage
money due to Electrical Pollution .hence Electrical pollution is most costly to ignore
& less costly to eliminate. By saving the money by controlling the electrical pollution,
installation of more Power System can be possible. Also efficiency of the power
system will be improved.

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REFERENCE

1. D. P. Kothari, “Power System Analysis” Fourth Edition (2012), published by

Tata McGraw-Hill education pvt. Limited.
2. V. K. Mehta, “Principles Of Power System” Fourth Revises Edition (2008), S.
Chand & company Limited.

3. D. P. Kothari, “Electrical Transients” Third Edition (2009), PHI Learning pvt.

Limited.

4. Ozen, Low-frequency transient electric and magnetic fields coupling to child

body, radiat prot dosimetry (2008), page no-: 62-67.

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