Comparison of electric and magnetic fields near 400 kV electric substation with exposure recommendations of the European Union

Measurements of electric and magnetic fields in 400 kV electric power systems have increased because of public concern about fields. Electric and magnetic fields from electric power systems have been studied for several years now at Tampere University of Technology (TUT). The aim of this study was to investigate electric and magnetic fields near a 400 kV substation from the public exposure point of view. Recommendations given by the Council of the European Union for 50 Hz are 5 kV/m for electric field and 100 μT for magnetic field. Fields have been measured near 400 kV electric substation along two straight lines, line 1 on the road away from the fence of the substation (n=21, highest values 0.80 kV/m and 1.74 μT) and line 2 on the switchyard of the substation (n=83, highest values 7.64 kV/m and 16.5 μT). Measurements inside the fence were carried out to get reference values for the fields outside. The values were well below recommendations.