On the uncertainty estimation of electromagnetic field measurements using field sensors: a general approach

One of the most common and popular practices on measuring the non-ionising electric and/or magnetic field strength employs field meters and the appropriate electric and/or magnetic field strength sensors. These measurements have to meet several requirements proposed by specific guidelines or standards. On the other hand, performing non-ionising exposure assessment using real measurement data can be a very difficult task due to instrumentation limits and uncertainties. In addition, each measuring technique, practice and recommendation has its own drawbacks. In this paper, a methodology for estimating the overall uncertainty for such measurements, including uncertainty estimation of spatial average values of electric or magnetic field strengths, is proposed. Estimating and reporting measurement uncertainty are of great importance, especially when the measured values are very close to the established limits of human exposure to non-ionising electromagnetic fields.