As someone deeply interested in the effects of modern technology on our health, I embarked on a journey to explore a topic that’s rarely discussed but could be affecting millions of us: EMF from electricity and electronics. With just an oscilloscope, a grounding mat, and a bit of curiosity, I decided to uncover the invisible forces surrounding us and how they might be impacting our well-being.

A Glimpse into My Experiment

Let’s start with the basics. I have a grounding mattress cover from a company called Earthing, which spans our entire king-sized bed. This mat is designed to connect you to the Earth’s natural energy, reducing the harmful effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs).

To conduct this experiment, I gathered a few tools: an oscilloscope to visualize electrical currents, a voltmeter, and grounding cables. I also set up grounding stakes outside my home, driven into the Earth, to provide a baseline for comparison.

The First Test: Uncovering the Hidden Waves

I began by connecting my oscilloscope to a standard electrical outlet to observe the electricity flowing through my home. The first thing that appeared on the screen was a clean sine wave, representing the alternating current (AC) that powers most homes in the U.S. It ran at 60 hertz, the standard frequency here (elsewhere in the world, it’s often 50 hertz). The sine wave was steady and undisturbed, which meant my home’s wiring was relatively clean.

But what would happen if I introduced a common household device like a hairdryer? I plugged it into the outlet, and the results were surprising. While my oscilloscope wasn’t sensitive enough to detect subtle disturbances, the wave remained mostly clean—a testament to the good wiring and grounding in my home. Not everyone is this lucky. In older or poorly wired homes, devices like hairdryers can create significant disturbances, leading to what’s known as dirty electricity.

What Is Dirty Electricity?

Dirty electricity is essentially a byproduct of modern electrical systems. It occurs when harmonics or stray currents are introduced into the system, often by devices like electrical devices, chargers, or even poorly grounded wiring. These irregularities can leak into the ground or electrical outlets, creating potential health concerns.

As someone who moderates an online Facebook Group on Earthing and grounding, I’ve come across countless anecdotes of people experiencing fatigue, headaches, insomnia, and muscle aches after prolonged grounding with sheets and mats using their outlets. I wanted to see if there was any merit to these claims by looking at the effects firsthand.

The Role of Grounding Mats

Next, I turned my attention to my grounding mat. Not grounded, the mat itself emitted 6.93 volts of AC at 60 hertz. The shocking part? This voltage was present even when the mat wasn’t connected to any power source! This phenomenon is referred to as capacitive coupling where the electrical EMF can induce electrical currents in a conductive material and even the human body.

I measured the effect on my body. In the bedroom, my body voltage soared to over 8.6 volts AC. When I touched the ungrounded mat, it jumped even higher, surpassing 9 volts AC. This raised an important question: Could an improperly grounded Earthing mat be doing more harm than good?

Grounding the Mat: A Simple Fix with Big Results

The next step was to ground the mat properly. I connected it to a grounding stake outside, and the results were almost instantaneous. The voltage dropped from over 6 volts to just 120 millivolts AC, an incredible reduction. When I touched the grounded mat, my body voltage plummeted to 266 millivolts AC, a dramatic difference compared to the ungrounded state of over 9 volts AC.

Interestingly, I also tested grounding the mat through my home’s electrical outlet, which is properly wired and grounded. The results were nearly identical to using the outside stake, confirming that both methods can be effective if the home’s wiring is up to code. For those in older homes, however, this might not be the case. Unfortunately, a significant number of homes are wired incorrectly. Roy Cooke is a former master electrician who has inspected over 4000 homes. Less than 50% of the homes he inspected were wired correctly.

Why Grounding Matters

Grounding, or earthing, is the practice of physically connecting your body to the Earth to discharge built-up static electricity, harmonize with the Earth’s natural electrical fields, and reduce the EMF-induced AC voltage in the human body. Grounding & earthing reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and mitigate the harmful effects of EMFs. My experiment demonstrated a clear difference in the electrical environment around me when grounding was properly implemented.

For years, I’ve believed in the benefits of grounding. After using a grounded mat for over five years, I’ve experienced better sleep, reduced stress, and a general sense of well-being. But this experiment also showed me the importance of doing it right. Improperly grounded devices can introduce more stray AC voltage into your body and result in more harm than good. Therefore, it’s crucial to test your setup.

Key Takeaways from My Experiment

1. Not All Homes Are Equal: The wiring and grounding in your home play a significant role in how effective Earthing devices will be. Older homes or poorly wired systems may introduce more dirty electricity.

2. Test Your Setup: Investing in tools like a voltmeter and oscilloscope can help you measure the effectiveness of your grounding devices. Alternatively, hiring a professional can ensure your setup is safe.

3. Use a Proper Grounding Method: Whether you use a stake outside or a grounded electrical outlet, ensure that your mat or sheet is correctly grounded. When in doubt, opt for an outdoor grounding stake.

4. Be Wary of Unconnected Devices: Devices that aren’t properly grounded can act as capacitors for EMF, increasing exposure to harmful currents.

5. Consider Your Environment: The amount of dirty electricity in your home depends on various factors, including the number of electronic devices, wiring quality, and grounding effectiveness.

Final Thoughts

My experiment reinforced the importance of grounding and the potential dangers of dirty electricity. While the science is still evolving, there’s enough evidence to suggest that Earthing can be a powerful tool for improving health—when done correctly.

If you’re curious about Earthing, start small. Test your home, invest in a proper setup, and pay attention to how you feel. For me, the benefits have been life-changing, and I believe they can be for you too. And remember, the key isn’t just in the equipment but in ensuring it’s used the right way.

As we navigate an increasingly electrified world, taking steps to protect ourselves from invisible forces could make all the difference. Ground yourself, stay informed, and enjoy the benefits of a cleaner, healthier environment.

• I have used Earthing products for over 5 years and love them. I recommend the Earthing mattress cover under a 100% cotton sheet: https://tinyurl.com/5fa5b9ut
• I recommend grounding with an Earthing grounding rod with 40’ cable: https://bit.ly/3Zl0gOX