We live in a world surrounded by electricity.
From the moment we wake up and check our phones to the time we turn off the bedside lamp, we spend much of our lives near wiring, appliances, computers and wireless technology. Most of us barely notice it.
But as our homes become increasingly connected, more people are asking questions about electromagnetic fields, commonly called EMFs, and whether grounding can make a measurable difference.
Published studies have demonstrated substantial reductions in measured AC body voltage when people are electrically connected to Earth. So what do these findings really mean?
What are electromagnetic fields?
Electromagnetic fields occur naturally and are also produced by modern technology. Everyday sources include electrical wiring, power supplies, computers, televisions, routers and mobile phones.
Low frequency electrical fields
Associated with household wiring and mains powered appliances, usually at 50 Hz in the UK. Nearby fields can induce a small measurable AC voltage on the body.
Radiofrequency fields
Used for WiFi, Bluetooth, smartphones and wireless communications. These operate at much higher frequencies and should not be confused with the household AC fields examined in grounding experiments.
That difference matters: a finding about low frequency electrical voltage cannot automatically be extended to WiFi, 5G or other wireless signals.
How does grounding change body voltage?
Grounding, also known as earthing, creates a conductive connection between the body and Earth. Outdoors, this may happen naturally when barefoot skin touches suitable conductive ground. Indoors, purpose built mats or mattress covers can connect to a verified earth connection.
The body is electrically conductive. In the presence of alternating electrical fields, a voltage can be measured between the body and Earth. A correct grounding connection brings the body's electrical potential closer to Earth's potential.
Grounding can change a measurable electrical property of the body. Whether those changes produce lasting health benefits is a separate scientific question.
What did the studies find?
Two published investigations help illustrate the measurable electrical effects of grounding in very different environments.
Average factor of reduction in measured AC body voltage after grounding among 50 participants.
Read the study ↗Reduction in measured skin voltage while premature infants were grounded in a neonatal unit.
Read the study ↗Study 1: A normal home office
A 2016 experiment measured 50 participants, aged 12 to 79, in a room containing familiar electrical equipment including a computer, monitor, printer and desk lamp. Researchers measured induced body voltage before and after connecting each participant to electrical ground.
They found that measured AC body voltage was reduced by an average factor of 58 when participants were grounded. They also measured the small currents involved and concluded that the fields in their tested residential environment did not produce harmful grounding currents.
It is a useful result when thinking about the electrical behaviour of indoor grounding. It is not a universal guarantee of safety in faulty wiring or unusual electrical environments.
Study 2: Premature infants in intensive care
A 2017 neonatal study recorded electrical skin voltage in premature infants surrounded by medical equipment. Grounding lowered the measured skin voltage by more than 95%. Researchers also reported changes in heart rate variability associated with vagal tone.
This small exploratory study demonstrated an electrical effect in a clinical setting. It did not establish that grounding treats illness or improves long term clinical outcomes.
These are measurements of electrical voltage, not percentages of radiation removed from a room and not measured reductions in disease risk. They do not demonstrate that grounding blocks wireless signals.
Does grounding shield you from EMFs?
Sometimes grounding is compared to a Faraday cage. That analogy has limits. A person connected to Earth does not become a complete shield against electromagnetic fields.
Grounding can reduce voltage induced on the body by nearby low frequency fields. It does not turn off appliances, remove all electromagnetic fields from a space or prove protection from WiFi, smartphones or 5G.
The clearest conclusion from these studies is also the most useful: grounding can make a substantial, measurable difference to AC body voltage under the conditions tested.
Is indoor grounding safe?
Purpose built grounding products can provide a straightforward way to connect to Earth indoors, provided the wiring is correct and the products are used as directed. A grounding product uses a suitable earth connection, not the live electrical supply.
Check your socket. Use a compatible socket tester or seek advice from a qualified electrician if you are unsure that your outlet is correctly earthed.
Use the approved components. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and use the supplied grounding cords and adapters.
Do not ignore electrical faults. Stop using any equipment with damaged cables, damaged sockets or suspected wiring problems.
Bring grounding into your daily routine
You do not need to rearrange your day to experience a grounding connection. Here are three popular ways to make it part of the routine you already have.
Elite Universal Earthing Mat
Keep a conductive surface beneath your bare feet while working, reading or relaxing.
Shop the mat
Elite Mattress Cover
Place the conductive cover on your mattress, beneath a suitable sheet, to ground while you rest.
Shop the cover
Elite Sleep Mat
A smaller conductive surface for people who prefer a dedicated mat rather than a full mattress cover.
Shop the sleep matWhat about WiFi, phones and 5G?
Wireless technologies use radiofrequency fields, which are different from the low frequency electrical fields in the grounding studies above. These experiments do not show that grounding blocks wireless signals.
EMF exposure also does not automatically mean harm. Frequency, strength, duration and applicable safety limits all matter. For those who prefer to minimise unnecessary exposure, simple measures include using speakerphone, keeping devices at a comfortable distance when possible, and placing routers sensibly.
Interested in the wider EMF conversation?
EMF Guardian is a UK distributor of Pranan products developed for people interested in electromagnetic environments at home, in the workplace and while travelling.
Biospace 8V11 Diamond
Pranan's passive device marketed for home and office environments.
Phione Diamond
Compact device marketed for use with mobile phones.
Phiwaves Diamond
Portable personal product from the Pranan range.
Note: Pranan's marketed effects are separate from the grounding mechanism studied above. The cited grounding research does not validate Pranan devices. Robust independent evidence demonstrating health protection from passive EMF devices remains insufficient.
Grounding and EMF awareness: what matters most?
Electricity and wireless technology are part of modern life. Understanding them can be useful without becoming fearful of them. Spending time outdoors, taking screen breaks and making sensible choices about electrical devices are worthwhile everyday habits.
The grounding studies offer one particularly interesting finding: establishing a connection to Earth can rapidly change the AC voltage measured on the body. That observation deserves attention and continued research, without claiming more than it demonstrates.
Bring a little more Earth into every day.
Discover genuine Earthing products designed for working, relaxing and sleeping indoors.
Explore Earthing productsScientific research & further reading
- Brown, 2016. Effects of Grounding on Body Voltage and Current in the Presence of Electromagnetic Fields. View study ↗
- Passi et al., 2017. Electrical Grounding Improves Vagal Tone in Preterm Infants. View study ↗
- Earthing Institute. Studies Confirm Indoor Grounding Safety and Reduced Exposure to AC Voltage EMFs. Read overview ↗
Grounding research remains an emerging field. Lower measured body voltage is not proof of reduced disease risk. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Consult a qualified electrician where wiring safety is uncertain.
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