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GuideOctober 29, 20256 min read

Understanding EMF Readings

Understanding EMF Readings: A Guide for Paranormal Investigators

Published: January 2025
Category: Guide
Reading Time: 6 minutes


Electromagnetic Field (EMF) readings are one of the most common tools in paranormal investigation. But what do those numbers actually mean? And how can you interpret them during an investigation?

What is EMF?

EMF stands for Electromagnetic Field - an invisible field of energy created by electrically charged objects. Your phone, power lines, and even your own body generate EMF. In paranormal investigation, some believe that spirits or paranormal activity can cause fluctuations in EMF readings.

How JuJu Measures EMF

JuJu uses your device's built-in magnetometer (the same sensor used for compass apps) to detect electromagnetic fields. The app displays readings in real-time, showing both the raw value and a visual representation on the radar display.

Normal EMF levels:

  • 0-1 mG (milligauss): Typical background levels in most environments
  • 1-3 mG: Slightly elevated, often from nearby electronics or wiring
  • 3-5 mG: Moderate levels, could be from appliances or electrical systems
  • 5+ mG: High levels, may indicate strong electrical sources or potential anomalies

Interpreting EMF Readings

What to Look For

Sudden spikes: A rapid increase in EMF that can't be explained by nearby electronics might be worth investigating further. However, always rule out natural causes first.

Sustained high readings: If EMF remains elevated in an area without obvious electrical sources, document it and note the location.

Correlation with other sensors: EMF spikes that coincide with motion, temperature changes, or audio anomalies are particularly interesting.

What NOT to Do

Don't assume every spike is paranormal: EMF can be affected by:

  • Nearby power lines
  • Electrical wiring in walls
  • Appliances and electronics
  • Your own device's battery
  • Other investigators' devices

Don't ignore baseline readings: Always establish what's normal for the environment before investigating.

EMF Heat Map in Video Mode

When recording video, JuJu displays an EMF heat map overlay:

  • Blue areas: Low EMF readings
  • Green/Yellow areas: Moderate readings
  • Red areas: High EMF readings

This visual representation helps you see EMF patterns in real-time as you record, making it easier to spot anomalies.

The Entropy Connection

JuJu's revolutionary Entropy Sensor incorporates EMF data along with motion, light, gyroscope, and pressure readings to create a composite "chaos" metric. High entropy (environmental disorder) that correlates with EMF spikes can be a strong indicator of environmental disruption.

Best Practices

  1. Calibrate first: Always calibrate your sensors before investigating
  2. Document everything: Note the location, time, and other sensor readings when you see EMF spikes
  3. Rule out natural causes: Check for nearby electronics, wiring, or power sources
  4. Look for patterns: Single spikes are less significant than repeated patterns
  5. Use multiple sensors: Don't rely on EMF alone - correlate with other sensor data

Common Misconceptions

"High EMF always means ghosts": Not true. High EMF can have many natural causes. Always investigate the source.

"EMF meters detect spirits directly": EMF meters detect electromagnetic fields. The connection to paranormal activity is a theory, not proven fact.

"All EMF spikes are significant": Context matters. A spike near an electrical outlet is less significant than one in the middle of an empty room.

Using EMF Data Effectively

The key to effective EMF investigation is correlation:

  • EMF + Motion: Sudden EMF spike with motion sensor activation
  • EMF + Temperature: EMF changes with temperature drops
  • EMF + Audio: EMF spikes during EVP sessions
  • EMF + Entropy: High entropy readings with EMF anomalies

When multiple sensors show anomalies simultaneously, that's when things get interesting.

Remember

EMF is a tool, not proof. It's one piece of evidence in a larger investigation. Always:

  • Document your findings
  • Rule out natural causes
  • Correlate with other evidence
  • Use the app's built-in tools to track patterns over time

JuJu makes it easy to see EMF readings in context with all your other sensor data, helping you build a complete picture of your investigation.


Want to learn more about JuJu's sensors? Check out our Features page or read about the Entropy Sensor.