How exposure limits change from 50 to 60 Hz

Exposure limits can vary a lot over the full range of frequencies from extremely low to radio frequencies.  But even within the extremely low frequency range - where power systems operate - there can be differences between 50 Hz and 60 Hz.  50 Hz is used in parts of the world more influenced by British and European practice, 60 Hz is used in parts of the world more influenced by American practice.

In this page we summarise how the values of the exposure limits change from 50 to 60 Hz.

The 1998 ICNIRP Guidelines

These are the values used in the 1998 ICNIRP guidelines themselves and also the EU Recommendation for public exposure and Directive for occupational exposure which are based on them

50 Hz 60 Hz Units
Occupational
basic restriction

10

10

mA m-2
magnetic field reference levels

500

417

μT
electric field reference level

10

8.333

kV m-1
General public
basic restriction

2

2

mA m-2
magnetic field reference levels

100

83

μT
electric field reference level

5

4.167

kV m-1

 

The 2010 ICNIRP Guidelines

 

50 Hz 60 Hz Units
Occupational
basic restriction: head

100

120

mV/m
basic restriction: whole body

800

800

mV/m
magnetic field reference levels

1000

1000

μT
electric field reference level

10

8.333

kV m-1
General public
basic restriction: head

20

24

mV/m
basic restriction: whole body

400

400

mV/m
magnetic field reference levels

200

200

μT
electric field reference level

5

4.167

kV m-1