Installation of next-generation meters
Radiofrequencies and Next-Generation Meters
Sources of electromagnetic waves
Electromagnetic waves are emitted daily from sources of heat and light, including the sun. Radio-frequency waves are waves with a frequency in the range of 3 kHz to 300 GHz-that is, higher than what we call low-frequency waves and lower than the frequency of infrared radiation or visible light. Radio frequencies are used in a variety of technological applications that rely on wave transmission and reception. Here are some examples:
- Radio and television
- Cell phones
- Wireless routers (Wi-Fi)
- Bluetooth devices
- Radar
- Radiofrequency meters
Safety standards
In Canada, two regulatory agencies share responsibilities with respect to these standards:
- Industry Canada requires that suppliers of meters ensure their products are designed and installed to comply with exposure limits set by Health Canada.
- Health Canada establishes safe exposure limits. According to Health Canada, the effects of electromagnetic waves depend on the following three factors:
- The frequency of the signal transmitted
- The distance from the source
- The mean transmission power
Click here to visit Health Canada's Web site, where the organization concludes that "exposure to radiofrequency (RF) energy from smart meters does not pose a public health risk."
In its opinion, Health Canada notes that "Since RF energy exposure levels are far below Canadian and international safety limits, Health Canada does not consider that any precautionary measures are needed to reduce RF energy exposure from smart meters."
Hydro-Québec systematically subjects its meters to rigorous certification and extensive analyses to ensure that the meters comply with regulations before they are integrated into the power system.
