Table 16.4 - Electric field and magnetic field limits at power frequencies of 50 to 60 Hz

Source: Maddock, 1992

  Occupational Public Status Basis
Electric field limits (kV/m) (rms)
former Czechoslovakia 15 ­ S P, H
West Germany 20.7 20.7 S J
Poland 20a, 15 10, 1e S P, H
UK 12.3b 12.3b G I
former USSR 25 to 5c   S J
IRPA 30 to 10d 10f, 5g G P, H
Magnetic-field limits (mT) (rms)
West Germany 5 5 S J
UK 2h 2h G I
former USSR 7.5 to 1.8i   G W
IRPA 25i, 5k, 0.5l 1f, 0.1g G J

Notes: IRPA: International Radiation Protection Association

GGuideline
HHealth-concern for possible effects
IBasic restriction is induced current
JBasic restriction is of induced current density
PPerception of spark discharges or tingling sensations
SStandard, order or rule, usually with legal force
Wthese values seem to have been developed primarily for electric-arc welding

a2 hours maximum
breference levels may be exceeded if the basic restriction is observed (a limit on the continuous induced current of 1.03 mA at 50 Hz in any arm, hand, leg, ankle or foot)
cdepends on duration (t, hours per work day) of exposure, t = 50/E-2 for E between 5 and 20 kV/m; between 20 and 25 kV/m, only 10 minutes' exposure is permitted
ddepends on duration (t, hours per work day) of exposure, t ¾ 80/E for E between 10 and 30 kV/m
e1 kV/m applies where there are homes, hospitals, schools and the like
ffor up to a few hours per day and can be exceeded for a few minutes per day provided precautions are taken to prevent indirect coupling effects
gfor up to 24 hours per day ­ this restriction applies to open spaces in which members of the general public might reasonably be expected to spend a substantial part of the day, such as recreational areas, meeting grounds, and the like
hreference levels may be exceeded if the basic restriction is observed (see note b)
ivaries with duration of exposure from 1 to 8 hours per work day
jfor limbs
kmaximum exposure duration is 2 hours per work day
lfor whole working day