The use of RF in consumer-facing products has increased considerably over the past decade, and continues to increase. Prominent examples of this are the prolific use of cellular phones, wireless routers, and even microwave ovens. A lack of education on smart metering technology has led to
rising public concern over their use and associated health risks.
Although smart meters utilize RF technology, they represent significantly lower RF exposure for consumers than nearly all other products, such as cellular phones, that we use daily without concern.
The bottom line is that smart meters represent no known health hazard and have significantly lower exposure levels than most other typical devices that emit radio waves. Two additional contributing factors to the negligible RF exposure from smart meters follow:
- The distance consumers are typically from smart meters and the minimal amount of time smart meter radios are actually transmitting.
- Honeywell smart meter radio achieves equivalent performance with a much lower power than most other smart meter designs. This is an intentional characteristic of the Honeywell design to avoid potential equipment Interference and to lower the technical losses on utility distribution grids, while also lowering RF emissions.
For example, a typical Honeywell smart meter transmits (that is, emits power) with an approximate duty cycle of only 1%. In addition, these meters are normally outdoors with a wall and a metal socket separating the meter from the living space. This effectively diminishes the signal that reaches occupants of the living space.