8,655 Studies Reviewed. 86.9% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
Shield Your Body
Whole Body / GeneralPart of the Glaser Archive

Microwave Hazard Instruments: An Evaluation of the Narda 8100, Holaday HI-1500, and Simpson 380M

Bioeffects Seen

W. A. Herman, D. M. Witters, Jr. · 1980

Share:

Reliable EMF measurement instruments are essential for protecting workers and the public from microwave radiation exposure.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This 1980 technical report evaluated three microwave hazard detection instruments: the Narda 8100, Holaday HI-1500, and Simpson 380M. The study assessed how well these devices measured microwave radiation levels for occupational safety purposes. This research addressed the critical need for accurate EMF measurement tools as microwave technology expanded in industrial and commercial applications.

Why This Matters

This evaluation represents an important milestone in EMF safety infrastructure. By 1980, microwave technology was rapidly expanding beyond military applications into industrial heating, communications, and medical devices. The reality is that accurate measurement tools are fundamental to any meaningful safety program. Without reliable detection instruments, workers and the public remain vulnerable to excessive exposures that may not produce immediate symptoms but could cause long-term health effects. What this means for you today is that the measurement technology we rely on for EMF safety standards has decades of development behind it. However, the proliferation of wireless devices since 1980 has created exposure scenarios these early instruments never anticipated, highlighting the ongoing challenge of keeping measurement capabilities ahead of technology deployment.

Figures from the Original Paper

Diagram extracted from the original research document.

diagramPage 10 - Figure la. BRH reference calibration system.
p. 10 of the original PDF

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 2.45 GHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 2.45 GHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Study Details

To evaluate the accuracy of microwave oven survey instruments under various use conditions in the 2450 MHz ISM band

Measurement procedures designed to evaluate the accuracy of instruments under a variety of use condi...

Narda 8100: Absolute calibration showed mean readings 2 percent low compared to BRH calibration. Lin...

The evaluation revealed significant variations in accuracy among the three survey instruments tested. The Narda 8100 showed calibration variations of up to 16.2 percent for the 8121(A) probe and 9.1 percent for the 8122(A) probe. The Holaday HI-1500 showed calibration variations of up to 11.4 percent. The Simpson 380M showed calibration variations of up to 10.0 percent. RFI susceptibility was a significant concern for all three instruments, with 17.2 percent of Narda 8100 units, 10.0 percent of Holaday HI-1500 units, and 15.0 percent of Simpson 380M units showing RFI deflections equaling or exceeding exposure field. Temperature response was generally acceptable but showed variations in sensitivity. Supply voltage response was generally acceptable. Overload performance was generally acceptable. Drift and noise were within acceptable limits. Response time met the 3.0-second specification for later units.

Cite This Study
W. A. Herman, D. M. Witters, Jr. (1980). Microwave Hazard Instruments: An Evaluation of the Narda 8100, Holaday HI-1500, and Simpson 380M.
Show BibTeX
@article{microwave_hazard_instruments_an_evaluation_of_the_narda_8100_holaday_hi_1500_and_g7351,
  author = {W. A. Herman and D. M. Witters and Jr.},
  title = {Microwave Hazard Instruments: An Evaluation of the Narda 8100, Holaday HI-1500, and Simpson 380M},
  year = {1980},
  
  
}
No DOI on file for this study.

Quick Questions About This Study

The study evaluated the Narda 8100, Holaday HI-1500, and Simpson 380M microwave hazard instruments. These devices were designed to measure microwave radiation levels for occupational safety purposes in industrial and commercial settings.
As microwave technology expanded in 1980 beyond military uses into industrial heating, communications, and medical applications, accurate measurement tools became critical for worker safety and regulatory compliance in environments with potential microwave exposure.
While specific performance differences aren't detailed in available information, the Narda 8100 was one of three leading microwave detection instruments evaluated for accuracy and reliability in measuring occupational microwave radiation exposures.
These instruments detect and measure microwave radiation levels in work environments, allowing safety personnel to identify areas of excessive exposure and implement protective measures before workers experience potential health effects from microwave radiation.
This evaluation established performance standards for microwave detection equipment during a period of rapid technology expansion, providing the foundation for modern EMF measurement protocols used in occupational safety and regulatory enforcement today.