Advanced Meters
Understanding Electric and Magnetic Fields
Are electric and magnetic fields (EMF) harmful to humans? Learn more about electric and magnetic fields.
Understanding Radio Frequency
Radio frequency (RF) is part of a large electromagnetic energy spectrum. It is made up of waves of electric and magnetic energy that move together. RF helps us stay connected through everyday devices, including radio and television broadcasting, cell phone transmissions, advanced meters, Wi-Fi, and common household appliances like microwaves and baby monitors.
Advanced meters are modern electric meters that use RF and a secure wireless network to enable two-way data sharing between your home or business and Hawaiian Electric. The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) mandates that all RF services and wireless devices meet an established safety exposure standard developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the National Council on Radiation Protection.
For more information about the safety of advanced meters, please view our Radio Frequency: What to Know (PDF) booklet.
Comparing Radio Frequency Levels
A person's exposure to RF signals depends upon three factors.
- How far the person is from the device: An advanced meter's signal strength diminishes significantly with distance from the meter.
- How often and how long the RF signals are transmitted: Advanced meters transmit data several times a day – the total average transmission time is less than one second in a 24-hour period.
- The power level of the device: Typical advanced meters operate at power levels similar to or lower than most common household devices, such as cordless phones, baby monitors or Wi-Fi routers.
Hawaii State Department of Health on RF Safety
Is Radiofrequency Energy Dangerous to my Health?
A large number of studies performed over the past two decades have not shown a direct health risk from short or long-term exposure to typical amounts of RF energy.
What can I do if I remain worried about exposure to RF energy and 5G networks?
Research into these issues is ongoing and more information will become available in the future. There are things you can do to reduce your exposure to RF energy including reducing the amount of time spent on your cell phone and using a hands-free device such as a headset or speaker-mode.
Download the DOH Fact Sheet (PDF) for more information and additional resources.
Additional Resources
- American Cancer Society
- EPRI (5G Radiofrequency Exposure Assessment and Implications for Safety)
- Health Canada (Safety of Advanced Meters, 2021) – PDF
- EEI (Smart Meters and Your Health, January 2012) - PDF
- California Council on Science and Technology (Health Impacts of Radio Frequency Exposure from Smart Meters, April 2011) – PDF
- World Health Organization (Electromagnetic fields and public health, Fact Sheet #304, June 2010) – PDF