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PC Packet 08.23.18
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PC Packet 08.23.18
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12/7/2018 11:01:01 AM
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12/6/2018 2:29:44 PM
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Commissions
Meeting Date
8/23/2018
Document Type
Agenda/Packets
Commission Name
Planning
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other commonly encountered types of non -ionizing radiation like radio waves, infrared radiation, and <br />visible light. <br />The wide use of electricity results in background levels of ELF EMFs in nearly all locations where <br />people spend time — homes, workplaces, schools, cars, the supermarket, etc. A person's average exposure <br />depends upon the sources they encounter, how close they are to them, and the amount of time they spend <br />there _68 As stated above, the average exposure to magnetic fields in the U.S. is estimated to be around one <br />mG or 0.1 µT, but can vary considerably depending on a person's exposure to EMF from electrical devices <br />and wiring.. 69 At times we are often exposed to much higher ELF magnetic fields, for example when <br />standing three feet from a refrigerator the ELF magnetic field is 6 mG and when standing three feet from <br />a microwave oven the field is about 50 mG..70 The strength of these fields diminish quickly with distance <br />from the source, but when surrounded by electricity in our homes and other buildings moving away from <br />one source moves you closer to another. However, unless you are inside of the fence at a utility -scale solar <br />facility or electrical substation it is impossible to get very close to the EMF sources. Because of this, EMF <br />levels at the fence of electrical substations containing high voltages and currents are considered "generally <br />negligible".. 71, 72 <br />The strength of ELF -EMF present at the perimeter of a solar facility or near a PV system in a <br />commercial or residential building is significantly lower than the typical American's average EMF <br />exposure. 73°74 Researchers in Massachusetts measured magnetic fields at PV projects and found the <br />magnetic fields dropped to very low levels of 0.5 mG or less, and in many cases to less than background <br />levels (0.2 mG), at distances of no more than nine feet from the residential inverters and 150 feet from the <br />utility -scale inverters .75 Even when measured within a few feet of the utility -scale inverter, the ELF <br />magnetic fields were well below the International Commission on Non -Ionizing Radiation Protection's <br />recommended magnetic field level exposure limit for the general public of 2,000 mG.. 76 It is typical that <br />utility scale designs locate large inverters central to the PV panels that feed them because this minimizes <br />the length of wire required and shields neighbors from the sound of the inverter's cooling fans. Thus, it is <br />rare for a large PV inverter to be within 150 feet of the project's security fence. <br />Anyone relying on a medical device such as pacemaker or other implanted device to maintain <br />proper heart rhythm may have concern about the potential for a solar project to interfere with the operation <br />of his or her device. However, there is no reason for concern because the EMF outside of the solar facility's <br />fence is less than 1/1000 of the level at which manufacturers test for ELF EMF interference, which is <br />1,000 mG..77 Manufacturers of potentially affected implanted devices often provide advice on <br />electromagnetic interference that includes avoiding letting the implanted device get too close to certain <br />sources of fields such as some household appliances, some walkie-talkies, and similar transmitting <br />devices. Some manufacturers' literature does not mention high-voltage power lines, some say that <br />exposure in public areas should not give interference, and some advise not spending extended periods of <br />time close to power lines. 78 <br />3. Electric Shock and Arc Flash Hazards <br />There is a real danger of electric shock to anyone entering any of the electrical cabinets such as <br />combiner boxes, disconnect switches, inverters, or transformers; or otherwise coming in contact with <br />voltages over 50 Volts. 79 Another electrical hazard is an arc flash, which is an explosion of energy that <br />can occur in a short circuit situation. This explosive release of energy causes a flash of heat and a <br />shockwave, both of which can cause serious injury or death. Properly trained and equipped technicians <br />and electricians know how to safely install, test, and repair PV systems, but there is always some risk of <br />13 <br />
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