Accuracy is one of the most important specifications when evaluating EMF meters and electrical measuring instruments. It tells you how close the reading displayed on the device is to the actual, true value. In practical terms, accuracy defines how much confidence you can place in the numbers you see when assessing your environment.
Many of our professional meters express accuracy as a tolerance in decibels (dB), such as ±3 dB, ±4.5 dB, or ±6 dB. This figure represents the maximum expected deviation from the true signal strength. For example, an instrument rated ±3 dB will always report values within a narrow band around the real measurement, making it well-suited for tasks like detecting radiofrequency hot spots or verifying shielding performance.
Other instruments use percentages with digit allowances, such as “±1.5% ± 5 digits.” In this format, the percentage shows how much the measurement can vary relative to the true value, while the “digits” account for the display’s resolution. This method is common on current clamps and similar tools that must remain reliable across a wide measurement range.
Understanding accuracy helps both homeowners and professionals interpret results correctly. A tighter tolerance means greater precision, which can be crucial when comparing shielding fabrics, validating safety limits, or conducting detailed surveys. Slightly broader tolerances are still highly reliable for identifying exposure sources and guiding practical improvements in the home or workplace.
In short, the Accuracy attribute ensures transparency about how our instruments perform. Whether you are choosing a high-end Gigahertz Solutions RF meter or a versatile power analyzer, knowing the accuracy specification gives you confidence that your decisions are based on dependable data.
