Why Use An EMF Detector for Ghost Hunting?

An electromagnetic field detector, or EMF detector, is an instrument used to detect electromagnetic fields, which are created by high voltages in any given area. So why would we use an EMF detector on a paranormal investigation?

At PERS, we use them for two reasons:

K11 Meter, A Popular EMF Detector

Most importantly, they can be used to detect high EMFs and voltages being emitted from appliances, breakers, power lines, and other electrical wiring. Sometimes people who think that they are experiencing paranormal activity are actually experiencing the side effects of a high EMF. This can cause discomfort, the feeling of being watched, paranoia, and even hallucinations. Before every investigation, we do a sweep of the place and document the exact location and severity of any high EMFs. Finding alternate explanations to what people are experiencing can often give them peace of mind.

The second reason we use EMF detectors is to detect an entity's presence. The various theories are still being tested, but many believe that ghosts either draw energy and emit an EMF as a result or they change the differences in voltage as a side effect of their energy draw. While no one knows the exact answer yet, I do know that EMF spikes often coincide with other evidence of a haunting. Sometimes they will be in response to questions asked, or will happen at the same time we find a cold spot, hear footsteps, etc. While EMF spikes don’t specifically prove a haunting, they can back up other claims, experiences, and evidence.

I would love to see a theory proven regarding entities and EMF detectors, but until that happens, we will continue to use them to back up other evidence and as a way to find alternate explanations to what people are experiencing.

The Problem(s) I Have With Ghost Adventures

Many people love Ghost Adventures and rave about it being the best paranormal show on TV. I have heard many great things about it, so a couple months ago I decided to sit down and start watching it. While there are some aspects of the show that are amusing, after seeing numerous episodes, I have a lot of problems with the show, the crew, and how they conduct investigations. Where do I begin?

1.  They spend a significant amount of time interviewing random people passing by and showing re-enactments. While the strange people they often interview are sometimes amusing, it doesn’t leave much time to show the actual investigation. And how do three guys walking around in the streets, asking strangers questions, in any way prove paranormal activity or back up other claims? It just seems pointless to me.

2. When they conduct an investigation, they get locked in overnight. If some person were outside messing with them, they would automatically assume it’s paranormal, and would not be able to even go outside to investigate if someone were outdoors.

3. “Balls of energy” – or what I like to call bugs and dust. Seriously. Just because a bug is flying around at the same time you caught an EVP, that does not mean it is paranormal! It just isn’t. It’s a bug.

4. Orbs. I also really love how Zak Bagans, the main star, is always claiming that he doesn’t believe in orbs, but then always points out orbs that they catch. The truth is 99.9% of the time an orb is really just a light source reflecting on dust. I am not a believer in orbs, and to me that means that I would not show them to a client or present them as paranormal evidence.

5. Taunting and being disrespectful. From the moment they walk into a place, Zak immediately starts taunting and yelling at whatever entities are in the building. How would you feel if someone came into your house and did this to you? Ghosts are/were people, and if you’re disrespectful to them, they are likely not going to cooperate with you. Plus, part of the reason to conduct a paranormal investigation is to help those spirits who are still here. I feel so privileged whenever I have the opportunity to potentially communicate with entities, that I really can’t understand how someone could be so rude to them without being provoked.

6. Screaming/Running. I understand that we all get freaked out sometimes. But these guys take freaking out to a whole new level. Not only is it unprofessional, it’s just annoying.

7. Being “possessed”. How many episodes do these guys get possessed in? It seems like it happens a lot. How many times have I or anyone else I know in the field been possessed? Zero. Not saying that it can’t happen, but I am saying that it’s pretty rare. Too rare for it to take place every other episode. While I’m still contemplating whether they fake other evidence or not, I am certain that these possessions are not real.

Which brings me to my main concern with this show: This show does not help the paranormal community in trying to prove paranormal existence. If they’re faking evidence and personal experiences, accepting random claims as evidence, believing in “orbs” and “balls or energy” and acting unprofessional in general, what is the point of the show? If it’s about a few guys goofing off in allegedly haunted locations, then bravo. Mission accomplished. But if they’re setting out to prove paranormal evidence like they claim, then they have a long way to go.

Ghost Adventures is an amusing show and can be fun to watch, but don't be quick to accept any of their claims as actual paranormal evidence!

What Types Of Hauntings Are There?

Hauntings can be generalized into three basic categories. Knowing what type of haunting you're dealing with can help you understand what you are experiencing and how to deal with it. Here are the three basic types and what to expect with each:

1. A Residual Haunting: This is where a past event re-occurs again, like a tape being played over. While the reason that this type of haunting happens is not yet known, it is often associated with traumatic or historical events. Typical signs of a residual haunting are footsteps, cigar, perfume, or other scents, and/or apparitions that are seen but do not interact with or acknowledge you.

2. An Intelligent Haunting: This is a human entity that can interact with the people in the place it is inhabiting. You may hear voices, see apparitions, have items moved around, get touched, and/or receive direct responses to questions asked. Sometimes the activity created from intelligent hauntings can make people feel that there is an evil presence in their home, however, in most cases, it is just because the entity is trying to get attention or make its presence known.

3. A Demonic Haunting: An inhuman entity that is generally hostile and thankfully, pretty rare. Typical activity includes being scratched, smells of sulfur, physical harm, and/or growling sounds. Although most cases do not involve demonic activity, you should definitely seek help if you feel that you are experience this type of haunting.

If you are experiencing activity of any kind, it's best to have an experienced paranormal investigation team conduct an investigation to determine which type of activity you're dealing with, and what can be done to stop it. If you'd like PERS to conduct an investigation, or would like our help finding a team in your area, contact us at info@thepers.org.