Electromagnetic fields in distribution feeders and electrical substations analysis: A study case in Ecuador

It is well known that human safety regarding electromagnetic contamination due to the presence of electrical devices in residential areas, like transmission or distribution lines, substations and transformers is imperative. These devices contribute to residential or industrial electromagnetic field exposure, which can be correlated with serious drawbacks for the health as childhood leukemia and; cancer. In this context, in order to guarantee people health, it is crucial that utilities and other stakeholders can attend in a suitable way to these worries, being important for such, levels of existing electromagnetic fields in their infrastructure analysis. The main goal of this study is to determine and analyze the EMF exposure levels of four real-life substations and their corresponding distribution feeders (twenty one). With these measurements and estimated ones obtained through the use of commercial packages, comparison with regulatory exposure levels are made. Results are discussed and analyzed.