New-generation Linky smart meters: low levels of exposure to waves

Exposure comparable to that from other home electronic devices

The CSTB and ANFR carried out new measurements of exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by third-generation Linky meters (known as "G3"), installed from 2017. The results show that the emission of communication signals on the electricity network can vary greatly depending on the time of day. In practice, although the total daily duration of emissions from Linky meters may be longer than anticipated before their deployment, the levels of exposure to the electromagnetic fields emitted remain very low and well below the regulatory limit values. These exposure levels are comparable to those from electrical or electronic devices in the home such as multimedia device chargers or induction hotplates.

Exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by the optional Linky radio transmitter (ERL) modules was also characterised: it is very low, far below that from a Wi-Fi router, for example.

These new data confirm the findings of ANSES's earlier expert appraisal. In 2017, the Agency had concluded that it was very unlikely that exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by the Linky smart meters could generate health effects in the short or long term.

Better anticipation of exposure to connected objects

The Agency notes that smart meters are being deployed at a time when there are ever more diverse applications of connected objects: smartwatches, home security and automation systems, etc. In this changing environment, the question of the overall exposure of humans to electromagnetic fields needs to be anticipated and systematised. ANSES therefore recommends that from now on, the development of these connected objects be accompanied by the definition of methods and tools for characterising people's exposure. This would then enable the levels and implications of the accumulated fields emitted by these objects to be studied.