In some French households, Linky meters disappear under a layer of aluminum foil, carefully applied as a makeshift shield. This gesture, popularized on social networks, reflects tenacious concern in the face of electromagnetic waves, often nourished by received ideas. Between attempts at improvised protection and poorly documented fears, these practices raise much more concrete questions on the electrical security of the equipment installed in millions of homes.
On Tiktok and Instagram, popular videos advise this method as a solution to block electromagnetic waves. The authors of these content claim that aluminum acts as a shield, inspired by the famous Faraday cage. The idea may seem logical on the surface, but it is based on a very approximate understanding of the operation of conductive waves and materials.
What aluminum actually causes on an electrical appliance
Unlike a real Faraday cage, which requires a continuous, waterproof and properly set -up structure, a simple aluminum sheet placed on a counter does not meet these criteria. Worse, it interacts badly with the device it covers. Aluminum foil, preventing natural ventilation of the meter, can cause overheating. This phenomenon leads to power cuts and, in some extreme cases, a risk of fire.
The National Frequencies Agency has already alerted to the dangers linked to the misuse of devices supposed to block the waves. The conductive character of aluminum foil is an additional threat. A hazardous manipulation near electric wires can cause serious electrization, as recalled by the National Observatory for Electric Safety. In France, each year, around 3,000 people suffer injuries by electrization and several dozen die by electrocution.
The Enedis company, network manager, regularly warns against these practices. She noted that the meter coating by aluminum night at the proper functioning of the device and exposes to dangerous technical incidents. What many perceive as a simple precautionary gesture becomes, in reality, an aggravating factor.
Really dangerous waves? The Linky counter in the face of the facts
Fear of waves is the main motivation of the followers of aluminum paper. However, scientific studies offer a completely different lighting. As of 2017, the National Frequency Agency has shown that Linky counter emissions remain between 25 and 37 times lower than the regulatory thresholds. They are also lower than that of a Wi-Fi box, a mobile phone or even certain household appliances.
In 2023, the National Health Safety Agency confirmed the low levels of emission of Linky meters. It indicates that these waves are comparable to those of a simple phone charger. Enedis specifies that the transmission of data is only done once a day. This transfer takes place between midnight and six in the morning, and only lasts a few minutes.
Some users evoke symptoms such as dizziness or headache. However, the researchers did not find a direct link with the airwaves. According to them, these effects are rather a Nocebo phenomenon. Despite this, the worries around the meter continue to circulate, without solid foundation.
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
