The videos are a hit on social networks, notably TikTok: wrapping your Linky meter in aluminum foil would be a miracle solution to protect yourself from electromagnetic waves.
Deployed since 2015, the Linky smart meter is now an integral part of the French energy landscape. Although its installation made it possible to automate meter reading and avoid the need for technicians to travel, it continues to arouse sometimes irrational fears among certain users. Among the most widespread concerns are the supposed presence of a spy camera – in reality a simple control LED – as well as the continuous transmission of personal data, while the meter only communicates once a day, during the night.
Fears about electromagnetic waves figure prominently in this debate. Some users report headaches, dizziness and other symptoms that they attribute to their Linky meter. However, scientific studies paint a very different picture. An in-depth study carried out in 2017 by the National Frequency Agency (ANFR) demonstrates that Linky emissions are well below regulatory thresholds – between 25 and 37 times lower than the authorized limit values. These emissions are even lower than those of many common household devices, such as Wi-Fi boxes or household appliances.
Aluminum foil, the wrong idea
In addition to being useless, using aluminum foil as a protective shield presents significant risks. This practice can cause the meter to overheat by preventing its natural ventilation, with potentially serious consequences: power outages or even fire risks. Even more worrying, the conductive nature of aluminum foil creates a risk of electrocution for people handling the meter or surrounding electrical wires.
The growing popularity of this practice on social networks, where some videos have tens of thousands of views, perfectly illustrates the dangers of misinformation when it comes to home security. “Tips” that seem harmless at first glance can have serious consequences when they concern electrical equipment.
It’s also important to note that the Linky meter only transmits data once a day, for a short period between midnight and 6 a.m. Wave emissions are therefore not only weak, but also very limited in time.
- More and more French people surround their Linky meter with aluminum foil, to protect themselves from waves
- The waves emitted by the Linky are 25 to 37 times lower than the regulatory limits
- In addition to being useless, this practice presents significant fire and electrocution risks.
