EMI

Hello, newby here just had pm installed friday. was told I could go back to work in a week. I am a auto tech at a dealership and I am concerned for my saftey. I work bumper to bumper on gas and diesel auto's and am worried about leaning over recieving emi from alternator and other equip. now on new cars, example , wireless entry, security and who knows? heart doctor says go to work as usual. I am 46 and want to be around for a while! I don't feel comfortable going back to work. this is new and I don't know what to do. any input is appreciated

6 Comments

Feel comfortable!

by donr - 2012-03-28 08:03:54

Jimmy - finally a cardio who is practical.

Just don't raise your PM side arm above the shoulder or lift too much - defined as 8 lbs. 8 lbs = a gallon of milk for reference.

All the EMI is pretty much contained in the devices - alternators, f'rinstance. All the digital emi is too small to affect you. Creep up on it slowly - your Pm will tell you if you are getting interference. You'll feel rotten for a short while. Back out from under the hood & you will return to normal.

We drive a 2007 Chrysler Limited Mini Van - I'm all the time under the hood w/ engine running - absolutely no effect.

Just be cautious & you'll lead a long, prosperous life.

Don

I agree

by ElectricFrank - 2012-03-28 10:03:17

The most serious EMI comes from our own brain. We get spooked by all the warnings they start feeling light headed.

I work on my Jeep with the engine running and near the alternator quite a bit and have never had a problem. Same with being around CB or ham radio transmitters which have a lot more power than an simple wireless entry system. About an hour ago I removed a speaker from the overhead in my trailer. The magnet grabbed my screwdriver when I layed it down. Still no pacer problems
The important thing is to be aware of having it and try to keep potential sources of interference maybe 6" away from the pacer location. Unless I snuggle up to the alternator on the Jeep there is no way I could get that close.

frank

Microwave

by wandoloswki - 2012-03-29 01:03:22

They are not a problem either. Do not lean over a flourescent lamp either the ballast is electro magnetic. My Pace alert goes off when close to the lamp. Boston Scientific have a very good tolerance to interference it seems. I have a Boston Scientific s603 dual chamber. Sometime you forget you even have a pacemaker. After you get the pacemaker you will be scheduled for a pacer check and adjustment will be made. They lowered my voltage because I had a nerve twitch. This pace maker has a diagnostic test that is performed every 21 hours. Franks jeep has the same alternator as the Caravan internally and will not pose any problems. The dodge ram truck from 1998 to current will have some interference though but you would have to be leaning over it while running too. Carry your ID when going throught airports do not allow wand scans. Do you have SSS sick sinus syndrome bradycardia, or heart block?

Sounds like we have it covered

by ElectricFrank - 2012-03-29 01:03:23

A lot of good experience here. That counts more than theory or doctors advice.

frank

Electric Frank

by wandoloswki - 2012-03-29 01:03:28

He is a well established pacer person and can answer any question you may have.

Was a mechanic

by wandoloswki - 2012-03-29 01:03:57

I worked in a dealership it had old hoist equipment. Electric hoist I am dependent on my pacer now, if it stops I stop. This hoist motors put it into programming mode until I move away. The hoist push button on the hoist is on the motor or course. Some alternators have problems but most will not. A word of warning if you are a electrical mechanic that does tune-ups if a vehicle has a misfire and you touch one of those coils it could possibly damage the pacer. Hook up a Diagnostic tool first to see if it is misfiring first, Star scan, Witech, DRB etc. Old cars have less voltage at the plug but the new vehicles have very high voltage. My boss would not take chances on me and let me go. I had to get a signature from a cardiologist to go back but with no avail. Working with computers now. Old job left me money though. Like Don said just be careful. Yes the alternator in the Carvan, T/C will not cause a problem. That vehicle came with either a 3.3 litre or 3.0 litre motor and 120 ampere alternator. If you work in a place with recent electric hoist that should not be a problem either.
I have a PACE ALERT that tells me to stay away in time before the pacer has a problem. I use it in places wher I have not been before They sell it here. Ham radios and CB do not seem to cause me any problems either. PACE ALERT does not go off either with the CB unless I am learning right on the attenna. Otherwise you can live a normal life better than before, I go to the gym too and also lift weights and jump rope etc.

You know you're wired when...

You make store alarms beep.

Member Quotes

I wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for pacemakers. I've had mine for 35+ years. I was fainting all of the time and had flat-lined also. I feel very blessed to live in this time of technology.