Household and Hobby Items Electromagnetic Compatibility Guide

For Implantable Cardiac Devices

Most household and hobby items are unlikely to affect the heart device when the items are in good working condition, used as intended, and the recommended distances are maintained. For items that transmit power through an antenna, it is recommended to follow the noted distances between the antenna and the device. 

 No Known Risk

If the item is used as intended and in good working condition there is no known risk:

  • Battery Charger – for household batteries
  • Casino Slot Machine/Pokies
  • CD/DVD/VHS Player or Recorder
  • Curling Iron
  • Electric Blanket
  • Electric Guitar 
  • Electronic Toothbrush
  • Garage Door Opener 
  • Hair Straightener
  • Heating Pad
  • Hot Tub/Spa
  • Ionised Air Filter 
  • Iron 
  • Kitchen Appliances – small and large (blender, can opener, fridge, dishwasher, stove, toaster)
  • Low Voltage Residential Power Lines
  • Massage Chair/Pad 
  • Medical Alert Necklace 
  • Microwave Oven 
  • Remote Control (CD, DVD Player, TV, VHS)
  • Salon Hair Dryer 
  • Shaver /Trimmer– battery powered 
  • Tanning Bed 
  • TV
  • Weight Scale

 Minimal Risk

Maintain at least a 15cm distance between the item and the heart device:

  • Electric Shopping / Golf Cart - from motor
  • Electric Kitchen Appliances - hand-held (electric mixer or knife)
  • Electric Pet Containment Fence - from collar, remote and base antenna
  • Electric Shaver - corded
  • Electric Toothbrush Charging Base
  • Exercise Bike - from magnet in wheel
  • Hair Dryer - handheld
  • Magnetic Therapy Products
  • Radio-Controlled Items - from antenna
  • Sewing Machine / Serger - from motor
  • Small Magnet (household magnet, name badge)
  • Speakers
  • Tattoo Machine
  • Treadmill - from motor
  • Ultrasonic Pest Controller
  • Vacuum Cleaner - from motor

 Special Considerations

Maintain at least recommended distance between the item and the heart device:

30 cm Distance

  • Car / Motorcycle - from components of ignition system
  • Electric Fence
  • Electric Pet Containment fence - from buried wire and indoor antenna

60 cm Distance

  • Beach Comber Metal Detector - from search head
  • Induction Cook-top Stove

Not Recommended

  • Ab Stimulator
  • Electric Body Fat Scale
  • Magnetic Mattress Pad / Pillow