Pacemaker safety question

[Der1q]

A customer asking about installing wireless kinetic switches throughout their home, the kind that generate their own power when you press them and don't need batteries or wiring. They're interested because it would solve some layout issues they have and avoid tearing into walls, which makes sense for what they want to do. Here's the thing though, the customer mentioned they have a pacemaker fitted, and now I dont know whether these switches are safe for them to use. Yes, pacemakers can be sensitive to electromagnetic interference from various sources, but I'm not entirely sure if the RF signals from these self powered switches are strong enough to cause any issues or if I'm being overly cautious

 

[VoltagexV]

That's an extremely responsible concern, and you're wise to stop and check!! Generally speaking, you can proceed with confidence but with one critical qualifier. The RF power output from these kinetic switches is extremely low and transmits for only a tiny fraction of a second when pressed. This power level is significantly below that of common devices like cell phones or Wi-Fi routers, which are generally considered low-risk for modern pacemakers when a reasonable distance is maintained. The chance of generating clinically relevant EMI is minimal to negligible. However, you can't be the final word.. It's essential for your customer to get the specific switch model number and present it to their cardiologist or the pacemaker clinic. Only the medical team can confirm it's safe for their specific device model and programming. Then once they get that clearance, you can proceed.

 

[ZenithDragon]

Interesting one. Do you know what frequency those switches use? Most of the EnOcean-type systems run around 902 MHz or 2.4 GHz with really short bursts. That’s way below the field strength that would bother a pacemaker, but getting written confirmation from the pacemaker manufacturer wouldn’t hurt.

 

[Sarataylor]

A customer asking about installing wireless kinetic switches throughout their home, the kind that generate their own power when you press them and don't need batteries or wiring. They're interested because it would solve some layout issues they have and avoid tearing into walls, which makes sense for what they want to do. Here's the thing though, the customer mentioned they have a pacemaker fitted, and now I dont know whether these switches are safe for them to use. Yes, pacemakers can be sensitive to electromagnetic interference from various sources, but I'm not entirely sure if the RF signals from these self powered switches are strong enough to cause any issues or if I'm being overly cautious

You’re right to think about that — it’s always worth double-checking with anything involving pacemakers. These switches use very low-power signals, but it’s safest to have the customer get confirmation from their doctor before installation.

 

[PGB1]

I like what Sarataylor wrote in #4 about getting confirmation from the medical professional.

Asking the manufacturer might (Hopefully!) be of benefit, but I would wager that the reply received will be a wiggle out: "While our devices are safe and reliable, we have not tested them against wireless light switches, microwave ovens, cell phones, hearing aids, electronic cigarettes, airport scanners, puppy dogs or little kittens."