STATIC MAGNETS VS. ELECTROMAGNETS

Why the difference is important

There are two ways to produce a strong (attractive) magnetic field — with a static magnet, or an electromagnet. With both types, the magnetic field is created when the atoms within the object are aligned, that is, pointing in the same direction.

Static magnets

A static or permanent magnet is a solid material (usually metal) that has intrinsic magnetism. It can be a natural magnet — such as the iron-rich rock known as lodestone — or it can be an iron-containing object that has been treated to align its internal structure.

A static magnet retains its magnetism permanently. Refrigerator magnets and horseshoe magnets are simple examples. Static magnets are available in a variety of strengths.

Electromagnets

An electromagnet relies on an electric current to produce the magnetic field. Switch the electricity on, and it aligns the atoms, producing the magnetic field. Switch the current off, and the device loses its magnetism. This ability to turn on and off a magnetic field at will has its advantages, and strong electromagnets are often used in industrial applications as lifting agents.

Electromagnetic discharge

Because electricity can create a magnetic field, this effect is found in many objects that use electricity. Electric motors, electronic devices (including mobile phones and personal computers) and high-voltage power lines all produce magnetic fields. 

This alternating (instead of constant) field is responsible for what is called electromagnetic noise. Many scientists and medical authorities consider electromagnetic noise to be potentially harmful to human health.

Others disagree. Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate this issue, and at present there is no universal consensus on their interpretation. But almost all will endorse the statement that there is more to be learned before we can know for sure whether electromagnetic noise poses a health hazard.

Nikken uses only static magnets

All magnetic Nikken products rely solely on static magnets. No Nikken product uses electricity to induce a magnetic field.

The safety record of static magnets is well established. Some manufacturers promote personal magnetic devices that operate by electromagnetism, but Nikken does not.