DOI: https://doi.org/10.33994/kndise.2022.67.50

S. Rohalin

Investigation of the influence of electromagnetic radiation on the operation of electronic metering devices for electricity is one of the demanded areas of forensic electrical engineering expertise. However, the scientific and practical study of this area of forensic research does not coincide with modern requirements. The study of the influence of electromagnetic radiation of the radio frequency range on the operation of electronic metering devices for electricity, as well as the identification of such radiation as accidental or intentionally created for the purpose of unaccounted consumption of electricity, are relevant.

The article systematizes the requirements established by regulatory documents for the stability of the operation of metering devices for electricity when exposed to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation. The mechanism of the influence of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation on electric energy metering devices and the
constructive elements of metering devices sensitive to the effects of such radiation
is determined.

A list of the necessary initial data for conducting forensic examinations on the determination of the impact of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation on the investigated metering device and the tasks of identifying radiofrequency radiation devices as an effect is indicated. Conditions are determined under which the conclusion about interference in the operation of the metering device for the purpose of unaccounted electricity consumption may be categorical. Recommendations have been developed to determine the source of radiofrequency radiation as probable in cases where the source is not provided for instrumental research in expert proceedings to study the interference in the operation of the metering device.

A methodology has been developed for conducting forensic examinations on the issues of determining the existence of the impact of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation on the investigated metering device for the purpose of unaccounted consumption of electrical energy and the tasks of identifying radiofrequency radiation devices as sources of influence. The developed methodology is recommended for use in forensic practice according to the stages of the study, together with the provisions and generalizations set out in the article.

Key words: electric energy metering device, interference in the operation of the metering device, electromagnetic radiation, radiation frequency, electric field, electric field strength, electromagnetic field, Umov-Poynting vector, radiation power, classes of electromagnetic environment.