Linky meter: why wrapping it in aluminium foil is a very bad idea

More and more people in France are wrapping their Linky meter in aluminium foil. The practice is said to offer protection from electromagnetic waves. In fact, it is a very bad idea.

Videos promoting the idea are proving hugely popular on social media, particularly TikTok and Instagram: covering a Linky meter with aluminium foil is presented as a miracle solution for shielding yourself from electromagnetic waves.

Rolled out since 2015, the Linky meter has become a familiar part of France’s energy landscape. Although its installation has automated meter readings and removed the need for technician visits, it still triggers sometimes irrational concerns among some users. The most common fears include the alleged presence of a spy camera - actually just a status LED - and the constant transmission of personal data, despite the meter communicating only once a day, overnight.

Linky meter and electromagnetic waves

Concerns about electromagnetic waves are central to this debate. Some users report headaches, dizziness and other symptoms which they link to their Linky meter. Scientific research, however, paints a very different picture. A detailed study carried out in 2017 by the French National Frequency Agency (ANFR) found that emissions from the Linky meter are well below regulatory thresholds - between 25 and 37 times lower than the permitted limit values. Its emissions are even lower than those produced by many everyday household devices, including Wi-Fi routers and domestic appliances.

These fears had previously focused on smartphone users, then on wireless earphones. The panic became so widespread that companies such as Fazeup sold anti-wave patches. A few months later, scientific studies showed that not only were these patches ineffective, but that they actually increased wave emissions.

Aluminium foil: a very, very bad idea

Wrapping a Linky meter in aluminium foil is just as pointless. Worse still, using aluminium foil as a protective shield carries significant risks. It can cause the meter to overheat by preventing natural ventilation, potentially leading to serious consequences: power cuts or even a fire risk. More worryingly, because aluminium foil conducts electricity, it creates a risk of electrocution for anyone handling the meter or nearby electrical wiring.

Social media misinformation and electrical safety

The growing popularity of this practice on social media, where some videos attract tens of thousands of views, perfectly illustrates the dangers of misinformation about household safety. “Tips” that initially appear harmless can have serious consequences when electrical equipment is involved.

It is also important to note that the Linky meter sends data only once a day, over a short period between midnight and 6 am. Wave emissions are therefore not only low, but also extremely limited in duration.