Los Angeles Area Council of Amateur Radio Clubs: Radio and TV Interference (RTVI)

The presentation covers a brief technical review of electro-magnetic interference (EMI), more detailed information about interference from power lines, the typical causes, and a short overview of SCE power delivery voltages and structures. SCE’s RTVI investigation program is described in detail and how customers can access this free service. Sources of interference from both home appliances and utility sources are identified to assist customers in their own investigation, if so desired. The electronic tools and equipment used by SCE service personnel in locating interference are also included in the presentation for the more technical members of the audience. Finally, a message on electrical safety and warnings about staying away from potentially hazardous voltages is also emphasized.

Brian can be reached at e-mail address: Brian.Thorson@sce.com or call him at:

909-226-2015

His Biography:

In his seventeenth year with Southern California Edison (SCE), Brian Thorson has worked in the Corporate Safety, Regulatory Policy, Public Affairs, Transmission and Distribution Engineering, Telecommunications, and Power Grid Operations departments in a variety of technical and professional roles. Currently, Brian is an Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) Specialist. He answers questions, performs measurements and provides educational literature and lectures for public service, commercial and residential customers on the electric and magnetic fields associated with electric appliances, products and power lines.

Brian speaks frequently to community service groups, real estate offices and SCE customer groups on a variety technical topics. Several times a year, he teaches the SCE EMF Workshop and Basic Electricity to Edison customers. As a member of the SCE Year 2000 Speakers team, he also addressed city councils, chambers, and civic groups on the Edison Y2k effort.

Prior to joining Edison in 1991, Brian spent several years as an Electro-Magnetic Compatibility Engineer (EMC) solving complex radio interference problems for manufacturers throughout Southern California as both a staff engineer and an independent consultant. He has tested and evaluated hundreds of electronic products for compliance with North American and European EMI/RFI standards.

Over 25 years in the electrical / electronics industries, Brian has worked in several fields including technical writing, television broadcast engineering, satellite communications and medical electronics. He has traveled abroad to 25 foreign countries on 4 continents. He speaks English, Spanish, some Mandarin Chinese and Italian. Brian and his wife, Jenny, live in Corona, California.