Types of electrostatic detectors include electrometer amplifiers, electrostatic voltmeters, electrostatic field meters, and foil deflection detectors. The electrostatic field readings of an electrostatic field measuring instrument are obtained by sensing a charged object using a non-contact probe or sensor. The primary reading of the charged object at a calibrated distance is given by the electrostatic field strength or static voltage.
Some electrostatic field meters use a source similar to those of a radioactive ionizer. In certain cases, the radioactive meter will cause a beta fog of the radiation detecting film film, which may result in a false radiation exposure indication. They are not suitable for use in the amount of static charge present in atomic power. In addition, they can be used to measure the approximate amount of static charge and triboelectric charge generated by human motion.
