I have a pacemaker - can I use a potter's wheel safely?

Shimpo and Brent advise users that their wheels may be harmful to a person who has a pacemaker.

Statement from Shimpo:

“Customers with pacemakers should always consult with their physicians first when using motor-run or electronic products. Our RK-3E uses a magnetic motor and, when in use, the user’s chest is directly over the motor. The motor has a strong pull and therefore not recommended or advised for people with pacemakers. Wheels that are belt-driven also give off a pull and the user’s chest is also near the motor while in use, which makes them also not recommended for people with pacemakers. The health of our customers is important and customers should always consult with their physicians first”.

We have investigated this problem in discussion with a Pacemaker Technician. Their view is that there is no risk to anyone with a pacemaker that is merely in the same room as the wheel. Where a person fitted with a Pacemaker is in close proximity to an electric motor there is a potential for the magnetic field generated by the motor to interfere with the rhythm of the Pacemaker so it would not be doing its job of regulating heart-beat. Pacemakers are designed to return to their normal setting once they move away from the interference.

Close proximity is defined as 6” (150mm). When throwing on a potter’s wheel, even when bent directly over the wheelhead the potter is unlikely to be less then 12” (305mm) away from the motor.

Everyone who has a Pacemaker must have it checked by a technician every year, we advise customers considering purchasing a potter’s wheel to consult their Pacemaker Technician as they are the people best placed to advise on this matter. It is worth noting that the technician we talked to had not come across any incidences of interference of a Pacemaker by an electric motor in twenty-one years in the job.

Last updated Dec 2022