This week I tried to build a Faraday Cage. I failed. So instead of this post being about how to build a safe place to keep your electronics, it is now about how I failed at it.
For those of you wondering what the heck I am talking about…A Faraday Cage is a shield that blocks external electric fields. Regardless of its name, it has nothing to do with a LOST character. Why would one need to build a Faraday Cage you ask? The theory is that if an EMP (ElectroMagnetic Pulse) were to occur, all electronic equipment in its area would be destroyed. Placing electronics inside a Faraday Cage protects them from the damage of the pulse. It’s the same reason your cell phone often doesn’t work in an elevator. Pulses can be caused by several things but the prevailing thoughts are that an EMP would come in the form of either a terrorist attack or a solar flare.
EMP bags can be purchased to protect your equipment or you can follow one of the hundreds of youtube videos that claim to help you DIY your own.
I was under the impression all you needed was a steel or other metal container, foam, and cloth to wrap the items in. So I started with my supplies gathered. I was attempting to store away one NOAA radio, an old cell phone, batteries and some AA universal battery chargers for the phone and radio.
I had this cute tin I had purchased awhile back from Home Goods. Bonus, no one would realize it right?
And then I go the bright idea to test it. I opened it back up and put my cell phone and called it. I was pretty embarrassed to find that I could hear my cell phone ringing. Yikes. It clearly wasn’t blocking the signal. So ,what went wrong? I have a couple theories.
- The tin I was using may not be aluminum, steel or thick enough.
- I may need to duct tape the lid completely which would ruin my decorator look.
- The foam inside wasn’t thick enough.
I will be continuing to test different ways to do this and would love to hear your theories (besides me just being an idiot) as to what I did wrong in the comments. I will post the results so that you can also build one when I get it right. Until then, I think I will investgate the ready made ones and see if that just maybe a prep worth paying for!
What Is Self Reliance?
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You might try using metal tape (available at the hardware store) to see the lid. One piece all the way around.
Keep trying!
TRP
Here is the instructable for a Faraday cage that is easy to make (modify) and will look good in the house. It also doubles as a file cabinet
http://www.instructables.com/id/Stylish-Two-Drawer-Faraday-Cage/?ALLSTEPS
Thanks! I’ll try and let you know how it turns out
Try something heavier, like a galvanized trash can & lid. Also, wrap each individual item in heavy duty aluminum file 3-4 times. Your foam padding is good. Make sure it does not interfere with a good seal of your lid.
That is what I am thinking. I need to get a heavy trash can. Thanks
hi there it sounds like you need to ground your faraday cage. i would try that. also in a successful emp attack the cell towers probly wont function any more might be better off with radio equipment
Fantastic web site. A lot of useful info here. I’m sending it to
a few pals ans also sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks to your
sweat!