The Faraday Cage was named after English scientist and inventor Michael Faraday. Faraday cages or bags shield their contents from static electric fields. This process is performed by distributing the charge or radiation around the cages exterior, cancelling out any charge within the interior. This prevents damage from occurring to electronics that are housed safely inside. In modern day, consumers often look to faraday cages for defense against EMP and electrical warfare. In the following article we will discuss the history, science, and current uses of Faraday Cages.
The History of Faraday Cages
Michael Faraday is considered to be one of the great scientists of the 19th century. He originally began his career as a chemist. However, his major contribution was related to magnetism and electricity, when he demonstrated the relation between chemical bonding and electricity, discovering the effect of magnetism on light. To test his theory, he created a space coated with metal foil and allowed high-voltage discharges from an electrostatic generator to strike the outside of the room. He found the electrons on the conductor redistribute themselves, which neutralize the effect of the field in the interiors of the conductor.
Different Types of Faraday Applications
Faradays Cages go by many different names. Some of the most commonly known are Faraday Cases, shields, EMF cages, RF cages, and Faraday pouches. Quite often the smallest applications are referred to as pouches and are designed to house small items, such as walkie talkies, smart phones, tablets and smart watches. Faraday cases/shields and duffels typically refer to medium sized items and are great for housing portable solar generators, radios, laptops and computers. The largest options are normally referred to as Faraday cages or tents and are designed to house large equipment or work-spaces. Most commonly used in secure communications applications for government affiliates, Defense contractors and intelligence agencies.
DIY Faraday Options
There are many ways to create your own faraday cages at home, regardless of the method or recommended materials, the process is rather simple. Once you have identified the item you would like to protect from electro magnetic fields, tightly wrap the object in cloth. This process adds a layer between your protected item and your foil. Secondly, wrap your object in a plastic layer (standard shopping bag will do), followed by at least 3 layers of foil. You want to be sure to cover every portion of the items surface. Next, place your wrapped items in a cardboard box with at least two more layers of foil. Lastly, go ahead and place that cardboard box within a galvanized steel can and store it off of the ground. Be sure to confirm that no foil used to wrap the outside of the box makes contact with the foil inside of the box. The DIY options may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, but they can be effective in an emergency situation.
Why Do I Need a Faraday Cage?
There are many sensitive electronics that are essential to our daily wellbeing and quality of life. Ranging from our stored contacts and loved ones located in our smartphones, to high-end medical equipment, such as CPAP and oxygen machines. In our experience, we find It is best to be prepared and have a location where you can safely store your important electronic items. The most common causes of EMPs (Electro Magnetic Pulse) can be emitted from the Sun in the form of a solar flare. With our society being so dependent upon technology, it makes sense that any future attacks or warfare would be in the form of an EMP. Faraday cages are also very effective in preventing smart phone and GPS tracking, along with RFID skimming prevention to protect against fraud and identity theft.
We are currently preparing to release a fantastic new line of Faraday pouches, bags and tents. We are very excited to be able to offer a reliable form of protection against EMPs and help our customers in their search for reliable emergency preparedness products. Be sure to keep an eye on the New Arrivals section and if you have any questions, we are just a phone call away (877-548-3387) and are happy to offer our expertise!