One of the related risks to a nuclear attack is an EMP blast. Rather than detonating the nuke at ground level and thus destroying infrastructure and human life, the bomb is deployed in the atmosphere, and an EMP blast results. In the former scenario you’d be dead immediately; in the latter, many would die slow deaths, widespread panic would result, and terror would take a drastic toll—all because people wouldn’t have access to their machinery and gadgets that enable them to do all of their basic, day-to-day activities.
Just think about all the things you do on a daily basis that require electricity: turn on the sink to brush your teeth; get in the car to get groceries; withdraw cash from the ATM; refrigerate your food; use the internet to follow the news; call your parents; turn on the lights at night. All of these simple, daily tasks require the electricity we enjoy in abundance today.
But an EMP blast would immediately change all of that.
What can you do to prepare for a possible EMP blast in the future? How can you shield your electronics to ensure that you can play with your iPod in a TEOTWAWKI scenario, or scan the radio for news updates? One option is to shield your gadgets with a Faraday cage.
A Faraday cage—named after its inventor Michal Faraday—is essentially nothing more than a simple electromagnetic shield. Basic versions are just metal containers or enclosures that block the penetration of electromagnetic radiation. For one example (that you can purchase), see here. If you’re really adventurous, you can build your own.
But me? I’m both a cheapskate and completely lacking in the DIY skill department. So I took the easy route. I bought a microwave.
Microwaves are a sort of reverse-faraday cage, in that they are constructed to keep the radiation inside the box. But it works both ways, meaning that the structure also prevents radiation from getting in. I found a cheap microwave on Craigslist, brought it home, and cut off the power cord (so that somebody couldn’t accidentally plug it in and turn it on, thus cooking my toys). Keep in mind that the microwave need not be functional to serve as a faraday cage—all it needs is its original structural integrity, but no electric bells and whistles.
Inside the microwave you would put whatever electronic gadgets you would want to have access to in a post-EMP environment. I’ve got a HAM radio, GMRS radio, AM/FM radio, and a few other electronic devices inside of mine. It’s important to realize, of course, that the use of electronic equipment implies having access to necessary batteries or generators, as well as any needed sister devices (i.e. a second radio with which to communicate). So you can store a couple of radios (to communicate with friends/family if somebody needs to leave), or have a HAM radio setup to communicate with remote parts of the country/world that were not affected by the localized EMP.
What’s the likelihood of an actual EMP attack? Well, that of course depends on where you live, and who you ask. :) But as in all things, general preparedness implies a broad “what if” mentality that tries to take in as many factors as possible. Having a cheap, old microwave is just one more item to check off the list!
I was just showing my husband the faraday cages out of aluminum foil and without seeing your post, he said, “Can’t we just get an old microwave? That would be easier.”
Can probably pick one up at DI/thrift store for cheap also. I’ll have to get one and put some stuff out in our trailer in it. Thanks for the post!
I was just showing my husband the faraday cages out of aluminum foil and without seeing your post, he said, “Can’t we just get an old microwave? That would be easier.”
Can probably pick one up at DI/thrift store for cheap also. I’ll have to get one and put some stuff out in our trailer in it. Thanks for the post!
Connor,
My son just bought 33 microwaves so he can take out the transformers to make arc welders. So if anyone wants a microwave (minus a transformer) they are welcome to it for no charge. Here are the microwaves: http://www.rickety.us/2009/06/build-an-arc-welder-from-microwave-ovens/
Connor,
My son just bought 33 microwaves so he can take out the transformers to make arc welders. So if anyone wants a microwave (minus a transformer) they are welcome to it for no charge. Here are the microwaves: http://www.rickety.us/2009/06/build-an-arc-welder-from-microwave-ovens/
Using a microwave as a Faraday cage will only protect your devices from a very narrow band of microwave radiation (typically 2.45 GHz). All other frequencies will go right through and fry your electronics.
300 / MHz = wavelength in meters.
Any opening in the cage larger than the wavelength of the pulse will pass through it as if the cage weren’t even there.
EMP creates a very broad spectrum of waves. Many well into the gigahertz range which are plenty small enough to go right through the small holes in a microwave screen.
A microwave is a terrible faraday cage and will fail completely against and EMP attack.
A grounded copper screen with 3mm holes will block any frequency lower than 100GHz.
Microwaves are a sort of reverse-faraday cage, in that they are constructed to keep the radiation inside the box.
Microwaves make a terrible faraday cage. There are many variations of a faraday cage for different levels of protection but I do not believe a microwave would be good protection against an EMP.
I’m a little bit skeptical on if a Microwave will really protect my electronics. I’ve recently heard about EMPs and that I can try to protect some of my electronics. I came across a Radio Blog that is having a guy named Randy Tolman on their show to talk about Faraday cages. I think this will be both helpful to me and for you guys showing concern. Here’s the link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/empact-radio/2011/06/22/pvp54-randy-tolman-of-techprotect-faraday-bags good luck, guys!
Take ytour typical 5.8 Ghz cordless phone. put it in the above modified “faraday cage”. Call it. Opps, blows that theory. Don’t people try this stuff before telling people it’s a good idea? KK4HFJ
Here is the instructable for a Faraday cage that is easy to make (modify) and will look good in the house. No longer will people need to have a galvanized trash can in their den to have the convenience of having a faraday cage in the house. It also doubles as a file cabinet
http://www.instructables.com/id/Stylish-Two-Drawer-Faraday-Cage/?ALLSTEPS