What To Put In A Faraday Cage

Given the threat of naturally occurring and/or weaponized EMPs (electromagnetic pulse), it’s important to understand how to protect electronic components and infrastructure. A Faraday cage, a device designed to block electromagnetic fields, can shield electronic items from potential damage. But what exactly should be stored in a Faraday cage? And remember, the term ‘cage’ is not to be taken literally, as there are various materials that can provide Faraday protection.

An EMP, or electromagnetic pulse, is a potentially catastrophic event. Unfortunately, most people don’t know what it is or the extreme dangers it may entail. Many others believe it is a highly unlikely situation. However, it’s crucial to understand that this threat is not just a possibility, but a reality. We live in an uncertain world, and next-level preppers recognize the dangers and prepare for this potential catastrophe as best as they can.

(To discover more about EMP, visit the articles I’ve posted in this category.)

Think About What To Put In A Faraday Cage

While the follow-on effects of a devastating EMP event would be horrific, those preparing should take some time to consider the essential items to keep in a Faraday cage—the things (with embedded electronics) that may become especially significant to enhance survival post-EMP.

First, a side note… I keep a variety of Faraday cages (and form factors thereof). These include several galvanized ‘garbage cans’ and a variety of professionally made soft bags made from EMP-resistant materials and a trusted company (with proven test results).

Keep in mind that the ‘garbage can’ Faraday cage offers only minimal to moderate protection, depending on its implementation. This might be sufficient if you’re not in the immediate EMP zone. However, professionally designed Faraday bags, such as the ones I have from the brand listed below, can provide up to ~ 80dB protection, which is excellent. You can rest assured that these bags are a reliable choice for EMP protection.

Faraday Bags Provide Effective And Convenient Protection

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I asked this question years ago here on the blog. What would you put in a Faraday cage? Here are some of those results from back then:

• Solar Battery Charger for rechargeable batteries (AA / AAA, etc.)
• Portable Shortwave Radio receiver (AM/FM, Shortwave, HF, SSB)
• 2-way Handheld Transceivers (e.g. FRS/GMRS, ‘walkie-talkies’, etc..)
• Laptop / Tablet / Kindle / etc. with stored resource information and data
• Charge controller / Inverter spare for solar power system (If you have such a system)
• Ham radio (transceiver)

Faraday Cage Items To Protect

Here’s my suggestion: Think of it in terms of categories such as security, food, water, and shelter (your home and property). Examine each category and consider items with embedded electronics that may be especially important or critical to you during post-EMP SHTF. Think of backups for critical survival infrastructure.

Another side note… It can become expensive to store certain electronic items, backups, and spares in a Faraday cage because they’re not readily available, especially if stored in a sealed galvanized garbage can (for example). However, for those who cannot afford this for everything, put in a Faraday cage and consider storing those high-cost items there while you’re not using them. This is where professionally designed EMP bags come in handy for much easier access.

Security is a big consideration post-EMP. It will be essential to have methods of communication and gathering information during this time. That may include versatile tools such as 2-way handheld radios, Ham radios, and receivers or transceivers with HF Ham bands (including SSB capability). These tools are adaptable to various communication needs. Receivers or transceivers with HF Ham bands (including SSB capability) are great for long-distance communications. VHF and UHF radios are good for gathering local information and/or communicating with others nearby. These are all good considerations for a Faraday cage.

Maybe you have a night vision device. This is a perfect example of a high-cost item that should be kept in a Faraday cage. I keep a PVS-14 and Holosun Laser in a quality EMP bag (shown below). Those assets are too important to lose during an EMP event.

One of my high priorities would be maintaining ways to produce power/energy through solar, such as being able to charge battery-operated devices, radios, or tools. There are lots of examples!

Here’s a quick brainstorm list of some things to consider in a Faraday cage…

I use the following large Faraday bag to hold a variety of items. The bag provides relatively easy access, which I like, in case I want to use something stored inside. I also keep a printed list of what’s inside (there’s a convenient pouch).

Another consideration… An EMP utility bag in your vehicle. I keep one with radios and other devices and tailor it based on my trips. (I also have EMP protection on my vehicle, installed at the battery, from EMP Shield.)

Hopefully, these thoughts will give you ideas on what to put in a Faraday cage.

[ Read: Garbage Can Faraday Cage ]

[ Read: What an EMP May Destroy ]