How to protect your electronics from EMP: Faraday cages and survival strategies
By dominguez // 2025-11-17
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  • Electromagnetic pulse (EMP) from solar flare, nuclear detonation or weapons can disable electronics, causing societal collapse.
  • Conductive enclosures (e.g., metal containers lined with foil) block EMPs by redirecting electromagnetic energy around shielded devices.
  • Simple materials like ammo cans, aluminum foil and cardboard can create an effective Faraday cage if properly sealed.
  • Pre-made Faraday bags, EMP-proof cases and whole-home surge protectors offer certified shielding for critical electronics.
  • Stockpile non-electric tools, disconnect devices during EMP events and test Faraday setups with RF meters to ensure effectiveness.
In an era where daily life depends on smartphones, medical devices and emergency communication tools, the threat of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP)—whether from a solar storm, nuclear detonation or man-made weapon—could instantly cripple modern electronics. Experts warn that without proper shielding, an EMP could plunge society into chaos by disabling power grids, vehicles and critical infrastructure. Fortunately, Faraday cages—simple conductive enclosures—offer a reliable defense against this invisible threat.

EMPs: A silent but deadly threat

An EMP is a burst of electromagnetic energy capable of frying circuits, overloading power lines and rendering unprotected electronics useless. There are two primary sources:
  • Natural EMPs – Caused by solar flares or coronal mass ejections (CMEs), such as the 1859 Carrington Event, which disrupted telegraph systems worldwide.
  • Man-made EMPs – Generated by nuclear explosions or specialized weapons designed to target electronics."
In 2004 and 2008, the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack released two reports warning that "up to 90 percent of America’s population could be wiped out by an EMP-induced prolonged blackout." Unfortunately, the federal government and the regulatory bodies that oversee the nation’s electric utilities ignored the Commission's warnings.

How Faraday cages work

Named after 19th-century scientist Michael Faraday, Faraday cages block external electromagnetic fields by redistributing electrical charges around their conductive exterior. BrightU.AI's Enoch engine further explains that by diverting electromagnetic radiation around their outer layer, Faraday cages prevent destructive EMP energy from penetrating and harming enclosed devices, especially when properly grounded to dissipate excess energy safely. A properly constructed Faraday cage ensures that EMP energy flows around—not through—the electronics inside. Building an EMP-proof shield doesn’t require expensive materials. Common household items can be repurposed:
  • Metal containers – Ammo cans, steel trash cans and even microwave ovens (if properly sealed) can be used.
  • Conductive mesh or foil – Aluminum foil, copper mesh or conductive fabric will do.
  • Insulating layer – Use cardboard or foam to prevent direct contact between electronics and metal.
Step-by-step guide:
  • Line the container – Cover the interior with aluminum foil or conductive fabric.
  • Add insulation – Place electronics inside a non-conductive layer (e.g., cardboard box).
  • Seal tightly – Ensure no gaps exist where EMP waves could penetrate.
An effective Faraday cage doesn’t need to be expensive—just continuous and conductive. Experts say even a cookie tin wrapped in foil can work if properly sealed.

Commercial EMP protection solutions

For preppers seeking pre-made options, several products offer certified EMP shielding:
  • Faraday bags – Portable shielded pouches for phones, radios and small electronics.
  • EMP-shielded enclosures – Heavy-duty cases designed for critical medical or communication devices.
  • Whole-home surge protectors – Installed at the electrical panel to mitigate EMP-induced surges.
The EMP Commission recommends testing any Faraday setup with a radio frequency (RF) meter to confirm effectiveness.

Preparing for an EMP Event

Beyond shielding electronics, experts recommend that people prepare for an EMP event by:
  • Stockpiling non-electric tools – Manual appliances, hand-crank radios and analog medical devices.
  • Disconnecting devices – Unplug electronics during an EMP event to avoid surge damage.
  • Using vintage electronics – Older, non-digital equipment (e.g., tube radios) often withstand EMPs better.
While governments debate EMP defense strategies, individuals can take immediate action. Whether using a DIY Faraday cage or investing in commercial shielding, protecting essential electronics ensures communication, medical support and survival capabilities remain intact. By understanding EMP risks and implementing basic shielding techniques, households can safeguard their most vital electronics—turning a potential doomsday scenario into a manageable challenge. Learn three ways to build a Faraday cage by watching this video. This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: AlphaSurvivalist.net RiponSociety.org BrightU.ai Brighteon.com
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