The Faraday cage, named after Michael Faraday, is a tool used to protect electronic devices from electromagnetic radiation. It works by overlapping conductive and non-conductive layers. This creates a barrier for all objects inside and protects them from radiation. Although it may seem complicated, you can also build a Faraday cage out of simple aluminum foil. You can also make a larger version with a steel bin.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Create a Faraday Cage with Aluminum
Step 1. Wrap the electronic device in a plastic layer
You can use sheets or a bag. This creates a barrier between the device and the conductive layer of aluminum. It will also serve as a waterproof layer for additional protection.
You can wrap the object with a cloth to prevent the edges from making holes in the plastic and aluminum, but it is not necessary
Step 2. Cover the device entirely with aluminum foil
The metal will act as a conductor. Make sure there are no tears or gaps in the paper. Use your hands to shape it around the entire device. This will be the first of the three layers of aluminum.
Aluminum makes up the conductive layer. The metal allows radiation to spread over its surface, while the plastic insulation layer prevents it from reaching your device
Step 3. Alternate plastic and aluminum foil
You should completely cover the device with at least three layers of aluminum. You can maximize protection by adding a layer of plastic after one of aluminum. This will alternate conductive and non-conductive material, protecting your device from all harmful electromagnetic radiation.
- The Faraday cage is designed to protect devices from electromagnetic impulses (IEM or EMP). These are high intensity radiation emissions from a weapon or other powerful natural source (such as the sun).
- You can also use the Faraday Cage to block the reception of a cell phone or radio. In this case, fewer layers are enough, because the radiation is much weaker than from an IEM.
- Adding an adhesive such as glue between layers makes your cage more durable and permanent, but harder to open.
Method 2 of 2: Building a Bigger Cage
Step 1. Find a conductive container
A steel garbage can with a lid that closes well is ideal. Alternatively, you can look for other containers or metal boxes. The external material will act as the first line of defense against electromagnetic radiation.
Step 2. Line the inside of the container with a plastic sheet
Once you've chosen a bin or other box, cover the inside with a layer of plastic. In this way the device will not come into contact with the conductive surfaces of the bin and will be protected from water.
- To improve insulation, you can line the inside of the bin with cardboard before using the plastic.
- You can add layers of aluminum and plastic inside to increase the effectiveness of the cage. With more layers the protection will be more effective, even if they are thin.
Step 3. Insert the devices inside
Once the bin is lined, put the devices inside. The best way to do this is to cover them all with a small individual Faraday cage (as described above). You can also buy a Faraday bag and put the items there. The bin will act as an additional protective layer.
Once the devices are inside, you can secure the lid with adhesive or screws to make the cage more durable. It is also wise to tie the container to a beam or nail it to the wall so that it becomes permanent
Advice
- Do not attempt to use appliances such as freezers or microwave ovens such as Faraday cages. They don't offer enough protection.
- You can use rubber instead of plastic to create the insulation layers.
- You can create conductive layers with other materials, such as copper, but they are more expensive.
