How to shield your electronics.
 

Hi all. I am technician in electronic since several years. I know many question arose about how to prevent Electro-magnetic wave to disrupt your electronics tools.

First of, I am not saying this is the only solution, but it will work on many types of EMP, coming from the sun or other sources, except military weapons.

Also, this solution is simple and cost almost nothing. That is why I'm putting it here. I work for a large electrical company and in 1989, we had a major shut down because of unusual Electromagnetic Waves from the sun that hits the Electric Network and most protections opened. But it also damaged many DC components in the province. We receive constantly EMW from the sun and earth act like a filter, that's the reason for the heat. So we need it to live, but sometimes, a wave of large magnitude hit some spot on earth and may cause damage. That's what Henry Deacon was predicting for sometimes in 2009.

Second, an electromagnetic pulse has a frequency, or many frequencies, it is called "noise". When the amplitude or strength of the wave is too high for your electronic system, it can damage components in a physical phenomena called induction. The wave has to be "reflected".

To absorb/reflect it, you need to build an "metal shielding" surrounding your electronics and this "metal shielding".

You can make a shielded box or Faraday cage to store your electronics toys when you don't use them.

Here is an explanation: http://standeyo.com/News_Files/NBC/EMP.protection.html

Everyone who has questions, answers, or other information are very welcome to contribute.

I hope it helped, Namaste, Steven

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

Hi thanks for the tips, would multiply FOIL wrapped around a box work? At a garage sale last week I picked up a large 6 foot roll of foil with backing I thought of maybe using this? Also do you know would this effect your car engine? Would you only have to protect the battery or the whole engine? Would CB Antennas work to catch the signal? Sorry for all the questions?

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

I was of the understanding that it is the ECM or ECS - Electronic Control Module/System electronics that will be effected in modern cars, not the battery.
That is one reason why the older cars, or the older diesel vehicles would be better suited as they would not have the ECM - electronics installed.



Tez

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

Spot on Tez. :thumb_yello:
Also, if the pulse is strong enough, to which it probably will be, it could damage alternators and starter motors.
Take care.
Best regards,
John
Johnno

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

If this was the case then would it not also damage windturbines?

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

Thats all the solar panels buggered then :sad:

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

Hello Peace. I'm glad you are interested. Here some clarification.

Yes, multiple foil will work. The important is having a good electric conductor, aluminum is one, like silver, copper, iron, steal.

Don't bother about car engine, it's an explosion (gasoline) motor and it won't be affected. The batteries will take it. Their capacity and power (Amp/hour) will support it. But the electronics of your car, sensors, processors, memories, etc... might not like it. Recent cars, 2000+ years, have many of them from electronic starters to flow fuel control. But I wouldn't worry about it because the frame and structure of your car will act as an "metal shielding" and will reflect most of the wave.

Yes, CB antenna will do.

What is mostly susceptible to EMP is electronic component, which work on Direct Current low Voltage, 5 VDC to 24 VDC, and haven't a high capacity to support high frequencies and high magnitude. Any devices working on 120 Alternative (50/60Hz) Current Voltage, 120 VAC and higher, will absorb the impact even more if it isn't running and unplugged.

The noise is an electromagnetic wave of high frequencies, device running under alternative voltage/current are made to work with frequencies, up to a certain limit in frequencies/amplitude. But electronic component, like processors, memories, etc... are not made to deal with high frequencies and especially if the signal (noise) is strong. They can heat and burn from inside.

Only these need to be shielded in my humble opinion.

I hope it clarifies it.

Namaste, Steven

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

:lmfao: First mental picture was everyone with Alfoil/Tinfoil hats like in the movie "Signs"..............:mfr_lol:

But, some really great advice in these posts, Thanks heaps all,
Tez

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

here is a site that is awsome for survival, it is the best iv found on EMP protection. I metal shed grounded looks like you could store a lot in there and would be safe. look for yourself :)
http://www.endtimesreport.com/EMP.html

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

Hi Steven. Thank you for bringing this up. There are some important ideas to consider. First, anything pysically connected to the power grid i.e. the wall outlet is going to get zapped by an intentional EMP device within the correct proximity. Literally within 5 miles from the epicenter of a military type EMP device will be completely fried with no hope of repair.

Even store-bought EMF supressors & spike arrestors won't do. You need to have a standalone power supply buried in the ground and not connected to anything above ground to accomplish this level of protection against military devices. In addition, an air-burst nuclear device will also create enough of a pulse to destroy all grid connected equipment AFAIK.

You can shield you automobile somewhat and this requires grounding straps connected every 30 inches along the edge of the hood for instance. I recently bought an old police car which has this type of grounding. My CB radio works very well partiall because of this electronic hardening. A direct strike within the saturation zone and no electronic anything will work afterwards. It's cave-man time!

Any low voltage circuit is at risk from even greater distances than the 5 miles. Hopefully, a combination of being further than 5 miles and having some offline equipment stored below ground will probably survive. However, there won't be any radio or T.V. stations, Internet (except possibly FiOS), or electricity in the wall outlet immediately following an tactical EMP strike.

Yes, aluminum foil helps prevent induction and aluminum also has diamagnetic properties which not only shields against magnetic induction but also electrostatic discharges. I have read some interesting things about Tesla's machines creating scalar waves that completly render shielding useless. But even Tesla's machines don't penetrate much more than 6 feet of earth unless very close to the target.

This is why the military geniuses built over 100 Deep Underground Military Bases (DUMB's), some of which are rumored to be thousands of feet under rock & soil. The facilities are completely isolated from the surface power grid and are even hardened against a direct nuclear assault.

A Faraday Cage will shield from radio frequencies and weather-induced spikes however an EMP creates a square wave orders upon orders of magnitude greater than a lightning strike even through water.

There's the old saying "there's no replacement for displacement" and it fits here as well. Displace a lot of soil, leave survival equipment (such as wind-up recievers, HAM, CB, GMRS & FMRS radios) disconnected from antennas with the antenna leads grounded and without batteries and you might be the only kid on the block with a working device after the ping. I have a speaker connected to several turns of wire connected across the terminals which will make a loud SNAP sound in the event of a strike.

Thank you for your good advice and for creating this thread.

Best wishes,

SqUePtIkAl

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

What about making a lead box to shield stuff?

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

Thank you Squeptikal for all this very welcome information. I really appreciate it.

Absolutely! Lead is very efficient in manufacturing noise reduction material, radiation shielding and x-ray shielding. If you can afford it and be cautious, lead can be poisonous.

Namaste, Steven

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

I checked out the price of lead today, a roll of code blue is now at £80 and thats trade.
I did have some scrap lead a while back but took it to the scrap yard.
Oh well :)

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

I've been thinking about this, in the UK the electricity circuit in the house has a earth.
All our plugs are 3 pin and most appliances have a earth.
I know it's the same in Oz but not sure about other countrys.
Maybe because we are earthed already the EMP (if they ever did use one) mite not work so well???

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

Being a complete nerd when it comes to electronics -

Is it possible to make a Faraday Cage, to protect your electronics, out of 'chicken wire / netting' and earthing it?

Would you need to cover it with Aluminum (cooking ) foil ?

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

Hi Steven, Thanks for all the advice, it was very helpful. Seems silly to be considering protecting laptop when internet will most likely go down. But have to have music!!
Thanks Skeptikal with all your input it was good to see there are a few preventions we can try. The link that davefla73 posted was excellent and I am printing it now. Hi Tez, funny finding you here. Swanny what about lead x-ray suits doctors use?
In Australia lots of homes also have a steel Colorbond roof, timber floors, can anyone confirm the if our electricity is grounded?

WHAT THE??? As I am writing this reply, I mean RIGHT NOW. My son calls saying the whole of Melbourne City, lights, power, streets, shops everything went totally off.... Just then hubby and kids return from city... We live in hills, I said in greeting "Lucky your back the whole city is in blackout" When youngest replied - Yeah I just saw big blue flash in sky!

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

Yea I want to keep some electrics alive like my ipod etc just to stop me from getting too bored if everything goes down, and I must have music :band:

Peace2all you definately have a earthed electric supply in your home, you can tell because some of your plugs have 3 pins.
I have lived in Oz in the past :)

Let us know about the blue flash in the sky :plane:

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

Yes, it will make a very good protection, especially if you also cover it with aluminum foil.

Namaste, Steven

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

Yes, many houses around the planet has this ground network linking all electrical devices to the ground. It protects the user from electrical shock when you touch the casing, structure. But you need to make a conductivity test with a ohmmeter to really be sure that your electrical outlet is linked to earth ground. I'm saying this because many times, it is not. But remember you need a licensed electrician to work in the electrical network of your house.

Namaste, Steven

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

Hehe, Looks like a transformer went rocket. If I may add this little note about your power source.

Shielding and grounding your devices with metal box, foil, etc... will protect your devices from outside EMP. But if you want to protect also your power source coming out from the outlet, and if you can afford it, you can buy a power source filter. It will filter all sort of "noise" coming from inside your electrical power to make sure you have a perfect sinusoidal wave (alternative 120V 50/60Hz).

Look for this type of filter for your electrical source: http://www.directindustry.com/prod/l...95-214549.html there expensive, but you may find some more cheaper. Of course, you need a technician to install these.

Namaste, Steven

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

[QUOTE=Squeptikal;52773
There's the old saying "there's no replacement for displacement" and it fits here as well. Displace a lot of soil, leave survival equipment (such as wind-up recievers, HAM, CB, GMRS & FMRS radios) disconnected from antennas with the antenna leads grounded and without batteries and you might be the only kid on the block with a working device after the ping. I have a speaker connected to several turns of wire connected across the terminals which will make a loud SNAP sound in the event of a strike.
[/QUOTE]

Very interesting.........Could you provide drawings of this one, so I can build one myself??

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

Can you explain how this is done and what kind of gear is needed???

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

From memory, i think the Negative / Black is also linked or coupled to ground here in Oz at the meter box, maybe if there are any Electricians reading this they can confirm that or explain.

Tez

.

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

You need a multimeter, which has a voltmeter, ampmeter and ohmmeter. The ohmmeter will measure the resistance of a given conductor. If your resistance is near 0 ohm, then you are sure you have a continuity.

A multimeter isn't expensive here are some for home: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_03482139000P

Put the multimeter in ohmmeter position. You connect one test lead to a ground outlet (the round socket of the three on any outlet) and you connect the other lead test to your earth ground (which is the incoming water pipe in most houses). Measure near 0 ohm for a continuity. If what you measure has a high ohm value, like 10Mohms, then you are sure your ground outlet isn't really grounded.

Hello Tez. I'm from Canada and in Direct Current application, black wire are usually linked to reference point or ground. BUT NOT IN AC. In AC, it's the green wire or green/yellow, the white wire being the common return of the AC, not linked to the ground. The black wire is the "live" wire, don't ground it at any cost before measuring it with a voltmeter first. Of course, there are different color coding then North American, but be really sure before, an electrician advice is always the best to do.

Namaste, Steven

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

Thanks Steven

Your advice is much appreciate

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

Great thread.

I have an FM transceiver that I keep in a US military ammunition can that I plan to use in a shtf situation. I have read that these make suitable Faraday cages. Would you concur, Steven?

Thanks in advance.

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

Hi Steven, Colours of wires must be totally different between our two countries, the following colour codes are for Australian Use ONLY

Yes i know the wiring colours for both AC and DC here in Australia.

DC - Positive is Red, Negative is Black.

AC - Earth is green or can also be Green and Yellow, Neutral is Black or also can be Blue, Active is Red or can also be Brown.


I just had this thought that a few years ago i had read somewhere that the AC Neutral (Black) was now being tied to earth.

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ALL HOUSEHOLD WIRING AND REPAIRS MUST BE ONLY CARRIED OUT BY A LICENCED ELECTRICIAN.
.
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Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

The same colour codes apply to UK wiring
We call "Active" Live here and Earth is Green and Yellow unless it's old wiring and then it is solid Green.

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

:thumb_yello::thumb_yello:Thanks:thumb_yello::thum b_yello:

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

Yes, these metal boxes will make a perfect shield because it's all made of steel. But the paint on it act as an isolator, you don't want it to redirect EMP. Only make sure you file it to remove paint and dirt. Then you connect (weld with tin) the wire earth ground to it. Or buried into the ground.

Namaste, Steven

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

Thanks for the info Steven. :)

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

i believe it is also necessary to insulate the radio from the box, on the inside.

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

Yea I've been thinking that maybe it would be good to line the box with rubber or some sort of insulator, although most things are in a plastic case so I guess that should do it.

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

FANTASTIC Thanks so much for sharing

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

:welcomeani: Hi thanks for this post it will help alot of ppl:thumb_yello:

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

Thank you very much about it Tez. A very good reminder indeed. I'll add it to edited posts of mine.

This is true for all type of activities (repairs, modification, measurement, etc...) on the actual electric network of any house.

But... you don't need an electrician to shield your electronics if you use new wire and shield (metal box, faraday cage, foils, etc...) and ground it with new wires network. As long as you don't touch the electrical network and do not touch electrical power.

If I may add this: Many people asked me through private message if military are/will use it against cities, citizen, etc... It wasn't my original idea for this thread, but here is the information I got about it. There are many different kind of EMP military can use, from micro-wave to infra-red, without mentioning all of them. And there is not much protection against these weapons because of the magnitude and precision (target). The best and more affordable protection against these weapons are to my humble knowledge lead layers. Because of it's atomic structure, lead absorb some effect of these waves. Faraday cages are also very efficient, but both these solution are more expensive and time consuming to set them up, both of these solution need to be connected to the Earth ground. Skeptical made a very informative comment about it on a previous post.

Here is a link to Faraday Cages tutorial: http://www.unitedstatesaction.com/em...aday_cages.htm

Namaste, Steven

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

Yes, you don't want your components to be in contact with the shield (they can be in physical contact, but electrically isolated), only the metal framing, not the components.

Steven

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

After reading in another thread about microwave ovens.
I think that if you were to earth one then it should be ok to shield your stuff.
You could use a old one which is not connected to power.
If your in the UK or Oz then it would be earthed if plugged into the mains. In the UK you could just remove the fuse so there is no chance of it turning on and cooking your stuff, and it would still be connected to earth.
Ok it's not going to be very big, but big enough to save your ipod, a radio etc

Anyone know a reason why this would not work well as a Faraday Cage??

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

I like this idea because it's simple, not costing too much. It won't be as efficient as a Faraday cage, because for this, you will need to cover all the micro-wave with double layered aluminum foils and connect them to the metal casing of the micro-wave. A simple modification that will assure best result.

Thank you for this idea Swanny, Steven

Re: How to shield your electronics.
 

No probs Steven glad to be of help.
Just talking to a friend who threw away his old microwave yesterday, I could have used that.
Good idea about adding foil to it :original: