Introduction to Faraday Bags
Faraday bags are a critical tool for preppers seeking to protect their electronics from electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) and other threats in an emergency situation. Whether preparing for a solar storm, nuclear event, or simply wanting to block everyday EMF signals, a quality Faraday bag creates a protective enclosure to guard your devices.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore what exactly a Faraday bag is, how it works, why preppers need one, and tips for choosing and using a Faraday bag for maximum disaster readiness.
What is a Faraday Bag?
A Faraday bag, also known as a Faraday cage or EMF shielding bag, is designed to block external static and non-static electromagnetic fields. Made of conductive material like aluminum mesh, Faraday bags prevent electromagnetic waves from penetrating the interior. Any electronics stored inside are effectively 'caged', safe from electric current and radiation.
Faraday bags allow preppers to be proactive in defending their equipment against damaging electromagnetic pulses. Whether the threat is man-made or naturally occurring, a Faraday bag is an essential part of an EMP preparedness plan.
History and Origins
The Faraday bag concept traces its origins back to the experiments performed by Michael Faraday in 1836. Faraday discovered that an external static field was unable to penetrate a conductive enclosure. His research became the basis for the invention of the Faraday cage, which distributes electromagnetic charges across the exterior of the conductive material, cancelling out the field inside.
Faraday's principles were later applied specifically for blocking out the intense electromagnetic pulses generated by nuclear explosions. EMP shielding using Faraday cages was critical for protecting communications equipment. Today, Faraday bags leverage the same physics principles to safeguard portable electronics from threats both large and small.
How Faraday Bags Work
The conductive material a Faraday bag is made of, such as aluminum foil or mesh, distributes electromagnetic charges across the surface of the bag when exposed to an EMP or similar threat. This equalizes the EMF on the exterior so that the interior contents are not impacted.
Essentially, the Faraday bag absorbs the brunt of the electromagnetic force, serving as a protective bubble around your devices inside. The multiple conductive layers also allow airflow while blocking radio frequencies and wireless signals of all types from penetrating.
This Faraday cage effect shields anything within the bag from the dangers of intense electric and magnetic fields, as well as everyday EMF interference from cell towers, WiFi networks and more.
Why Every Prepper Needs a Faraday Bag
Faraday bags are a prepper staple because they offer reliable protection for electronics in any disaster scenario. Whether the threat is a catastrophic nuclear EMP attack or simply wanting a break from ambient EMFs, having a Faraday bag in your toolkit helps guarantee preparedness.
Guard Against Damaging EMPs
The high electromagnetic pulse generated by a nuclear blast can induce powerful currents capable of destroying electronics not adequately shielded. An EMP could decimate communication networks and devices critical for emergency response.
Solar storms and flares can also produce similar electromagnetic disturbances in the atmosphere. A sizable enough geomagnetic storm could take down sections of the power grid for months. Preppers utilize Faraday bags as insurance to protect essential electronics in such disastrous scenarios. Having backup equipment stored safely in Faraday bags may make the difference in your ability to communicate, survive, and recover from these potentially catastrophic events.
Block Everyday EMF Interference
In addition to large-scale EMP protection, Faraday bags provide preppers with a reliable way to block electromagnetic interference from cell towers, WiFi hotspots, radio transmissions and more. The multitude of wireless signals blanketing modern environments can be a nuisance when you want to disconnect. Faraday bags create a portable safe zone free of ambient EMF pollution.
This allows preppers to effectively switch off their phones and other devices completely when needed for security purposes. You can prevent tracking, hacking, and identity theft by using a Faraday bag to isolate electronics and cut off any unwanted signals.
Choosing the Right Faraday Bag
There are many Faraday bag options available, but quality and testing can vary drastically. Avoid cheap knock-offs and stick with reputable prepper retailers like WeLovePrepping.com who rigorously test their products. Look for key features and shielding specs that indicate a bag's effectiveness.
What to Look For in a Quality Faraday Bag
- Military grade shielding fabrics like silver ripstop poly or double layered aluminized mylar
- Well-sealed zipper closures and velcro flaps
- Mesh paneling for breathability and airflow
- RFID blocking inner lining for maximal signal isolation
- Designed specifically for storing and protecting electronics
- Independent EMP protection testing from a qualified lab
- High attenuation levels across a broad range of null frequencies
Sizing and Other Options
Faraday bags come in different sizes to accommodate anything from a cell phone or passport up to a full laptop. Mini bags are very portable for small essentials while jumbo bags have room for larger devices and accessories. Some also have outer pockets to hold charging cables and spare batteries.
Look for rugged and waterproof bag options to handle tough outdoor conditions. Make sure to get a properly sized bag for each device type you want to protect. Having multiple Faraday bags allows you to separately shield your phone, laptop, radio, camera, etc in an emergency.
Utilizing Your Faraday Bag Effectively
Follow these tips to ensure your Faraday bag performs optimally when disaster strikes:
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Fully power down devices before placing in bag. Storage in airplane mode may not provide full protection.
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Press excess air out and fold bag opening over several times before tightly sealing zipper. This maintains the protective seal.
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Avoid placing Faraday bag near other electronics that could diminish shielding effects.
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Periodically open bag away from electronics and test with an EMF meter to verify it is fully blocking signals.
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Visually inspect for any holes or openings in bag that could compromise the Faraday cage effect.
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Only use for intended purpose of blocking electromagnetic fields. Do not store food or other items that could damage bag.
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Keep bag stored in a cool, dry location away from sharp objects when not in use.
Having a reliable, lab-tested Faraday bag or two in your prepper gear allows you to be proactive and rest assured your critical electronics have an added layer of EMP protection.
Conclusion
Faraday bags are a simple yet highly effective means for preppers to safeguard devices against damaging electromagnetic threats. Whether defending against a high-altitude EMP from a nuclear blast, or just wanting to avoid ambient EMFs from cell towers, a quality Faraday bag is an essential prepper tool.
Follow the tips outlined here to choose the right Faraday bag for your needs. Utilize them properly as part of your layered emergency plan to protect essential electronics. WeLovePrepping.com offers rigorously tested bags so you can be confident your devices are shielded.
With Faraday bag protection for your equipment, you can weather the storm when disaster strikes. Safeguard your electronics and peace of mind with a trusted Faraday bag.
