Let’s discuss how to build a faraday cage.  In this tutorial, I will show you the easiest, least costly, most effective build that I know of.  Best of all, everything you need can be found at your local home improvement store!  You’ll be amazed how such a simple project could be the difference between life and death in an EMP Attack.

HOW TO BUILD A FARADAY CAGE

A malicious EMP Attack or natural Solar Flare could send us back to the 1800’s without electricity.  Either can produce a strong pulse of electromagnetic energy that essentially “frys” any modern piece of equipment that contains a computer microchip.  In today’s world, almost everything has a computer chip!  Even our cars have been computerized!   Although the idea of an EMP Attack sounds straight out of a sci-fi thriller, it is a very real threat.   Thankfully, there is a stupid-simple item you can build to protect your valuable electronics from getting fried:  a faraday cage.     

The Big Bird/Cookie Monster explanation of a faraday cage is that the sealed metal container diverts the electromagnetic pulse around the items within (instead of through the items).   Once you know how to build a Faraday Cage, you will be able to protect all of your valuable electronic items that will not only help you survive physically, but also mentally.  Think about a long-term SHTF scenario with many months without electricity.  Imagine just how valuable it would be to listen to an uplifting digital song from an old iPod or to view digital pictures of your loved ones!  Truly priceless!

HOW TO BUILD A FARADAY CAGE - SHOPPING LIST

Ready to build a faraday cage?  Let’s go shopping!

I am almost positive you can find these items at any big box home improvement store.  However, I am very partial to Menards.  I’m pretty sure it’s because of their melodic jingle.  In any event, the following is a shopping list of the items you need to procure (prices  are approximate):

1. Galvanized Metal Trash Can ………$19.99

2. Metallic HVAC Foil Tape  ….……..……$1.89

3. Duct Tape     ……………………………………$2.99

4. A large cardboard box…………..……....FREE

TOOLS:

1. Scissors

2. Magic Marker

HOW TO BUILD A FARADAY CAGE - CONSTRUCTION

The process of making a faraday cage is simple. It does, however, require more effort than just putting things into a can, putting the lid on, and calling it a day.

First we need to cover all the seams of the metal trash can with metallic HVAC foil tape, both inside and out.  Also make sure to tape up the areas where the handles have been added to the can.  

Next, we need to line the cage(can) so that none of the items we are trying to protect are in direct physical contact with the metal of the can.   Direct contact with the metal would result in the electronic items getting fried.  

There are a couple of good options for lining the can:

1. You can purchase a non-metal container that can completely fit inside of our galvanized metal trash can.

2. Make a liner with cardboard and duct tape.  

If you decide to make a liner with cardboard and duct tape, you’ll need to first place the trash can on top of the cardboard and trace the bottom of the can.   Cut out the cardboard circle with scissors.   Place the cardboard circle into your trash can so that it fits snugly in the very bottom (trim as necessary). 

Next we will need to measure and cut out the cardboard needed to line the inner walls of the trash can.  

Once you have the bottom and the wall cut out, simply duct tape all the cardboard seams together so that it creates a cylinder shape that fits snugly into the metal trash can.   

We will need to ensure that the lid of the metal trash can is lined too.  Place the lid onto cardboard and trace / cut out the circle shape.  Trim the circle so that it snugly fits into the metal trash can and rests on top of the cardboard cylinder shape you just made.    This cardboard “lid” part can remain detached from the rest of the cardboard so that you can easily place items in and out of the container.

The final step, after placing all your items within, is placing the lid on and sealing it by using the HVAC foil tap. This ensures that your faraday cage is protected from an EMP seeping in.

WHAT TO STORE IN A FARADAY CAGE?

So you’ve placed the items you want to protect into the container, placed the lid on, and then used HVAC foil to tape the lid onto the bin.  In an ideal world, we wouldn’t have to open this unless an EMP attack has already occurred.  This is really where redundancy comes into play.  An old survival saying goes: “2 is 1, 1 is none.”  Meaning that everything you are placing into your faraday cage should be backups of everything you use on a day to day basis.   The following list is not all inclusive by any means.  However, it should serve as a good starting point.

Hand Crank (Weather) Radio

After an EMP attack, this would be one of the first items you reach for as you open up your sealed faraday cage.  Even if the batteries are drained, you can quickly  hand crank enough juice to listen to any emergency radio transmissions about that attack. CLICK HERE

Calculators

Calculators have long served as a crutch for those of us who are math challenged.  It would be smart to include a few in your faraday cage as potential barter items.  The real estate they take up within the faraday cage is quite small compared to the value they provide.

Kindle Reader

Sure, I prefer real books too.   However a Kindle like reader possesses the ability to contain dozens and dozens of helpful electronic books.   The mere space saving aspect associated with this item is astonishing, especially if you are forced to quickly relocate.   I picked up a few older models at my local library’s book sale for just $5 /each!   Shop around and buy used!  

Digital Camera

It is not likely that you’ll want to capture any keepsake moments during a disaster.  Yet, a digital camera would come in handy if you have to do any recon missions.  

Solar Battery Bank

This obvious addition would recharge the batteries to operate any battery operated devices that you had the foresight to also secure in your faraday cage. CLICK HERE

Digital Watches / Clocks

I think it’s fair to say that our cell phones have become our go to for looking at the time and that watches are have become more of just a fashion accessory.   In any event, wall clocks typically run on normal batteries while wrist watches require small non-rechargeable batteries.   Opt for a solar powered wrist watch if your budget allows.  

USB Memory Sticks / External Hard Drives

This one is important.  Most people have a tendency to save things directly to their computer.   Instead you should consider saving everything on an external hard drive that simply plugs into your computer’s USB port (think of it as a really big memory stick).  In the event that you have to evacuate your house quickly for whatever reason, it’s more practical to just take the external hard drive with you than grabbing your entire CPU.   I have an external hard drive filled with nearly 2 TB of survival books, videos, and courses.   I also have an exact copy of that external hard drive in my faraday cage.   On smaller USB Memory Sticks, I recommend uploading all of your important personal identification documents and medical records for you and your loved ones.  You should also make flash drive / memory stick backups of your most cherished pictures.   There is no better morale booster to keep pushing forward than seeing a picture of your loved ones.

An Old MP3 Player

Music is a mood enhancer that we all take for granted.  Sure, music can be created with live instruments but depending on the disaster scenario, it may not be advantageous to draw any unwanted attention.   Listening to a MP3 player with earbuds will be able to boost morale and remind you of better times.

An Old Laptop

Obviously you won’t be able to ask google if a plant is edible or not, however, you will be able to plug in your USB Memory Sticks / External hard drives and view text, images, and video on a large screen.

An Old Android Cellphone

With a special adapter, you can plug in your external hard drive / USB Memory stick into an Android phone and view stored data on the go.   Additionally, the special adapter also connects to a solar battery charger.

Night Vision Monocular

As discussed in our Survival Defense and Security class, a night vision monocular is a force multiplier.   In other words, it significantly increases your chances in winning a fight and surviving the night.

High Powered Rifle Scope / Red Dot 

Similar to a night vision monocular, high powered rifle scopes / red dot recticles are force multipliers when it comes to combat.   If you can afford to keep a spare in your faraday cage, you should!

Portable DVD Player

A portable DVD Player could provide massive entertainment value in a world without electricity.   Personally, I have a lot of instructional DVD’s that would be an invaluable teaching tool when the rest of the country is also experiencing a long lasting isolation period. 

LED Flashlights / Headlamps

Perhaps this item is another no brainer.  LED’s are currently the most efficient so that’s what I recommend.   In addition to regular flashlights, I suggest at least one Headlamp that allows you to be hands free!

Solar Panel Inverter /  Charge Controller

While solar panels themselves are likely to survive an EMP Attack, the computerized electronic equipment tied to those solar panels wouldn’t be so lucky.   Therefore, you’ll need to store additional components in your faraday cage to get your solar power back up and running. 

Power Tool Battery Charger 

Wireless power tools require special battery packs. Those packs need to be charged in a special battery charger. You ought to protect that special charger, else you’ll have protected power tools that technically work, but no way to power them up.

Disposable Battery Charger

Did you know that you can recharge disposable batteries? It’s true and easy to do with this machine: CLICK HERE. So start saving those spent batteries and raid your local battery “waste" drop off bin. Avoid any used batteries that have leaked battery acid.

Spare Medical Devices

Some medical conditions require constant use of electronic devices like a CPAP machine or diabetic glucose reader. If you or someone in your family uses an electrical medical device, I would strongly recommend you buy doubles to store in your faraday cage. In the event of an EMP attack, the first major wave of deaths are said to be those who rely on electronic medical devices to keep them alive/healthy.

Drones

Drones would prove to be a major asset in recon and scouting for resources.

Handheld Walkie-Talkies 

Cell phones no longer work.  So that means no calling and no texting anymore.  Walkies will mainly come into play as a means of communication for security details.  This is important to understand because if being used for defense of your home / bug out location (BOL), you certainly wouldn’t want your communication to be intercepted.  This means that you should invest in quality equipment that provides some level of security.  I personally have stocked up on old Nextel phones with that push to talk (PTT) feature.  Even though the phones are no longer operable as phones, they still work as highly encrypted walkie talkies with an impressive range.   A popular model of nextel phones for this use is the i355.  CLICK HERE

HAM Radios

HAM radios require a license to operate. However, you don’t need a license to listen to transmissions. It would be very beneficial to know how to (and be allowed to) communicate and get updates from people from all over the country. After an EMP attack, most of the nation will be in the dark, without electricity and without information. A HAM radio is a powerful piece of equipment in a world without electricity. You can purchase a handheld walky-talky style HAM radio for under $30. CLICK HERE

How to Build a Faraday Cage - Final Thoughts

Want to be EXTRA safe? Consider multiple layers of protection within your faraday cage. You can do this by putting individual items in a non-conductive bag such as plastic / paper bags and then place them in a faraday bag. Similarly, wrapping the items in several layers of aluminum foil also have shown to be a successful protective measure.

*Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links to the referenced products. This is at no extra cost to you. I will receive a small commission of the sale if you decide to purchase the referenced items. I do not endorse anything I have not used myself.