What critical items should be stored in a Faraday cage? – Delta Prepper

What Critical Items Should Be Stored in a Faraday Cage.

Imagine Everything Going Dark

Imagine waking up tomorrow and every electronic device you own—your phone, your laptop, your emergency radio, even your car key fob—has suddenly stopped working. It isn’t just a bad dream or a far-off sci-fi scenario. With our increasing dependence on technology, the threat of losing it all to an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) or a massive solar flare is startlingly real. According to NASA, solar storms powerful enough to fry electronics occur roughly every 100 years, and EMPs (whether from natural or man-made sources) can knock out entire power grids in seconds.

So here’s the big question: If the lights went out everywhere, would you be prepared. That’s where a Faraday cage comes in. In this article series, I’ll walk you through exactly what a Faraday cage is and, perhaps more crucially, which items you definitely want to shield inside one. By the end of this first part, you’ll know the basics of EMP protection and start thinking about the critical devices every modern household should safeguard.

What Is a Faraday Cage and Why Do You Need One.

Breaking Down the Faraday Cage

Let’s get the science part out of the way: A Faraday cage is basically a special container made from conductive material (like metal) that blocks external electric fields—including those potentially devastating to electronics. Think of it as a force field for your gadgets. When electromagnetic energy (like that from a lightning strike or solar flare) hits the cage, the energy travels along the cage’s exterior and gets rerouted, never touching the precious contents inside.

You probably use a rudimentary Faraday cage more often than you realize—your car, for instance, is a basic version, which is why you’re safe inside during a lightning storm. Even your microwave oven works on a similar principle.

The Real Threats: EMPs and Solar Storms

Why bother with this at all. Well, let’s talk risk. There are a couple of main culprits that can threaten your electronics on a massive scale:

EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse): These can be man-made (think nuclear detonation at high altitude) or natural. A strong enough EMP can instantly fry unprotected electronics across hundreds or even thousands of miles.
Solar Flares/Geomagnetic Storms: The infamous Carrington Event of 1859 is the most extreme example, when a solar storm set telegraph lines ablaze and shocked operators. If something similar happened today, experts estimate the cost could run into trillions, with global communications and power grids crippled.

Not convinced. The US National Academy of Sciences estimates that in a worst-case scenario, up to 90% of the US population could be at risk if the power grid was knocked out for a year. That’s a chilling statistic—one that makes EMP protection a lot more than just a hobby for preppers.

Why You Might Need One—Even If You’re Not a “Doomsday Prepper”

You don’t need to be a survivalist to see the value in protecting a few key electronics. Maybe you have medical equipment you rely on, need a way to communicate or navigate if things go sideways, or simply want to ensure your digital memories survive the unexpected. Over the past five years, sales of Faraday cages and specialized signal-blocking bags have jumped by 40%, signaling that more and more people are taking this risk seriously.

The Must-Have Items for Your Faraday Cage

So, you’ve decided you don’t want to play roulette with your electronics.

But what should actually go inside your Faraday cage. Here’s where it gets practical.

Communication Devices

After a disaster, being able to reach out—whether to call for help, check in with loved ones, or hear emergency broadcasts—is absolutely vital. That’s why your Faraday cage should reserve space for:

Two-way radios and walkie-talkies: These can be lifesavers if cell networks go down.
Satellite phones: Pricier, but they’ll often work when nothing else will.
A backup smartphone: Even if it can’t make calls, it’s a handy tool for stored information and apps.

Navigation Tools

Don’t underestimate the importance of knowing where you are, especially if you need to travel or relocate:

GPS units: These can still function if satellites are operational, even in an EMP aftermath.
Electronic compasses: Useful if you lose your sense of direction.
Backup car key fobs: Many modern vehicles won’t start without them, so keep a spare protected.

Data Storage

Some things are simply irreplaceable, which is why protecting your data is just as important as protecting your gadgets:

External hard drives and USB drives: Store copies of important documents (IDs, insurance, medical info), family photos, and even survival guides.
SD cards: Compact and easy to store, they’re great for backing up vital files.

Power Sources

Keeping your other devices powered up is just as critical:

Portable solar chargers: Harness the sun when the grid is down.
Battery packs and inverters: These can keep smaller devices running for days.

Medical Electronics

If you depend on certain medical devices, a Faraday cage can truly be a lifesaver:

Battery-powered medical devices: Such as backup CPAP machine controllers or insulin pump remotes.

Personal Security and Vehicle Electronics

Shortwave radios and emergency beacons: For receiving news and transmitting distress signals.
Small drones: Useful for surveying your surroundings in a crisis.
Vehicle-related electronics: For older vehicles, having a spare ECU or ignition module can mean the difference between getting out—or getting stranded.

Having these essentials protected can make all the

difference when disaster strikes. But simply tossing your gear into a metal box isn’t enough—how you store these critical items in your Faraday cage matters just as much as what you store. So, let’s dive into how you can properly protect your electronics and avoid the most common pitfalls.

How to Properly Store Items in a Faraday Cage

It’s tempting to think any metal container will do the trick, but there’s a bit more to it. For your Faraday cage to really shield your valuables, you’ll need to pay attention to both materials and technique.

Choosing the Right Cage

You don’t have to invest in a laboratory-grade Faraday room (unless you want to. ), but certain everyday items make excellent makeshift cages. For example:

Metal trash cans with tight-fitting lids are a favorite among DIY preppers. Line the inside with cardboard or foam to keep devices from touching the metal.
Ammo boxes (the military surplus kind) work well, especially when you add a rubber or foam seal around the lid to block gaps.
Custom-made cages can be purchased online, ranging from small signal-blocking bags for key fobs to large safes designed for home use.

Whatever you choose, the key is ensuring the container is fully sealed, with no obvious gaps or holes that electromagnetic energy could slip through.

Packing Tips to Protect Your Electronics

Once you’ve picked your cage, it’s time to load it up—but not haphazardly.

Here are some tried-and-true tips:

Separate individual devices with non-conductive materials. Use bubble wrap, foam, or even thick plastic bags to prevent electronics from touching both each other and the cage walls.
Remove batteries from devices to avoid corrosion or leakage, which could ruin both the battery and the device during long-term storage.
Label everything. If you’re storing multiple devices, use zip-lock bags or tags so you can quickly find what you need in an emergency.
Don’t overload the cage. Overstuffing increases the risk of a poor seal and potential damage to your gear.

Testing Your Faraday Cage

Curious if your setup really works. Here’s a simple, at-home test: Place your smartphone (on, with the ringer up) inside the cage, seal it fully, and then call the phone. If it doesn’t ring or receive a signal, that’s a good sign your cage is doing its job. For an extra layer of confidence, use a portable radio and see if it can pick up any stations while closed in the cage. No reception means you’re well protected.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best intentions can go awry. Some frequent errors include:

Gaps and cracks: Even a small unsealed seam can act like an open door for electromagnetic energy.
Using containers with plastic handles or hinges that interrupt the metal’s continuity.
Leaving devices in direct contact with the metal: Always separate them with non-conductive padding.
Storing active devices (with batteries inside) for long periods, which risks leaks or internal shorts.

Proper storage isn’t complicated, but a little extra care dramatically increases your odds of success if you ever need to rely on your Faraday cage.

What NOT to Store in a Faraday Cage

Now, before you start packing up your entire house, let’s clarify what doesn’t belong in a Faraday cage.

Non-Electronic Items

First things first: You don’t need to worry about canned food, bottled water, or paper documents like passports and cash. These items aren’t affected by EMPs or solar flares—save your precious cage space for electronics.

Large Appliances

While it’s a nice thought, you can’t realistically shield your refrigerator, washing machine, or big-screen TV. Not only are these impractically large for any home-sized cage, but most are already fried by the time you lose grid power after a major EMP event.

Hazardous or Sensitive Items

Don’t store batteries inside devices—remove them first.
Avoid anything that could corrode, leak, or explode with long-term storage, such as certain types of “button cell” batteries or old, damaged electronics.

Ultimately, focus on portable, essential items that directly impact your ability to communicate, navigate, receive information, or manage a health condition.

The Numbers: Why Faraday Cages Matter

Let’s step back and look at the big picture. Here are some eye-opening statistics that highlight just how real these risks are:

Solar storms strong enough to damage electronics occur roughly every 100 years. (NASA)
The Carrington Event of 1859—the largest recorded solar storm—fried telegraph systems worldwide, lighting up the night sky and even shocking operators at their desks.
Up to 90% of the US population could be at risk in a grid-down event lasting one year.
(US National Academy of Sciences)
Only 17% of Americans have an emergency plan that includes electronic protection. (American Red Cross, 2022 survey)
Consumer awareness is growing: Sales of Faraday bags and cages have increased by 40% in the past five years, as more people prepare for possible blackouts and EMPs.

These numbers aren’t here to scare you—they’re here to demonstrate that being prepared is not just a “prepper” thing anymore. With relatively little effort, you can dramatically increase your resilience in the face of unexpected disasters.

We’ve covered the essentials—what a Faraday cage is, why it matters, and exactly which items deserve a spot inside. But believe it or not, there’s even more to learn. In Part 3, we’ll dig into some fun facts about Faraday cages

… and the fascinating science and stories behind them, plus spotlight an expert who’s shaping how we think about EMP protection today. Let’s jump in.

Fun Facts: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Faraday Cages

Named for a Science Pioneer: Faraday cages are named after Michael Faraday, the brilliant 19th-century English scientist who first demonstrated this unique shielding effect in 1836. Faraday’s experiments with electricity and magnetism changed science forever—and his cage concept is still protecting electronics today.

Accidental Faraday Cages Are Everywhere: You probably encounter Faraday cages every day without realizing it. For example, the metal body of your car acts as a basic Faraday cage during a lightning storm (which is why you’re safer inside than out), and even your microwave oven uses a mesh Faraday cage to keep microwaves inside.

Not Just for EMPs: While we focus on EMP and solar flare protection here, Faraday cages also block RFID signals. That’s why “RFID-blocking” wallets and passport covers work: they use Faraday cage principles to prevent thieves from skimming your cards.

They Can Be Tiny or Titanic: Faraday cages range from smartphone-sized pouches to entire rooms. Some military command centers and sensitive labs are built inside massive Faraday rooms to block outside radio or electromagnetic interference.

The Popcorn Test: Want to see a Faraday cage in action. Place a cell phone inside a sealed metal box and try calling it. If it doesn’t ring, the cage is working. (But don’t try this in your microwave—leave that to the experts. )

NASA Uses Them in Space: Astronauts and satellites are vulnerable to cosmic radiation and solar storms, so NASA uses Faraday cages and shielded electronics to keep vital systems running—even in the harshest environment.

Protecting Your Car’s Brain: Modern cars are filled with computers; some preppers keep a spare Engine Control Unit (ECU) in a Faraday cage just in case. After a severe EMP, this could mean the difference between being mobile or stranded.

They Don’t Last Forever: Faraday cages need to be checked regularly. Dents, rust, or loose seals can reduce their effectiveness, so routine inspection is essential—especially if you’re protecting life-saving equipment.

High-Tech and Low-Tech: You don’t need cutting-edge tech to make a Faraday cage. A simple metal trash can with a snug-fitting lid and cardboard lining can be just as effective as expensive commercial solutions.

Used in Pop Culture: Faraday cages have starred in movies and TV shows, from “Breaking Bad” (where one is used to block surveillance) to “The X-Files” and “Mr. ” Hollywood loves a good EMP plot twist.

Author Spotlight: Dr.

Arthur Bradley—The “EMP Doctor”

When it comes to practical EMP protection, few are as respected as Dr. Arthur Bradley. An engineer, NASA researcher, and author of the “Handbook to Practical Disaster Preparedness for the Family,” Dr. Bradley has spent years demystifying electromagnetic threats for everyday people. He runs the informative website DisasterPreparer. com, where he shares research, real-world Faraday cage tests, and step-by-step guides for protecting your electronics. Bradley believes that practical preparedness beats paranoia every time. He’s tested dozens of DIY and commercial Faraday cages—sometimes finding surprising results—and emphasizes clear, science-based advice. His YouTube demonstrations show how even simple containers can provide solid protection if used correctly, and his outreach has helped thousands of families feel empowered, not overwhelmed, about EMP readiness.

If you’re curious to learn more, Dr. Bradley’s books and videos are a great resource. He’s proof that a little technical know-how (and a sense of humor) can go a long way in making a complex topic both accessible and actionable.

From quirky trivia to expert advice, Faraday cages turn out to be much more than a “prepper” curiosity. But you might still have questions—like how to know if your cage really works, what NOT to put inside, or whether you need one at all.

Stick around for our next section, where we dive into the most frequently asked questions about Faraday cages and EMP protection. Your peace of mind might be just a few answers away.

Frequently Asked Questions: Faraday Cages and Essential Items

After diving into what to store, how to store it, and the fascinating history and science behind Faraday cages, you probably still have some practical questions. Let’s tackle the 10 most common concerns about Faraday cages, EMP protection, and safeguarding your critical electronics.

1. What exactly should go inside my Faraday cage.

The most critical items are portable electronics you’d depend on during an emergency. These include:

Two-way radios or walkie-talkies
Backup cell phone (with charging cable. )
Portable solar charger or power bank
USB drives or external hard drives with vital documents/photos
Battery-powered medical devices
GPS unit
Spare car key fob or vehicle ECU (for modern cars)
Emergency radio (AM/FM/SW/NOAA)

Prioritize items that help you communicate, navigate, power up, and access important information. As Proverbs 22:3 (NKJV) says, “A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished. ” Wise preparation is biblical wisdom in action.

2. How do I know my Faraday cage is working.

Try the “Popcorn Test” mentioned earlier: Place a cell phone inside, seal it up, and call it. If the phone doesn’t ring or receive a signal, your cage is likely blocking most signals. For extra assurance, use a battery-powered radio—if it can’t pick up a station inside the cage, you’ve got solid protection.

Still, remember that EMPs can be more intense than normal radio waves, so use the best seal you can.

3. Can I use any metal container as a Faraday cage.

Almost. But the effectiveness relies on complete enclosure. Metal trash cans, ammo boxes, and even cookie tins can work, but they must be fully sealed (add gaskets or conductive tape to lid seams if needed), and your devices shouldn’t touch the metal. Line the inside with cardboard, foam, or thick plastic to keep items insulated.

4. Do I need to keep the Faraday cage closed at all times.

No. You only need to seal your Faraday cage during a known threat (solar storm warning, geopolitical tension, etc. For peace of mind, keep spare devices stored and ready, but you don’t have to live out of your cage. Stay alert to news about solar flares or EMP risks.

5. Will a Faraday cage protect devices from lightning strikes.

It can—IF the cage is properly grounded and fully sealed. Most home cages are meant more for EMPs and solar flares, so don’t rely on them as lightning protection unless you understand electrical grounding. For everyday storms, your home’s surge protectors and circuit breakers are more practical.

6. Should I store batteries in my Faraday cage.

Store batteries separately, not inside devices. Remove all batteries from stored electronics to prevent leaks and corrosion. Keep a few spare batteries—sealed in their original packaging or insulated bags—inside the cage so you’ll be ready to go.

7. Can I put my laptop or tablet in a Faraday cage.

Yes, as long as it fits without touching the metal, and you use non-conductive padding. Laptops and tablets are great candidates, especially if you pre-load them with offline maps, survival guides, or important documents. Just be mindful of battery care during long-term storage.

8. Do Faraday cages last forever.

No—like everything, they need maintenance. Check for rust, dents, or gaps every few months. Make sure seals remain tight and the container’s integrity isn’t compromised. A neglected cage may not provide protection when you need it most.

9. Are there items I should NOT store in a Faraday cage.

Definitely. Don’t store non-electronic items (food, cash, paper docs) or anything with the potential to leak/explode (old batteries, damaged electronics). Oversized appliances are impractical too. Save space for gear that’s portable, essential, and electronic.

10. Where can I learn more about building and testing Faraday cages.

Dr. Arthur Bradley’s website [DisasterPreparer. com](https://disasterpreparer. com) is a top source, with detailed guides and hands-on video demos. He covers DIY cage construction, real-world test results, and practical prepping tips for families and individuals.

Final Thoughts: Equip Your Future Today

Throughout this series, we’ve journeyed from the basics of what a Faraday cage is, to the crucial items you need to protect, to real-world storage strategies, and even a look at expert advice and fun science trivia. The bottom line. Preparing a Faraday cage isn’t about paranoia—it’s about taking sensible steps to safeguard your family’s future in a world where technology can be both a blessing and a vulnerability.

In the Bible, we’re often encouraged to watch and be ready. As Luke 21:36 (NKJV) says, “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass…” While we can’t foresee every disaster, taking practical, proactive steps—like prepping your own Faraday cage—puts you ahead of the curve.

So, look around your home and think: If the grid went down tomorrow, which items would you miss the most. Set aside an hour this weekend to build or test your Faraday cage, gather those essentials, and rest easier knowing you’ve done what you can.

Stay curious, stay prepared, and don’t hesitate to learn more from trusted experts. As always, the best time to prepare is before.