Should You Turn A Shipping Container Into A Faraday Cage?

Should You Turn a Shipping Container Into a Faraday Cage?

Key Takeaways

• Turning a shipping container into a Faraday cage can protect electronics from electromagnetic pulses.
• Shipping containers are a cost-effective and durable option for creating a Faraday cage.
• Such conversions are beneficial for industries needing to protect sensitive equipment and data from interference.
• Conexwest is your trusted end-to-end shipping container service provider in the US.

Understanding Faraday Cage

A Faraday cage, or Faraday shield, is an enclosure that blocks electromagnetic fields and radiation by using a mesh or covering of conductive material. The enclosure is named after Michael Faraday, who originally invented it in 1836.

How do Faraday Cages Work?

Faraday cages operate based on the principle of electromagnetic shielding. When the cage comes in contact with an external electrical field, free electrons redistribute along the conductive materials and produce an equal and opposite electrical force, effectively canceling the external force.

The reduction in voltage depends on the conductive material’s thickness, conductivity, and magnetic properties. The cage conducts electrical currents around the outside of the enclosed space, so nothing passes through the interior.

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Should You Turn A Shipping Container Into A Faraday Cage?

Shipping containers ranging from 10–45 ft. in length can make for great Faraday cages.

Using a shipping container as a Faraday cage can be a practical solution for protecting electronic devices from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and threats like electromagnetic pulses (EMPs). 

Benefits of Using a Shipping Container as a Faraday Cage

So why turn your shipping container into a Faraday cage? Here’s a few good reasons:

1. Effective Shielding: Shipping containers are made of conductive metal, which can effectively block external electromagnetic fields to protect sensitive electronics inside from interference and surges.
2. Lightning Protection: When properly equipped with lightning rods, shipping containers can direct lightning strikes safely into the ground.
3. Versatility: Beyond serving as storage, shipping containers can be turned into mobile offices or emergency shelters while providing EMI protection.
4. Cost-Effective: Using an existing shipping container can be a cost-effective way to create a Faraday cage compared to building one from scratch.

Challenges and Limitations to Converting Your Shipping Containers

Turning your container into a Faraday cage sounds like a pretty good idea—so what might be stopping you?

1. Testing Limitations: One significant challenge is the inability to test the Faraday cage before it is needed. You may not know how well it will perform until an actual event occurs.
2. Door and Sealing Issues: The door of the container can disrupt the conductive surface needed for effective shielding. Having a tightly sealed door that maintains conduction is essential.
3. Floor Material: Many shipping containers have wooden floors, which are non-conductive. If yours has wooden floors, this’ll require a bit more work so that any electrical charges don’t affect things inside.
4. Grounding Requirements: Proper grounding is crucial for preventing arcs and making sure that any electrical surges are safely dissipated into the ground.
5. Limited Magnetic Field Shielding: While Faraday cages effectively block many forms of electromagnetic radiation, they cannot completely shield against stable or slowly varying magnetic fields, such as those produced by the Earth.

Choose Conexwest For Shipping Container Fabrication

Conexwest’s huge inventory means you’ll always get the right container for your needs.

Conexwest is a leading supplier of new and used shipping containers in the US that specializes in modifications and custom fabrication for containers of all sizes. Our goal is to deliver you a complete solution for all your shipping container needs in one place.

Why Choose Us?

1. Comprehensive Customization: From simple modifications like adding doors and windows to complex projects involving electrical systems, insulation, and specialized equipment, we do it all.
2. In-House Expertise: Our team of experienced designers, engineers, and fabricators works closely with you throughout the entire process so your project meets the highest standards and fulfills your needs.
3. Quality Craftsmanship: We use premium materials, do rigorous quality control, and adhere to industry best practices to deliver durable, reliable, and good-looking containers.
4. End-to-End Solutions: We handle every step of the process—purchasing the container, customization, and final delivery. You don't have to juggle multiple vendors or worry about things being incompatible.

Ready to expand your space and protect your equipment? Check out our site now and get a quote today!  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How does a shipping container compare to traditional Faraday cages?

Shipping containers provide a cost-effective and durable alternative to traditional Faraday cages. Their strong metal structure shields you against electric currents, and their size lets you store and protect large amounts of equipment.

What materials are needed to make a shipping container an effective Faraday cage?

You’ll need to prioritize conductive materials such as metal tapes or gaskets to seal seams and doors. These materials create a continuous conductive path that prevents electromagnetic leaks.

Grounding materials, such as conductive wires and rods, are also essential to safely dissipate electromagnetic energy into the ground. 

Is grounding necessary for a shipping container Faraday cage?

While grounding is not strictly necessary for protection, it helps prevent the cage from becoming charged and can provide additional safety during electrical surges. An ungrounded cage can still protect objects inside effectively.

Is special authorization required to convert a shipping container into a Faraday cage?

Special authorization may not be required for personal use, but it's important to check your local regulations and building codes before proceeding with the conversion. In some cases, permits may be necessary, especially if the container is part of a commercial operation or involves significant structural modifications.

What types of containers does Conexwest provide? 

We sell standard, high cube, insulated, refrigerated, freezer, and office containers in sizes ranging from 10–45ft. We also give you a lot of options for entry ways, including quad doors, doors on both ends, roll-up doors, and open side doors.