Protect Your Gun Safe (and its contents) from an EMP.

[@tmt8425]

As always, good video. A comment I saw below mentioned holes in the safe. I had that issue, 4 holes covered with a plastic cover. This is where you would add bolts in case you wanted to bolt the safe to the floor. I filled the holes with tin foil and taped a small square over each hole with aluminum tape.

[@cam7724]

NOT SURE IF THIS HAS BEEN MENTIONED, I AM A LOCKSMITH AND SOME SAFES HAVE HOLES IN THE BOTTOM OR AT THE BACK TO ANCHOR THEM BE AWARE OF THESE AS WELL.

[@evengraintech1397]

How big are these holes? He mentioned that a quarter inch hole wouldn't do much

[@Inkling777]

For the magnets, Harbor Freight has a cheap, bar-like magnet intended for holding tools. Two of them, cut in half, should hold that cloth down nicely,

[@bobt471]

🎉this makes way more sense then the way emp doc explains…. I for one am Not happy with all the mixed info ( even from emp doc) .. the gaps around his magnets appear ridiculous, especially when he is selling expensive gaskets to ensure no electrical leakage??? I guess I am not very trusting .. but thank you for a better idea! 👍

[@bradc5539]

Wouldnt it be important for the "conductive gasket" be adhered to bare metal on the body of the safe, THEN make contact with bare metal on the door once closed? Please Clarify.

[@low-keyobserver8539]

I was wondering the same thing.

[@alr5373]

I recommend using a dremel with a wire wheel. Minimum of 2 spots per strip.

[@Valorius]

Doc have you ever actually tested a modern red dot or quality LED flashlight against an EMP? I've never seen either tested by anyone.

[@disasterprepper]

No, mainly because it's very difficult to actually set up a real EMP test. I'd love to do it one day.

[@Valorius]

@@disasterprepper what is your confidence level that a modern quality red dot would be rendered inoperable? Thx for your response.

[@d1ndark25]

@@Valorius buy a Primary Arms micro prism. Has the reticle etched into the glass so it is still usable in the event of an EMP, solar flare or CME.

[@ronnieschwa2214]

Do you have to remove the paint before you apply the gasket material to have a conductive surface between the safe and the door through the gasket

[@josephhomen]

I have the same question

[@disasterprepper]

No, I should have mentioned this. No need to remove the paint.

[@SuperFlatrock]

Some safes have a back-up key, so if the electronic lock fails just use the key.

[@TheOnlySaneAmerican]

Only cheap ones do. Serious safes do not have keys because keyed locks are weak.

[@disasterprepper]

Yep, some do, but many don't.

[@tmt8425]

Another option you may have; I had my electronic lock replaced by a mechanical lock. Not every locksmith can or wants to do that. In my city there is a locksmith business that has been around for 50 yrs. It takes some skill. He commented to me when he came to change mine that he was getting a lot of requests to make this change. I don’t know exactly what he meant by a lot, and I didn’t ask. I had called several locksmiths before I found one willing to do it. One place said that it could not be done, but in can be done and it took about an hour. The mechanical lock that was installed has 4 different numbers and each number has to be circled around a different number of times. It usually takes me several tries to get in bc I don’t open it very regularly. Much more of a hassle than a digital code, but I made this change several years ago before Arthur made this video.

[@echofoxtrotwhiskey1595]

@@TheOnlySaneAmerican Serious safes have mechanical combination locks because electronic ones don’t hold up.

[@smallblockfuelie]

On safes which are fire proof, is that gasket material going to reduce the effectiveness of the safes fire proofing features?

[@garycoloradosprings3947]

My gun safe has fire/heat-activated foam that expands to seal the door opening. I'd have to ask my safe manufacturer the same question.

[@disasterprepper]

That's a good question. I'm not really sure.

[@ThomasMcWilliams-h5c]

I use a metal cake pan with magnetic strips to cover the lock

[@x_jaydn]

Would/Should I first need to remove (any) paint from the metal where the conductive gasket sits? Also, are microseams where conductive gaskets meet-up linearly and/or perpendicularly be a risk of any RF energy leakage? I would assume no, since you mentioned even a small drilled-out hole wouldn't contribute much RF energy leakage. As for ferrites, is there any advantage/disadvantage of putting one on BOTH sides of the cable entry point? 🤔

[@mrjon75]

That's my question as well. Does it need to conduct?

[@disasterprepper]

No, you don't need to remove the paint. Previous tests showed that the thin layer of paint isn't likely to affect shielding enough to matter.

[@mrjon75]

@@disasterprepper Thanks Doc. BTW I mentioned your page in the comments of the last Mark Moss video. The guest was good except he brought up EMP and didn't know what he was talking about... It's mostly a financial page, but hopefully they get you on sometime.

[@bobt471]

⁠🎉🎉 ?? I like your channel and info, But Very disappointed to get conflicting info. On one hand a little paint won’t affect electrical leakage, and your lock material cover has many gaps between magnets, but it OK ? BUT Then you sell expensive gaskets for what? If they are necessary, then the rest of the information is incorrect??? And what about the mounting holes most safes have in the bottom ? I really want to protect my safe so I can open , but not very confident in All the mixed info on line and within your videos?

[@91Wtr]

Thank you for the video. I was wandering: in all the video's on how to build your own faraday cage people tell me to put some isolation material inside, so that the electronics you want to kee save do not touch the outside. However, the electronics in a safe are built right into the door and there is quite a big chance that essential and vulnerable parts are somewhere touching or near the metal. What is your opinion on this?

[@DREatThis]

There’s no way to get to the cord at the back of my safe. Bolted to the floor and would be way too heavy if it wasn’t. Can I put the ferrite further upstream on the cord that I can access? Maybe more than one if that would help? Thanks.

[@paulmarino8810]

So you cover the electronic lock with the conductive fabric but dont put an insulator between the lock and the fabric?

[@marygallagher3428]

Interesting video Arthur! Do you also put the gasket on the part of the safe where the door hinge is attached?

[@disasterprepper]

On my safe, I put a gasket on all four faces where the door mates with the safe body.

[@peterrock2838]

I used metal tape with aluminum foil around my digital lock! Thanks for the great tips!

[@tw9484]

Do the gaskets need to be applied to bare metal?

[@PlanB-Idaho]

Mr Bradley. EMT doctor. I have 5 safes, 2 of which have digital with a skeleton key back. My 3 main safe or digital only. I am looking at whether to change them out to tumbler style locks, not very inexpensive, or doing something like you have in this video. I am curious how you were able to test that this will work. Secondly rather then worry about conductive strips behind the door why could you not use a piece of conductive cloth with magnets that extend from all four corners with would overlap the door seams. I would be interested in your response.

[@DarkWolff.]

I just did this to my safe, though i hade to use the conductive gasket on the seam of the door though i dont know if i can get gasket on the inside where the hindges are. The door seems sealed good other than that part . Im guessing if emp occurs it can still get through because of this? I also used a ferrite on my humidifier chord

[@toddantonetti]

I have purchased the gaskets to line the inside of my Winchester gun safe . But there is a "Palusol"Heat Expandable Seal for fire protection, I do not want to remove . Do I place the gaskets over the seal, or on the Door . Does it make a difference.? Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

[@jimh3777]

Doc, let's take this one step further...what do you think would be needed to help protect my weapons and ammunition from a plasma arc discharge? Ie next level EMP/solar arc discharge from a flare event?

[@bobt471]

⁠🎉🎉 I like your channel and info, But Very disappointed to get conflicting info. On one hand a little paint won’t affect electrical leakage, and your lock material cover has many gaps between magnets, but it is OK ? BUT Then you sell expensive gaskets for what? If they are necessary, then the rest of the information is incorrect??? And what about the mounting holes most safes have in the bottom ? I really want to protect my safe so I can open , but not very confident in All the mixed info on line and within your videos?

[@stinct1776]

For optics stored in safes, you might as well place them all in faraday bags. Keep one optic out for your regular HD setup. If that gets fried then get the others out of the faraday bag. Simple.

[@ragedashboard6374]

You should make a product that sticks onto the safe's face. Like semi permanent adhesive. The frame goes around the front of the lock, and inside the frame there's a little EMP shielded door on hinges. Then when you want to access your electronic lock, you open the door.

[@disasterprepper]

A fellow I know is inventing something sort of like this. I hope he comes out with it soon.

[@0708Kirkrogers]

EMP-proofing a gun safe is something to which I've given a lot of thought since I own $3,000 night vision gear, and I have a question. Wouldn't it be better to remove the paint from the safe beneath where you plan to stick the EMP gasket? Or is that not needed? Thank you! Kirk Rogers PS: best Faraday cages anywhere for the money? Christmas popcorn tins. Very tight seal and you get a Faraday cage plus a popcorn bonus for only $10. 😊

[@georgekirby3361]

He answers this question, witch I also had further down. And thankfully says it is not necessary.

[@rodgough4581]

Great info and presentation...thinking out loud lol, would there be any benefit to grounding the gun cabinet itself?

[@echofoxtrotwhiskey1595]

Side question on faraday cages in general. If you use aluminum or copper foil as a conductive shield for your cage, do you need to protect that material from oxidation? I’ve heard aluminum and copper oxides don’t conduct electricity well.

[@brittanycunningham787]

Could i just tape over the seems with copper tape? And use a large shee of copper foil to cover the digital keypad?

[@tmt8425]

Before I saw this video, several years ago I had locksmith who changed electronic lock with a mechanical lock. Cost a couple of hundred dollars, but most of cost was to pay for the new lock itself.

[@annonimouse4301]

Hi, Would you be able to make a video on how to protect a solar panel system, solar panels on water well, etc?

[@mrjon75]

Yo Doc, I've been sending lots of folks your way, to cure their ignorance on the topic of EMP.

[@disasterprepper]

Thank you!

[@Sebass8017]

Would faraday tape work if the safe doesn't have enough tolerance to fit a gasket?

[@Yoshamedic]

I was under the impression, prob from another video somewhere, that EMP shielding needed to be grounded to have a place to discharge. can that help or hurt or do nothing? thank you.

[@dalebjones]

Dr Bradley, for shielding against EMP will aluminum duct tape be sufficient for closing small gaps in digital lock safes and faraday garbage cans? Given that aluminum does not protect against magnetic pluses. I’m trying follow all your recommendations. Thank you!

[@COLDoCLINCHER37]

Hello Dr. Bradley, another great video for home diy EMF and frequency enthusiasts to try and enjoy. I've read your book and your videos covering different faraday bags and cages, but I was wondering if there was a way to only block signals coming from a specific direction?. Example instead of shielding your devices with an entire faraday cage, would leaving a large opening at one end of the cage allow for signals to only travel forward, and preventing them from traveling behind the shielded surface? Essentially creating a low power directional antenna and preventing devices at the back of the opening from connecting or interfering. Would a faraday bag and a trash can with the lid opened allow a Wi-Fi signal to only travel in the one direction.

[@disasterprepper]

The issue with shielding versus only certain directions is that RF energy tends to bounce around and come in at all sorts of angles. You'd get some shielding, but it wouldn't be great even in the directions where metal was in the path.

[@creativeprepping]

Hello again. I have a question about the broadband ferrites. What mix material are they made of? I have a number of ferrites and just wondering if they would work.

[@shelleypilcher3812]

What is a "conducting be" cloth and gasket?

[@sierramtnswest]

Very Relevant, those electronics are expensive and in that type of situation, I'm sure irreplaceable.

[@zim1156]

What about the hole where the cord goes into the safe?

[@roykindrick4186]

Almost all safe have a secondary way to open them with a key.

[@TheOnlySaneAmerican]

Only cheap ones do. Serious safes do not have keys because keyed locks are weak.

[@roykindrick4186]

@@TheOnlySaneAmerican Almost all gun safes have a hidden key lock to get in for people who forget their combo. Almost all gun safes are built the same. With thin sheet metal and sheetrock and carpet on the inside. If you spent a ton on a gun safe someone saw you coming.

[@disasterprepper]

Some do, some don't. I think it's considered a potential weakness to some safe manufacturers and owners.

[@tmt8425]

I don’t know if keyed locks are good or not. However mine does not have a key feature. And several years ago I had my electronic lock replaced with a mechanical lock. That was before Arthur made this video.

[@VA7BC]

What ferrite MIX do you recommend as a broadband ferrite on a power cord?

[@disasterprepper]

There are many, but 43 mix is good for broadband suppression.

[@VA7BC]

@@disasterprepper Thanks. That's what we use in ham radio for a lot of RFI supression on HF I was also thinking of adding Mix 61 to enhance EMP effect on higher frequencies. Best regards and thank-you kindly. Greg in Vancouver BC

[@DarkWolff.]

Will a 31 mix be sufficient?

[@richie370]

How small of a space can emp leak through?

[@rolliekelly6783]

I recently had a Pacemaker inserted into my chest. As a result, my doctor told me to stop welding due to the emitted radiation. Would I have to make a complete "Faraday Suit" to protect my cardiac device, or could I have my welding jacket and gloves lined with copper cloth and sealed at the waist, wrist, and collar? Naturally, my face would be covered by my shield, although, I suspect a balaclava made of copper would be much better. I'm just trying to protect the Pacemaker as I don't weld more than 5 mins. at a time. Thank you.

[@disasterprepper]

I couldn't offer an informed suggestion on this. Welders do put off quite a bit of electromagnetic energy due to their sparking operation, and shielding of portion of the human body is pretty trick to do effectively.

[@ToTiredForMore]

My question for you doctor is weather or not the effects of a faraday cage is.... stackable? In your video testing chicken wire vs aluminum foil you used crates. Now if I wrapped the outside of the crate in chicken wire, and the inside of the crate in aluminum foil would the DBs of protection add to eachother? I'm attempting to make a safe box for all my long term storage electronics and debating some of the best cheap methods.

[@disasterprepper]

Layering like this works very well. To determine the net shielding, you generally add the dBs of each layer.

[@cplonczak]

I recently acquired a safe. It has a few holes in the floor and in the back for mounting it to the ground and wall. How would I seal up the holes to make it emp proof?

[@disasterprepper]

Cover the holes with conductive tape.

[@donaldnorth3714]

Would I be able to safely store my ecoflow solar generation in my gun safe if I use the gasket method for sealing it?

[@disasterprepper]

You could measure the shielding effectiveness to be sure, but I would guess yes. I think you can get 50+ dB shielding in a gun safe properly sealed.

[@RickB3n]

Do yo suggest an earth connection to improve emp shield?

[@disasterprepper]

No, it really doesn't matter for an EMP. The energy is in the far field, so it's really about reflection and absorption rather than shunting energy or terminating electric fields.

[@RickB3n]

@@disasterprepper many thanks

[@MrScottarnett]

Does the safe need to be grounded?

[@TheOnlySaneAmerican]

What do you think about Sargent & Greenleaf's locks claim to be EMP resistant?

[@disasterprepper]

I'll just say that I have reason to believe that they are 100% accurate.

[@cking8863]

Thanks Doc, question... can I take off the key pad, put it in a faraday bag and cover the hole with the metal Lind cloth ? Would that be a good or better way to go? Thanks 🙏

[@will8649]

Question: Would a oil drum be a good storage container to protect your goods from an EMP. They can hold quite some equipment and are cheap once they have been used.

[@disasterprepper]

I'm not really certain. It seems like it would work well, but I'd have to measure it with test equipment. The seam where the lid goes on is the part that might compromise it.

[@tmt8425]

Just in case you haven’t seen it, Arthur did test a metal galvanized trash cans. They offer good protection so long as you have these conductive gaskets on the inside of the lid so that the lid seals tight. He sells an EMP testing device which I have. I have never tested it with an oil drum.

[@will8649]

@@tmt8425 Yeah sadly they arent as popular in Europe and are significantly harder to find than oil drums

[@0708Kirkrogers]

@@will8649 popcorn tins like the kind that are popular around Christmas (at least here in the states) are very cheap, work very well, and come with a load of popcorn.

[@OnHoldAt50]

Thorough as always. I assume you don't see a need to strip the paint for the contact area of the EMP foam liner/seal for the door? Just fill the gap? Thanks for doing these videos. An inspiration for this geek.

[@disasterprepper]

Nope, no need to strip the paint. I looked at this previously.

[@clintsmith96]

How would aluminum hvac tape work on seams?

[@disasterprepper]

Yes, that would work fine too. Just makes it hard to get in and out.

[@kenlutter2065]

Interested in a faraday cage made from a sea container. Great channel

[@disasterprepper]

I looked at this a few years back (search my channel, and you'll see an overview video). The containers do offer some shielding, but the doors allow in RF energy. You'd need to seal it up well to really get great shielding. Some people have used conductive curtains out of "EMP cloth" or used gaskets around the doors.

[@MontanaJim419]

Thank you!

[@SerenityCommunityGroup]

Will a EMP destroy my night vision goggles? I have navigation devices that can be charged with portable solar panels. Will the same go for my solar panels? Thank you if you can give me the information!

[@tmt8425]

I’ve been following Arthur for years. I noticed you didn’t have a reply to your question. An EMP will damage night vision goggles and navigation system if it is electronic which it undoubtedly is, unless it is a straight up compass that only uses a needle to detect direction. If you go to the items he offers, there are different bags you can buy to store your night vision goggles. As to solar panels, it is possible they will be damaged along with any inverter or other equipment it may use. I don’t use my small solar array of three panels very often. When not in use I wrap them in the conductive cloth Arthur has. He tested multiple cloths. The ones he sells are the ones that performed the best in his trials.

[@mantarayasurf]

question: what if the emp hits the magnets on the door and creates an electric field that fries the electronic lock? @empdoctor

[@JOESRQFLUSA]

Tried all of this, does not work

[@mrjon75]

Thanks Doc!

[@jabba0975]

Guess I better add an angle grinder to the faraday cage.

[@christianbureau6732]

Great info, thanks

[@terryqueen3233]

The hate reflectors that you put in your windshield on your automobile, does that help reduce the effect of an EMP on your vehicle? Have a great day and stay safe and keep your powder dry!

[@disasterprepper]

I would think it would help some, but probably not more than 5-10 dB. Still something.

[@foreign-patriot]

Man...the gaskets are outrageously expensive! Holy smokes!

[@stinct1776]

amazon has them too, no way these are worth $70 or more

[@jacksson9391]

Howdy EMP Doctor, could you maybe do a video on the effects of EMP, Solar- the Sun, like the Carrington event or a nuke type EMP and what it would do to a home solar panel set up supplying household electricity? What components would be effected that you might have to have on a back up stand by to get it going again? Thank you.👍

[@disasterprepper]

Solar CMEs affect things attached to very long conductors (think miles, not feet). If your solar power generation system is connected to the grid, it could certainly be damaged by a CME. But if it's disconnected from those mile-long conductors, it won't be harmed by a CME.

[@jacksson9391]

@@disasterprepper I didn't think the solar panels themselves would be so affected but things like inverters or other control modules & such. I was just asking so I might put away such items in a Faraday cage for backups. I also was wondering if electronics had to be on to be effected or if they are inert if shut off. Thanks

[@tmt8425]

Hi. I have been following Arthur for years. As far as electronics and EMPs electronics that are turned off or even stored will be damaged. I’m just talking about EMP. I don’t know about an inverter hooked to a solar system during a CME. I focus on protecting from an EMP. If it’s a CME that isn’t of some Biblical proportion, you will be able to buy a replacement I believe. I’m only aware of one CME that hit in the 1990s at the time when people had pagers before cell phones got popular. I remember that the pagers themselves were not damaged, but some satellites that carried the signals were damaged and so there was a disruption of of pager service, but the CME did not damage the pagers themselves. But if one is talking about an EMP, then any replacement electronics you have need to be protected even while turned off and are in storage. I hope this helps.

[@HmedBNasr]

Great thanks for all the effort you made to show these actual dangers. I think that i am targeted by a continual EMP attack since 3 years ago. I have symptoms and signs of havana syndrom and in particular important genitalia defects because of that. I am in need for advises to protect my self. sincerly

[@Sobek501]

You should find a way to test this theory. I'd like to see it.. 👍

[@kygent508]

If you line your galvanized can with 2 of those heavy duty construction bags and wrap around the top with metal tape will that be enough protection?

[@fasnuf]

I changed my electric lock to traditional just for these reasons.

[@ruggedrick]

My satellite dish connects to a router directly. Do I need chokes at both ends, or just one? If just one, does it matter which one?

[@blueschild61]

Very cool. Do you have a list somewhere of items that most likely will or will not be damaged by a solar flare / emp? I get a lot of conflicting information. Have you done a video like that? Would you mind? Cheers.

[@disasterprepper]

It's a good idea. I'll try to do a video on this.

[@Daryl465]

With EMP there was a man on Canadian prepper said that a EMP could be lot stronger and what everyone think is this true ?

[@disasterprepper]

Not sure what he said, but the general expectation is that a powerful EMP might reach 50-100 kV/meter.

[@Daryl465]

@@disasterprepper Thanks