Protecting generators, inverters, and battery-backup systems from an EMP

Discusses how to protect inverters and generators, both portable and standby, from an EMP attack. EMP preparedness supplies at disasterpreparer.com. Also, check out my cool fiction and non-fiction books at www.amazon.com/Arthur-Bradley.... Finally, if you like my work, kindly consider becoming a Patreon supporter at / arthurbradley .
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[@spockmcoyissmart961]

I watched this, and I've seen other companies with EMP electronic shield boxes you place on wires of your car, house, boat, etc. The beauty of all of these devices is...... if they don't work when an EMP hits, you won't have the tech working to call and complain and ask for your money back........ Nobody can prove their products work until AFTER a real EMP strike. A lab test just can't duplicate what can happen. I hope all of these products work if the need arises.

[@jamesflolid1394]

Well said

[@richardk.3140]

That true about anything but the fact they have been tested by the US Government and are installed on all their higher missile defense sites, I would think they do work.

[@wildweasel6898]

Yeah I can't personally test an emp but they absolutely can and have recreated emp pulses in the laboratory and absolutely those expensive little boxes worked. If you believe the US government. The fact that they spent money on something doesn't mean anything. Remember 10,000 dollar hammers and toilet seats listed in the late 90s on the budget? It was even referenced in the movie independence day. Anyway the military claimed they had to shut off in ten one billionth of a second and emp shield did it in 1 in a billionth over and over again. That's the claim at least. I'd say they probably do protect from emp but I wouldn't bet the farm on it.

[@desertodavid]

​@@richardk.3140😂😂😂 sure buddy LMAO even if I believed you you really think we should trust the federal government now??😅

[@pixelupdates7041]

Why would the government lie to us? They got us through covid

[@stephenjohnson9813]

As a suggestion...you make a good presentation and the website provides support on the topics you've discussed, but many of us need plans/know how or product for our vehicles and a faraday cage that can be bought or crafted into various sizes. The information you are providing is more vital than most people know, thanks for helping us out.

[@disasterprepper]

Hi Stephen, I discuss car protection at kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGnCYWSraNujY68. See if that helps answer some of your questions.

[@BILBO1]

I’ve purchased and EMP shunting device for my truck. They are available. As well for homes and many other applications. I’ll be using small bags for small devices. The information her is great.

[@tog4867]

​@Christopher Lee Cook You can buy a device called EMP Shield for you house and car...

[@scottoslund]

Protection for vehicles is discussed in detail in other videos he has uploaded.

[@scottoslund]

@@BILBO1Protection for vehicles is discussed in detail in other videos he has uploaded.

[@timigan1708]

I’m so glad I found your channel. Most EMP blogs are complicated. It’s very easy to understand your explanations.

[@occamraiser]

the first one in this video is simply bogus - so don't confuse simplification and validity.

[@oafdawg314]

@@occamraiser First one what? Are you saying the bags are bogus?

[@ChrisCraigie-oi1un]

Fantastic presentation! You made the complex very simple to understand, especially with all the baloney that is floating on the internet. Thanks again.

[@ajarivas72]

I agree. Great presentation by the very knowledgeable gentleman.

[@jiujitsuforall8627]

Wow!!! I just stumbled upon your channel and I'm blown away with the amount of information and details. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise!

[@cookingdude1237]

Bro your tools in your shop are so organized. Love it

[@jkbish1]

my shop is such a MESS. I am like W C Fields and know where everything is ,, ,, until I don't, Then I go through an enormous cleanup-straighten up process. I am envious of seeing all the screw drivers in such strict order.

[@ssaepa1]

And awfully shiny and clean

[@normlecouvie1921]

his wife did it for him before the shoot ;)

[@sammy6176]

Thank you for sharing tour knowledge with us especially in these times facing us 🙌

[@NeverGiveUp-ib3xb]

Thank you for taking the time to explain things. Best wishes!!!

[@ecash113]

Very appreciative of your easy to overstand explanation.

[@deborahfischer5708]

A wealth of valuable info! So glad I found your channel!

[@disasterprepper]

Thanks Deborah!

[@bigbear7456]

Excellent concise information. Thank you.

[@rokroll]

I watch all his videos, They are all awesome.

[@marygallagher3428]

Lots of great information - thanks!

[@brianwells9351]

Thank you for your insight and expertise.

[@globaldemise]

You should have 1 million subscribers. Great info

[@Indiansmoke1]

will soon

[@ms.jessadventures]

So glad I found your channel

[@robertschlesinger1342]

Interesting and worthwhile video.

[@fratomdev]

Very informative, it answered many of the questions I had such as: 1. Do I need to ground an EMP bag 2) how many folds on a bag 3) what percent of emp will correspond to a 50db rating, excellent. Thanks Doc.

[@disasterprepper]

No need to ground the EMP bag (you couldn't even if you wanted to because the outer layer is insulative). 50 dB corresponds to a reduction in E-field of 99.7%.

[@commonjensen]

Great info Arthur, thanks!

[@wordsofhis1799]

Got the bags and the cloth. Very pleased. Made my own fitted generator cover by sewing two sections of cloth together.

[@ChristLedwithLeyah]

Did you make it complete, like a bag for your generator to drop in? How did you close it off? Fold and tape or just fold?

[@Layla-yr5ef]

So very helpful. Thank you.

[@tom_olofsson]

Excellent explanation. Thanks.

[@DIYSolarandWind]

Thank you. I have some solar cables and inverters to put into those bags.

[@308hit]

Spot on info as always Arthur!!!

[@pjnealon3476]

Thanks very much for this video. it is very helpful. all the best.

[@RodneySolarCircuits]

Exactly what I was looking for!!!

[@disasterprepper]

Great, glad it was helpful.

[@stephenpate7389]

Great video, thanks

[@charliedemler2979]

Great video!

[@jcgnatl]

Great information.. thank you again..

[@disasterprepper]

You're welcome!

[@indenial3340]

@@disasterprepper my pole barn has steel roof and exterior walls. Inside steel ceilings and walls. Doors are all steel. Will the pole barn give any protection in a Carrington event scenario? If I were to ground all sheet metal to each other and ground would this help

[@sickofgreyhats]

Thank you Dr. Bradley. You're very intelligent and I appreciate this information. 👍😉

[@STAYFROSTY1776]

Thank you doctor for all the information you're giving us one way I can have electricity if and when a disaster happens of that magnitude and anyone out there that hasn't read the survivalist you need to read it it is loaded with information and again doctor thank you stay frosty my friend

[@disasterprepper]

Thanks Rick!

[@philstat100]

Thank You.

[@NukaVaultReadiness]

Great informational video!

[@kathysmith2861]

Thank you SO MUCH for your video. Very well explained for a nubie! 😊

[@sarahwilson3804]

Thanks for your video

[@2626sylver2626]

You just won another subscriber 🙂👏👏

[@brucewayne-cave]

Good Stuff !

[@Carmen-no7bb]

Thank you!

[@PelDaddy]

Multiple turns through the ferrite are much more useful. The impedance if the ferrite increases with the square of the number of turns through the core. So two turns is the equivalent of putting two ferrites on the wires. Four turns in the equivalent of 16 ferrites, etc.

[@bc4yt]

True, except it won't increase the saturation level?

[@HelloThere-nz9ld]

Isn't 2 turns equivalent to 4 ferrites? And rhe saturation current rating will drop accordingly.

[@PelDaddy]

Correct on both accounts. (I see I made an error-- yes, you are right on that, 2 turns in equivalent to 4 ferrites) However, note that the saturation only applies to common mode current, not the the differential mode flowing in the cables. This should be relatively low, as it is what you are trying to get rid of anyway. @@HelloThere-nz9ld

[@pixelupdates7041]

How does a ferret protect against an EMP? I don't even think you can get them at pet stores since the early 90 's anyway. Still don't understand

[@PelDaddy]

@@pixelupdates7041If their fur is moist they absorb a lot more radiation than you might think.

[@timothybender7383]

Thank you.😊

[@pjnealon3476]

very helpul thank you.

[@jackdundon2261]

I know a old Cold war veteran about 80 years old. He was a technician that fired the honest John missiles from Greece into Soviet Russia. He said straight up and EMP pulse will knock out your batteries. He did say they can be recharged if your car had a generator but he said an alternator would also be fried. Of course. He's not trying to sell anybody anything so where the hell does his old man know?

[@Barabbas7798]

Been putting some thought into this for obvious reasons. I honestly believe if everything falls apart anyone who depends on these kind of amenities won't make it. It's either survive without power or die

[@TheHolyGhost777]

Better go get some lawn mower engines that don't need electronics to operate.

[@Barabbas7798]

@Adam Craig they won't be worth a damn either after a short while. Honestly I think the only option is get your heart right with God. Accept his sacrifice and debt paid and go on home with him when that day comes. "He who loves his life will lose it"

[@normahepburn1643]

When others find out your vehicle or electrical system survived and theirs didnt you will become a target.

[@whummer98]

​@@normahepburn1643 wrong, they have studied this quite a bit and criminal types do this, not civil people. Civil society existed well before our currnt use of electricity.

[@normahepburn1643]

@@whummer98 its nice to think civil people would not resort to this behaviour but when push comes to shove civility goes out the window especially if you have little mouths to feed and care for. Civil people acted like animals over toilet paper during covid, imagine if there is a food shortage.

[@bryantdavis3710]

If you want those bags to be easier to get into, roll them down and apply adhesive Velcro.

[@disasterprepper]

Yes, that's a nice way to do it if you're getting in and out of them. Some people use large chip clips to hold them shut.

[@jontanneguy4960]

GDT (gas discharge tube) and an MOV (metal oxide varistor). Use both in tandem and that should give enough protection. Connect one end on the positive and one end on the negative.

[@ajarivas72]

Excelente information ℹ️. I will implement what you advice. Any link to get more information and the components?

[@calliepieters3446]

55 gallon metal trash cans with lids !! it works !! line the inside with card board, you can store a lot of electronics. thanks DOCTOR !!

[@normlecouvie1921]

instead of cardboard, i took a regular plastic/rubber trash can and cut off the top 4 inches, great insulation

[@heliarc5186]

Thank you for sharing something that would actually work. I see EMP proofing black boxes...I asked to see if I could review one as a private electrical engineer opinion of componets and what they do, ....no responce after I asked if it was a bunch of paralell varistors ....

[@possumpopper89]

EMP shield sells protection kits for vehicles and generators that are based on the models they sell the military. Another alternative. Here in Oklahoma we just had several days with sustained winds above 40 MPH. Laying a cloth over something outside isn’t a workable option. It would end up in the next state by days end.

[@normlecouvie1921]

Auntie Em, Auntie Em

[@tedcollins4684]

The foil bags will protect against static. The ferrite beads and surge protector will not stop anything more than noise and small surges. You would have to be disconnected from the grid.

[@dardale9050]

Preper making a living with them bags and ferrites! Good luck!

[@TheHolyGhost777]

"How to protect against EMP": Buy my stuff. Good answer.

[@stickman-1]

Just use a bed sheet and drape it over the thing. Put some bricks or rocks to hold it down. Then mark the bedsheet on the outside of the bricks or rocks. Take it all apart and that will give you the size you need.

[@donnat2793]

Hi there. Do we need to protect solar panels for a solar generator or just the generator?

[@NeverGiveUp-ib3xb]

Awesome!

[@gregpowell3515]

I saw your interview with Canadian prepper.

[@jamesmobley5268]

For my whole house generator the cloth would not work because it needs to run once a week for test. I built a 2 inch square wooden frame that fits over the generator and covered with aluminum mesh...expensive. Then I covered with aluminum screen to be sure. Next is a tarp to keep out rain but vents clear. Grounded to 6 foot iron bar. So far, no EMP but hopefully will stand up. Have surge protector on inside panel with three ferrits on incoming cables. Hope this helps.

[@disasterprepper]

If the generator kicks on every so often, you wouldn't want to cover it with cloth. It sounds like you've worked up a solution.

[@billr2996]

Are the emp bags the same as a mylar bag that is used for food storage?

[@dannygreen7391]

Would that heat reflector aluminum rolled insulation work as a faraday cage/ blanket.?

[@offtrailhiker]

What about batteries/rechargeable flashlights/portable solar panels...thankyou so much doctor for your research and helping us all. I appreciate your time and effort.

[@disasterprepper]

Check out the video I just did on Faraday cages. Most batteries don't need protecting, but the other items could go in EMP bags or Faraday cages.

[@offtrailhiker]

@@disasterprepper what about solar panels. Mostly small say 3x3' . the video was awesome thankyou .

[@disasterprepper]

@@offtrailhiker Small, free-standing solar panels are not likely to be damaged. But if you connect them to long conductors, they could be. Broadband ferrites around the wire bundles going to/from the panels helps with this.

[@jonathanbueltel9853]

I keep getting mixed info. Do solar panels need protection or not

[@rebeccaknighten4519]

I have a question: will a solar panel ( from Harbor Freight) that is not hooked up to anything, still get fried in an EMP? Also, so you know of any singles sites for preppers? Hard to find a mate that is on the same path as a prepper/awake person.....just saying

[@jdwthebullitt7765]

Thanks for all of your advice and the information you have provided. I am currently putting up one of those steel sheds as sold by the big box stores. I see, in past responses, that they generally provide 10-15dB protection. My plans are to place the shed of a wooden deck. I will then put metal (roof flashing) over the wood and screw the metal to the walls. Then install wood (plywood) over that. I will use two layers of plywood for strength. I will use aluminum tape over all the seems. I hope (not totally figured this out yet) to install some metal flashing over the door seam so when closed, the majority of the door will be shielded. What would you expect these mods to do regarding EMP protection? I don't expect to store a lot of very sensitive equipment in the shed but every little bit should help. Should the building be grounded to the ground or would this just provide a gateway for the EMP to enter? Thanks again for the information you have provided.

[@disasterprepper]

Certainly, these steps would help, but it's hard to say how much. Perhaps you'd end up with 25-30 dB of shielding at the end of it -- just an educated guess though. One thing that can greatly compromise buildings like this is wires running in and out. If you are going to have power (or data) wires pass through the wall of the room, you'll need to take protective steps, like filters or ferrites.

[@kolobkolobkolobkolob]

I would highly recommend purchasing the amp bags and much less $ then shed project.

[@patriciaribaric3409]

Thank you for all the info. Do you have a video explaining how to keep our vehicles protected showing where to place protection?

[@disasterprepper]

The only way I've found to protect vehicles is to cover them with something conductive when not in use. Some people buy custom covers made out of the conductive cloth I sell, but it's quite expensive.

[@wlfente]

My solar generator is being stored in a carpeted closet…does carpet have any conductive characteristics where I would need to completely wrap my generator, or would I be good w/ draping EMP cloth over it while it sits on carpet?

[@sixuchen7549]

Thank you so much for your expertise, may I please ask compare to EMP shield for electric panel and faraday fabrics/ cage , which is more effective ? If I already have EMP shield installed in the electric panel, do I still need to wrap the faraday fabric around my electronics or do I just need to plug in them to the wall? 🙏🏼

[@disasterprepper]

Surge protection devices, such as the Siemens FS140 or the one you have installed, are designed to suppress incoming surges on the power lines. I'm sure yours will do a fine job of doing that. To protect against the radiated energy coming through the air, I also recommend putting critical free-standing electronics into Faraday bags (or cages) and using broadband ferrites on the power cords of things that must remain plugged in at all times.

[@llisadrew1]

What would you do for a champion gas generator right now I have a plug in emp attached to it?

[@sembutininverse]

thank you 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@The_Tool_Scoop]

Hello how long would you expect a military emp to last? Seconds, minutes days, weeks?

[@munsters2]

How come the generator does not need the cloth to go underneath it, but the other items need a completely sealed metal bag to surround them?

[@dannykelso4290]

Always great videos! What type of thread would you recommend for sewing your EMP cloth? Also, does the Siemens FS140 go into the fuse box panel or just on the outside meter? PS. Would you recommend using desiccant pouches to absorb moisture for long term storage of electronics in your EMP Bags?

[@disasterprepper]

Any thread works fine. I've tried regular and conductive thread, both worked fine. As for the Siemens FS140, it can go outside the home, inside and mounted beside the panel, or inside the panel itself, depending on if you have room inside the panel. If it's outside in the elements, they sell a weatherproofing enclosure for it.

[@lozzahips9489]

@@disasterprepper I wish the UK had such men..Thanks for all the information 🙏

[@michaeld4502]

​@@disasterprepper Will EMP take out solar panels? I know they have blocking diode that will need to be replaced... But what about the solar cells made of silicon?

[@ultramagapatriot5874]

Where do you purchase emp Shields for automobiles?

[@TerriInBC]

Excellent information and presented very well, thank you. Peace

[@Jcombetta]

I have a metal tornado shelter above ground would that protect any electronics I have stored inside ?

[@disasterprepper]

It would offer some shielding, but it's not possible to say how much without taking some measurements. Best guess, maybe 10-15 dB of shielding. That certainly helps.

[@qdllc]

I'd like clarification.... All I've seen on EMP indicates that if electronics are NOT powered and NOT plugged into active power, EMP has no effect. This is because EMP isn't electricity per se but, rather, it generates EM flux. In a long enough run of wire, the wire can attenuate EM flux to create current which produces a harmful voltage spike. In an active circuit, EM flux causes a harmful, internal voltage spike. This is compared to a "line spike" which is a voltage spike coming through the outlet that we typically use a home surge suppressor to protect equipment plugged into power. Likewise, low voltage devices like cell phones and laptops (not plugged in) are largely undamaged by EMP. The above makes a good argument for protecting equipment by NOT leaving it plugged in when not in use. It also indicates that your best protection in the event of an anticipated EMP/CME event would be to cut the main breaker to your home and disconnect the battery of your vehicle. Certainly won't work 100%, but if you can't harden or shield everything, your best hope is to deny the EMP current to flux into a damaging spike.

[@rickschultz737]

Would a small cargo trailer offer kind of a rolling faraday cage for electronics, such as a portable power station, kept inside it?

[@NeverGiveUp-ib3xb]

Awesome

[@edwardjackson9871]

Do rice cookers, coffee makers, induction cooking stoves need to be protected from emp? Even if not plugged in or plugged in

[@kimmyk1]

Question if you have your truck battery cables off the battery when an EMP hits is your electrical system still destroyed as well as your battery?

[@Tedsting82]

What would be the best way to protect solar panels that have a solar powered/charged generator installed in the basement. Cover the generator with a cloth and put ferrites on the cables?

[@questioneverythingalways820]

So how do you do it while it’s plugged in? Shield the entire thing? How do you mitigate heat when enclosed?

[@johnvrbka570]

Thanks for the info. I have a couple old generators from 70s that don't have electronic circuit boards but have maybe capicators or a few minor electronics would these gens. be seceptable to EMP?

[@paulmarino8810]

Hi question for you, looking at your new plug in generator emp protector, if i plug that into the a/c (output) side do i also need to have a protector for the engine (input) side? Its a generac 8k portable gas generator. Thanks.

[@rickkime6031]

In a previous video you had said that you could fold the EMP bag over twice (as you showed in this video), then you could use 2-3 clips to seal the bag. In this video you recommended taping the folded EMP bag. Can you use the clips or do you recommend taping the bags? If taping, which type of tape is best?

[@Sam-lk6eo]

Hi, Just a question, Is there a way to protect against an EMP attack or pulse if you have a Pacemaker ? Please !

[@timwarman9043]

Your thoughts on a small secondary winding on the fairit and a current limiting resistor to disipate the emp energy?

[@disasterprepper]

Having more than one winding is helpful in suppressing transients, but it also makes it more likely that the ferrite will saturate under high currents. Series current limiting resistors don't work well because they have to consume I^2R in power, and that gets really hot for any appreciable currents. Plus you deliver a lower voltage to your load.

[@gregorythomas333]

Lots of excellent information...thank you very much! One question...I have 0000 gauge cables running from my battery banks to my inverters (3 of each)...I would think it would take the larger high-sat ferrites on each for them to be protected. Is this correct?

[@disasterprepper]

The high-saturation ferrites are designed to fit a 4/0 wire, so yes, you're correct. There is no broadband "click on" ferrite large enough to fit the red/black wire pair. You could buy a solid torroid ferrite if you preferred.

[@gregorythomas333]

@@disasterprepper Great...thank you!

[@neilv6754]

Hi Doc. Do any of the silver emp bags you sell big enough to fit a solar panel? I'm trying to find the cheapest possible way to protect my six 100 watt panels. Its so hard to afford things these days. Any help would be great. Thanks.

[@clarityofthought]

I wonder what properties steel wool might provide .

[@uns3cur3]

What can be done to protect the internal circuitry of the charger built in to LiFePo??

[@Gun4All]

I have a couple of questions, but I would 1st like to start by saying that I love all of your books and I have them all on audible. If you disconnect your battery from your automobile do you think that an EMP or a CME would still have an effect on it? My 2nd question is will you be making a 13th book and your survivalist series?

[@disasterprepper]

If the battery is disconnected, the battery itself would be unaffected by an EMP, however, the car's electronics could still be affected. The energy couples into the cable harnesses and generates potentially dangerous voltages and currents. As for the 13th book, I probably will write another in time. Right now, I'm finishing my new book, "The Watchman." It's very similar in style to the Survivalist books. You might give it a try. It's currently for pre-order at www.amazon.com/Watchman-Arthur-Bradley-ebook/dp/B08FRQ9H7T

[@isovideo7497]

Protecting operational equipment from radiated EMP is very difficult.

[@carrottop3454]

So how do you know when to put your items in these bags? If you’re using them, I’m assuming they can’t be in these bags.

[@windmolenfarm8030]

I just found your channel so I don't know if this topic has been addressed, apologies in advance if it has. I have a metal shop with no windows, has roll up metal doors and is grounded. How effective would this be as a faraday cage for vehicles?

[@mtarkowski1006]

I have 2 generators. 1 is still in the box and the other one I rarely use but neither are currently connected to anything. Should I sheild either of them or are they ok as is? Thank you

[@martymiller9802]

What about conductive paint that could be applied to a wooden box? What conductivity per square inch would be required?

[@deborahins1c110]

Question: will the charging wires be fried after an EMP when using Ferrites or are they also protected?

[@MIRUSTICS]

Doc, how could I protect 100 watt solar panels from an EMP? Are there bags big enough to fit a 3'L panel? Or could you make shift a box covered in foil backed duct tape on the inside and out? Would something like this give me enough protection?

[@mrjon75]

I used the boxes they came in, thick aluminum foil, and aluminum tape. Panels are not super sensitive.

[@billjames3148]

Industrial size generators 50kw. It's in a metal box , and a large manual disconnect switch. chassis ground, and NEC code grounding. As long as its not running under load, or has a ABS (automatic buss switch ) will it be usable after a EMP event.

[@HeritageStacking]

I have a question. I have a 40x9 steel shipping container with a wood floor. I have nothing touching the walls for 6 inches all the way around. Can I store stuff safely in it? Great content by the way.

[@tailfire09]

I've wandered the same thing, I haven't researched that yet. Did you find an answer?

[@mikehen06]

So the ferrites that are non saturation will still be good after multiple EMPs? But broadband ones will be one use?