Introduction:

A Faraday cage is an enclosed structure designed to block electromagnetic fields. It can protect sensitive electronic devices from external electromagnetic interference. While Faraday cages can be purchased commercially, they can be quite expensive. However, you can build your own Faraday cage using upcycled microwave ovens. In this article, we will guide you through the process of constructing a Faraday cage from old microwave ovens.

Materials Needed:

1. Two old microwave ovens

2. Soldering iron and solder

3. Electrical tape

4. Wire cutters and strippers

5. A small piece of metal mesh or a conductive fabric

6. A drill and drill bits

7. Screwdriver

8. A pair of scissors

9. Safety goggles and gloves

Instructions:

1. Gather the materials:

Before starting the project, ensure you have all the necessary materials mentioned above.

2. Disassemble the microwave ovens:

Remove the outer casing of the microwave ovens to access the interior components. Be cautious while handling the microwave ovens, as they contain high-voltage capacitors and other potentially dangerous parts.

3. Connect the two microwave ovens:

Using the soldering iron, connect the ground wire of the first microwave oven to the ground wire of the second microwave oven. This will ensure that both ovens are at the same electrical potential.

4. Create the entrance:

Drill a hole in the side of one of the microwave ovens. The hole should be large enough to accommodate the metal mesh or conductive fabric. Ensure that the hole is not on the side with the door hinge, as this may interfere with the door’s operation.

5. Attach the metal mesh or conductive fabric:

Cut a piece of metal mesh or conductive fabric large enough to cover the hole. Attach the mesh or fabric to the inside of the microwave oven using electrical tape or screws. Make sure it is securely fastened and covers the entire hole.

6. Reinforce the door:

To prevent electromagnetic fields from entering the Faraday cage, reinforce the door of the microwave oven. You can do this by attaching a conductive strip along the edges of the door. Ensure that the strip is in contact with the metal mesh or conductive fabric.

7. Connect the Faraday cage to a power source:

Using the wire cutters and strippers, expose the ends of the ground wire. Connect the ground wire to a grounded power source, such as a grounded electrical outlet or a grounding rod.

8. Test the Faraday cage:

Place a sensitive electronic device inside the Faraday cage and ensure that it is functioning properly. If the device is still receiving electromagnetic interference, you may need to make further adjustments to the cage’s construction.

Conclusion:

Building a Faraday cage from upcycled microwave ovens is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution. By following these steps, you can create a Faraday cage that protects your sensitive electronic devices from electromagnetic interference. Remember to exercise caution while handling the microwave ovens and always wear safety goggles and gloves during the project.