Are Faraday Cages Illegal?

Are Faraday cages illegal for use, like the jamming devices? The concern always exists, which is okay. Jamming devices and Faraday cages have something in common, but they are different.

It is known that both jamming devices and Faraday cages are used to block signals. What makes them different is how they block the signals and the law regulations for each of them.

It might be best to explore the laws in your region because not all law regulations say the same. The current US laws have no strict measures or limitations against the Faraday cages, but not every country thinks the same. Let’s take a look at the legality of the Faraday cages.

Are Faraday Cages Illegal
Source: Backyardbrains.com

Are Faraday Cages Illegal?

Faraday cages are different from jamming devices. Faraday cages do not break the laws and are legal to buy, sell, and use because they only passively filter the signals

All Faraday cages are meant to protect you and our devices from harmful electromagnetic radiation by reducing dangerous signals.

Conversely, jamming devices actively blast electromagnetic signals and stop someone or something from receiving radio signals. These devices are illegal, and the biggest difference distinguishes Faraday cages from jamming devices.

Faraday cages are commonly used to lower the electromagnetic radiation in power plants, highly charged environments, buildings, microwave ovens, and planes. 

Faraday cages work excellently as a protective shield against devices and objects that produce electromagnetic radiation.

We can take cars and planes as excellent examples of a Faraday cage. If you think better, the car might be the safest place to hide when there is lightning outside. 

Also, planes are Faraday cages resistant to lightning, so you can fly in the wild sky and not get hit by lightning.

Faraday cages are also federally used

Faraday cages and other Faraday materials and tools are used even by the military, government, data centers, and other federal organs.

Every individual or institution who needs higher signal traffic protection can use a Faraday cage without fear of breaking the law.

The Faraday cage can create a barrier between the internal device components and external electric fields, preventing data redistribution outside the network.

Electromagnetic protection is beneficial in shielding sensitive databases and information transmitted by the government, agents, and other organizations.

Faraday Cages vs. Jamming Devices

The biggest difference between these two is the law regulation. Faraday cages are legal under the US law and most laws of other worldwide countries. I have not met a law forbidding Faraday cages because the way they block the radio signals is passive.

Conversely, jamming devices are illegal and forbidden, and there is a fine and imprisonment for everyone who gets caught owning or operating signal jamming devices. 

Also, individuals who cause damage or endanger someone else’s safety may receive a $1 million fine and up to five years imprisonment, depending on the damage caused.

Why are jammers illegal?

Signal-jamming devices block and disrupt the workflow of someone or something that uses GPS signals, cell networks, WiFi, or radio signals.

Jamming devices are used by criminals who aim to disrupt the general inconvenience or workflow of the group in the affected areas. Also, these devices are a huge threat to emergency services because they might affect their radio stations.

Signal-jamming devices can block the 911 line and expose many people to life-or-death risks. Federal law prohibits any action related to jamming devices.

If you suspect someone is using a jamming device nearby, you must be 100% sure it is true. Not every signal disruption is a result of a jamming device use.

Mountains, being underground, uncovered service provider areas, heavy call volume, faulty equipment, and physical obstructions might be why your call signals are blocked.

If you are sure that your cell signal absence is caused by jamming device use nearby, you should contact the American Case Management Association (ACMA).

This association has specially designed equipment to locate and detect the jamming signal’s location and origin.

Any use of a jamming device violates federal law, whether a phone jammer, signal jammer, GPS blocker, or radio communication blocker.

Faraday Cages vs. Jamming Devices
Source: Gps.gov

Why are Faraday cages legal?

Faraday cages are legal because they are not actively blocking or messing up the signals as the signal jammers do. The Faraday cage shields the content and people from harmful electromagnetic radiation.

The Faraday cage will act in case an external EMF causes electric charges. The content, objects, and people inside the Faraday cage will be protected from the possible EMF threat because the cage’s metal construction is made to control the interior.

The reason why Faraday cages are legal is that they can not block stable magnetic fields. Their signal-blocking system is passive and protectively oriented, compared to the active one in jamming devices.

You can freely buy, use, advertise, and sell Faraday cages and other Faraday products because the federal laws of the USA do not forbid them. Faraday cages are also legal in 99% of countries worldwide.

Faraday cages offer excellent protection and are technically legal. Many associations and scientists recommend using a Faraday cage to protect yourself from possible electronic device threats.

Faraday cages can protect your home, electronic devices (phones, routers, hard drives, computers), and credit cards from the trending wireless card chip scanning theft.

Conclusion

So, are Faraday cages illegal? Well, as I said, they are not illegal, but on the contrary, they are legal. They might benefit everyone, whether getting a Faraday cage is EMI protection or another kind of radiofrequency signal reduction.

No law regulation forbids or punishes the use, purchase, advertising, or sale of a Faraday cage. But the opposite, most associations, and organizations recommend using Faraday cages and other signal protection since we are getting increasingly exposed to radiation each day.

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Scott Freeman

Scott Freeman is a seasoned expert in EMF protection with over 10 years of experience in the field. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master's in Environmental Science, Scott possesses a unique blend of technical and environmental knowledge. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to researching, developing, and promoting effective EMF protection products that prioritize both safety and efficiency. Scott's passion for helping others make informed decisions has made him a sought-after speaker and writer on the subject of electromagnetic field safety.

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