A Faraday cage is a conductive enclosure designed to block electromagnetic radiation from entering or exiting the enclosed space. It works by redistributing the electric charges and creating an electric field that cancels out the external electric fields, effectively shielding the interior from electromagnetic waves.
While a well-constructed Faraday cage can provide a high level of electromagnetic shielding, achieving 100% exclusion of all electromagnetic radiation is practically challenging and may not be feasible due to various factors:
Perfection is difficult: Achieving a completely seamless and flawless Faraday cage is extremely difficult. Even tiny gaps or imperfections in the enclosure can allow some electromagnetic waves to pass through.
Frequency range: Faraday cages are typically more effective at blocking higher-frequency electromagnetic waves like radio waves and microwaves. Lower-frequency waves, such as extremely low-frequency (ELF) waves or static magnetic fields, may be more challenging to block completely.
Power and communication necessities: Total exclusion of all electromagnetic radiation is generally impractical for most households. We rely on electromagnetic waves for electricity, radio and TV signals, Wi-Fi, and cellular communication. Complete exclusion of these signals would make living in the house extremely inconvenient, if not impossible.
Penetration through other means: Electromagnetic waves can penetrate buildings through other means such as power lines, windows, or doors. A Faraday cage might not address these entry points.
Overhead exposure: Even with a Faraday cage around your house, you might still receive some electromagnetic radiation from satellites or other sources overhead.
While you can construct a Faraday cage around a specific area within your house to shield against certain types of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., setting up a shielded room for sensitive electronics), achieving complete exclusion for the entire house is not practical or desirable in most cases.
For everyday purposes, most houses are not designed as Faraday cages, and they do allow electromagnetic radiation to enter. The levels of radiation inside a properly constructed modern house are generally considered safe and within acceptable limits established by health organizations. If you have specific concerns about electromagnetic radiation, it is advisable to consult with experts in electromagnetic shielding or environmental health to assess your situation and explore appropriate mitigation strategies.