Exploring the Safety of a Faraday Cage: Conductivity and Hollow Design

In summary, the conversation discusses the safety of a man inside a conductor cage. The first question asks about the safety of a finger sticking out of the cage during a discharge. The second question explores the idea of removing bars from the cage and at what point the man would become unsafe. The answer to the first question is that the finger may get burned in the discharge, and the answer to the second question is that the man would become unsafe once all the bars are removed. The conversation also mentions that lightning deflectors are preferred paths for discharges, and that complete buildings are not put in cages for this reason.
  • #1
Calpalned
297
6
Screenshot (33).png


Here is what it looks like
Screenshot (34).png


I have two questions.

1) What if the guy sticks a finger out of the cage?

2) The idea is that it doesn't matter if the cage is solid or hollow (has bars). As long as it's a conductor, the man inside is safe. What if I start removing the bars to make the cage more and more hollow. Eventually there will be nothing left of the cage. Would the man still be safe?
 
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  • #2
(1) If he's unlucky, the discharge follows a path that burns off the finger.
(2) When you're done taking away the bars he's no longer safe. But be sure you are well out of the way when you have a bar in your hand and the voltage is switched on again !

Next question: where does he change over from safe to unsafe ?
Pretty late in the process. Lightning deflectors tend to be preferred paths for discharges. That's why we don't put complete buildings in cages.
 

1. What is a Faraday cage and how does it work?

A Faraday cage is an enclosure made of conductive material that is used to block electromagnetic fields. It works by creating a barrier that prevents external electromagnetic waves from entering the cage and also prevents internal electromagnetic fields from escaping.

2. What materials are commonly used to make a Faraday cage?

Common materials used to make a Faraday cage include copper, aluminum, and steel. These materials are highly conductive and can effectively block electromagnetic fields.

3. How do you test the conductivity of a Faraday cage?

The conductivity of a Faraday cage can be tested by using an electromagnetic field meter. Place the meter inside the cage and then introduce an external electromagnetic field. If the meter does not detect any change in the field, it indicates that the cage is conducting effectively.

4. What is the importance of the hollow design in a Faraday cage?

The hollow design of a Faraday cage is important because it allows for the electromagnetic fields to be directed around the outside of the cage, rather than passing through it. This helps to increase the effectiveness of the cage in blocking electromagnetic waves.

5. Can a Faraday cage be used for protection against all types of electromagnetic waves?

No, a Faraday cage cannot protect against all types of electromagnetic waves. It is most effective at blocking high frequency waves, such as radio waves, but may not be as effective against lower frequency waves, such as those from a lightning strike.

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