EMF shielding is important for sensitive electronic devices to prevent electromagnetic field disruption. It can limit the field generated by a device and is required by law. Even with shielding, disruptions can occur. Faraday shields provide additional protection and regular testing is necessary.
An EMF field is a component of the structure of a device or object designed to provide shielding from electromagnetic fields. Such fields can seriously interfere or disrupt the normal operation of a device, making shielding very important, especially with sensitive equipment such as sensitive scientific instruments. Most electronic devices are required by law to include EMF shielding, and citizens of some countries may notice that such devices are often marked with information indicating that they comply with laws requiring EMF shielding of electronics.
Typically, an EMF shield is designed both to prevent electromagnetic fields from disrupting a device and to limit the electromagnetic field generated by a device so that it cannot interfere with other devices. While such shielding may not be perfect, it can be of very high quality, making it difficult for EMF interruptions to occur.
A simple example of EMF shielding is a component in an electrical cable that covers the conductive area of the cable and is underneath the insulation, designed to prevent the spread of the field generated by the passage of electricity through the cable. EMF shields are also used in the same way in the enclosure and housing of electrical devices. These fields may protect against electromagnetic radiation, but will not necessarily block radio waves.
Even a good EMF shield, such fields can still cause disruption. For example, leaving a cell phone next to a computer monitor can distort the display, even though both devices are theoretically shielded. Concerns about electromagnetic fields have also led to the need to turn off devices such as cell phones and computers in certain environments. In a hospital, for example, cell phones are not permitted in some areas because they could disrupt medical equipment, and on aircraft, the use of electronic devices is restricted due to fears they may interfere with aircraft operation.
A more sophisticated variation of the basic EMF shield known as a Faraday shield or Faraday cage provides additional protection and can be used around sensitive equipment or when very high volumes of electricity are used. Whatever the type, an EMF field needs to be evaluated and tested regularly to confirm that it is working properly, as screen degradation can cause it to malfunction. Consumers may also have noticed that older devices may have imperfect shielding, caused by different manufacturing standards or natural wear and tear that has damaged the EMF shielding.
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