Best Electronic Components to Store

Essential Electronics

Here is a list of electronic components you should store in a Faraday cage. A Faraday cage is something that protects contents from EMP pulses.

Wire

Wire

Wires will be burned out in the event of an EMP pulse, this can happen due to a solar flare or nuclear explosion. I recommend many types of wire and gauges are stored. Don't forget communication and sound delivering wire types.

Breadboards

There are two types of breadboards, reusable and non reusable (kind of).

Reusable

Reusable breadboards are very good for indoor solutions and can be modified many times without damage. Electronics hobbyists use these to prototype a circuit design.

Single Use*

These are used for more permanent projects and are often housed in sturdy enclosures that protects from the elements. In an EMP event working electronic components will be in short supply and permanent projects will be discouraged in favour of reusable set-ups.

*You can de-solder the connections, but the chance of damage is high, especially after several times.

Rechargeable Batteries

Batteries

Make sure that a range of sizes are stored, including odd battery types. Also consider storing both NiMH and lithium powered batteries as well. Lithium types are easier to build chargers for as the voltage change can be measured, whereas NiMH are complex and can vent if overheated.

Solar Cells

cell

I recommend getting the cells themselves instead of panels as they are easier to store. B grade cells are very cheap with only minor physical defects that does not effect output. Monocrystalline cells should also be stored as the are more efficient across all weather conditions. Remember that Polycrystalline cells are designed direct sunlight and will do poorly in bad weather.

Diodes

Diodes

Important for a range of purposes but I am thinking of the N1007 diode which prevents current from leaving you system when a solar panel is off. Bypass diodes can also be added to a home made solar panel, so that it works when shaded. Don't forget zenerdiodes either.

Capacitors

Capacitors
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Particularly useful in alarm circuits to sound a buzzer, make sure you store many different types. I recommend the standard electrolytic capacitors and some tantalum ones as well.

Switches

Rocket Switch

Ever system needs an on/off mechanism of some sort. Although non fused switches should be ok, fused switches will be damaged by an EMP pulse. Get a variety of switches, both the 3 pin ones and the simple + - too. Add buttons if you are ambitious.

Transistors

Transistors

Another useful component for amplifying for switching electronic signals. Storing these will allow you to build more efficient systems and some basic computers like a calculator.

Fuses

Fuses
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An EMP pulse will melt almost all fuses, so this is the number one component to store in large quantities. Car, power supply and plug fuses are the most useful to store, before moving on to other types.

LED's

LED's

Essential for light but there are many types out there, for example UV light LED's. These could be used in water filtration systems to disinfect the water, they can also be used on plants to kill fungus. Different colours help plants grow quicker and increase yield. Infrared LED's can be used in security systems.