Faraday Defense DEFCON Home Switch EMP Protection System

The Faraday Defense DEFCON Home Switch EMP Protection System Detects an EMP or CME and Trips Your Main Breaker Automatically

The DEFCON Home Switch is a detector and breaker actuator in one. Its onboard circuitry detects the E1, E2 and E3 disturbances of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP), as well as the E3-like disturbance of a solar coronal mass ejection (CME). When it detects one, it sounds an alarm and drives a linear actuator that mechanically trips your main breaker, disconnecting the building from the power grid.

It's for homeowners and business owners who want their main breaker opened without having to be there to do it. It can be installed in nearly any facility with a breaker panel, including offices and workshops, and it's designed to trip up to a 200-amp main breaker. It is made in the USA.

DEFCON Home Switch EMP Protection System Features

Automatic Main Breaker Shutoff

Once an EMP is detected, the Home Switch begins to trip the main breaker. Trip time depends on the breaker, but Faraday says it is typically complete in 1-3 seconds. Faraday designed it to protect the entire home from the conducted E3 disturbances that can come in on the power lines from an EMP or CME.

Detection Built for Powerful Disturbances

The detection circuitry is designed to react only to powerful electromagnetic disturbances, such as those of an EMP or CME, not minor interference. Faraday says it can detect the effects of both high-altitude nuclear EMPs and smaller-scale tactical EMP weapons.

Linear Actuator With 0.83 In Throw

The actuator mounts flush with the main breaker while the breaker is closed and power is flowing. Its 0.83 in linear throw is enough to trip most breakers. The actuator is very quiet, and the breaker makes a snapping sound when it trips.

Manual Actuator Control

A button on the device lets you move the actuator forward or backward manually, and the front panel is marked Forward, Backward and Push. The unit sounds an alarm while it drives the actuator manually.

Green Active Light

Once power is applied, the green light comes on to show the Home Switch is active and ready. The label reads "On, system active" and "Off, system inactive."

Plug-In or Hard-Wire Installation

The Home Switch comes with detailed installation instructions and the mounting hardware it needs, with instructions for two install options, plug-in or hard-wire. Faraday says no special tools are required. If you choose the hard-wire method, Faraday says it should be connected to the breaker by a licensed electrician.

Real-World Applications

Homes. Mount the actuator at your main breaker so the house is disconnected from the grid if an EMP or CME is detected, even if no one is home.

Offices and workshops. Faraday says it can be installed in nearly any facility that has a breaker panel.

Businesses. Faraday designed it for a home or business, tripping the main breaker on detection the same way.

Practical Comparison

DEFCON Home Switch Versus an Alarm-Only EMP Detector

An alarm-only detector, such as Faraday's DEFCON EMP Alert System, warns you so you can open the main breaker yourself. The Home Switch detects the same kinds of events and trips the breaker for you, which matters when you're away from the building or can't reach the panel.

Plug-In Install Versus Hard-Wire Install

The plug-in method powers the unit from an outlet. The hard-wire method connects the unit to the breaker, and Faraday says that connection should be made by a licensed electrician. Instructions for both are included.

Buyer Guidance

Checking Your Breaker Panel

The Home Switch was designed to work with numerous types of electrical panels and to trip up to a 200-amp breaker. The actuator's 0.83 in throw trips most breakers. If you're unsure about your panel, have a larger main breaker or need a longer actuator throw, ask our team before you order. If you're not comfortable working at your breaker panel, have a licensed electrician mount it.

Placement and Power

It isn't designed for outdoor installation, so plan an indoor spot near your panel. It operates from -20 to 100°F and uses about 5 watts normally and about 20 watts while driving the actuator. Faraday's installation instructions cover size and space requirements.

This May Be A Good Fit If

• You want your main breaker tripped automatically
• Your main breaker is 200 amps or smaller
• You're often away from the building
• Your panel is indoors

Common Questions

Can Lightning Trip the Breaker?

It can. Faraday notes that a very strong disturbance, such as a nearby lightning strike, could be detected and cause the device to trip the breaker.

Does It Have a Battery Backup?

No. When power fails, the unit stops detection and won't trip the breaker until voltage on the power lines rises above its turn-on levels.

How Do I Turn It Off?

Unplug it, or disconnect the wires from the breaker if it's hard-wired. You can also disconnect the actuator using the red and black quick-disconnect connectors built into the actuator cable. To relocate it, remove the actuator and disconnect the power.

Does It Need Maintenance?

No periodic testing is required or recommended. Faraday lists an expected lifespan of 10-20 years.

What Warranty Does It Have?

Faraday Defense lists a 1-year warranty.

What's Included

• 1 x Faraday Defense DEFCON Home Switch
• 1 x Linear Actuator With Quick-Disconnect Cable
• 1 x Mounting Hardware
• 1 x Installation Instructions

Automatic Breaker Protection for Your Home

The Faraday Defense DEFCON Home Switch EMP Protection System detects EMP and CME disturbances, sounds an alarm and trips main breakers up to 200 amps, typically in 1-3 seconds. If you'd like help confirming it fits your panel or choosing between the plug-in and hard-wire install, the Outbound Power team is happy to help.