Protect your home from the devastating effects of an EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse) with the DEFCON™ Home Switch. This next-generation device is designed for seamless integration into your household electrical system. With its high-quality construction and ease of installation, DEFCON™ Home Switch provides peace of mind by safeguarding your home’s electrical infrastructure.
Why Choose DEFCON™ Home Switch?
DEFCON™ Home Switch is the ultimate solution for protecting your home against EMP threats. With its advanced detection capabilities and automatic breaker shutoff, you can rest easy knowing that your home is safeguarded. Its user-friendly features and high-quality construction make it a reliable addition to any household.
Key Features
- EMP Detection: Detects EMP events similar to our popular DEFCON™ EMP Alert, ensuring immediate response to potential threats.
- Integrated Technology: Equipped with a strong linear actuator, DEFCON™ Home Switch reliably flips your main breaker in response to an EMP, disconnecting your home from the power grid.
- Manual Control: A button on the device allows you to manually move the actuator forward or backward as needed.
- Active Status Indicator: A green indicator light lets you know when DEFCON™ Home Switch is active and ready to protect.
- Wide Compatibility: Works with most breaker panels, making it a versatile choice for various home setups.
- Made in the USA: Proudly manufactured in the United States, ensuring premium quality and reliability.
- High-Quality Construction: Built to last, DEFCON™ Home Switch offers durable protection for your home’s electrical system.
- Easy Installation: Designed for straightforward installation, so you can secure your home quickly and efficiently. Optional hard-wiring instructions are included.
Questions and Answers
1. What is the DEFCON™ Home Switch and how does it work?
The DEFCON™ Home Switch is a unique device specifically designed to protect a home or business from the effects of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) or a solar coronal mass ejection (CME). Onboard circuitry detects the E1, E2, and E3 disturbances resulting from an EMP, as well as the E3-like disturbance of a CME. Once a detection occurs, the DEFCON™ Home Switch sounds an alarm and drives a linear actuator to mechanically trip the main breaker of a home or business.
2. Is it easy to install?
The DEFCON™ Home Switch is easy to install. It comes with detailed installation instructions and the necessary mounting hardware. There are instructions for two install options, plug-in or hard-wire. Note that for safety reasons, if the hard-wire install method is used, it should be connected to the breaker by a licensed electrician.
3. What breaker panels is it compatible with?
The DEFCON™ Home Switch was designed to be compatible with numerous types of electrical panels, but if you are uncertain about compatibility with your setup, please contact us.
4. How will I know if it’s working properly?
Once power is applied, the green light will light.
5. Can it be turned off manually?
To turn the unit off, you should unplug it or disconnect the wires from the breaker if it is hard-wired. Note that the actuator can also be disconnected from the DEFCON™ Home Switch using the red and black quick-disconnect connectors built into the actuator cable.
6. What kind of warranty/guarantee does it come with?
The DEFCON™ Home Switch comes with a 1-year warranty.
7. Where is the DEFCON™ Home manufactured?
The DEFCON™ Home Switch is proudly manufactured in the USA.
8. How sensitive is the EMP detection? Will it react to minor electromagnetic interference?
The EMP detection circuitry is designed to react only to powerful electromagnetic disturbances, such as those associated with an EMP or CME. With that said, it is possible for a very strong disturbance, such as a nearby lightning strike, to be detected and cause the device to trip the breaker.
9. What is the range of the linear actuator arm? Will it reach my breaker switch?
The linear actuator should be mounted flush with the breaker when in the closed position (i.e., power is flowing to the home). The linear throw of the actuator is 0.83”, which is adequate to trip most breakers. If you need an actuator with a longer throw length, please contact us.
10. Is there a battery backup in case of power failure?
There is not a battery backup in the DEFCON™ Home Switch. When power fails, the unit stops detection and will not trip the breaker until voltage levels on the power lines rise above the turn-on levels.
11. How loud is the sound of the linear actuator and breaker switch?
The linear actuator is very quiet, and the breaker will make a snapping sound when it trips. The DEFCON™ Home Switch also emits an audible alarm when it has detected an EMP/CME or is driving the actuator manually.
12. What is the coverage area – will it detect EMPs everywhere in the home?
The DEFCON™ Home Switch is designed to protect the entire home from the conducted E3 disturbances that might come in on the power lines from an EMP or CME.
13. What kind of training or skills are needed to operate it?
The DEFCON™ Home Switch is very simple to operate and will come with instructions.
14. What is the expected lifespan or durability of the DEFCON™ Home Switch device?
The expected lifespan of the DEFCON Home Switch is 10-20 years.
15. How does the DEFCON™ Home Switch compare to similar EMP protection products on the market?
The DEFCON™ Home Switch is the first low-cost product designed to automatically disconnect power from a home or business when an EMP or CME occurs.
16. Can the DEFCON™ Home Switch be installed in other buildings besides residential homes, like offices or workshops?
The DEFCON™ Home Switch can be installed in nearly any facility that has a breaker panel.
17. What types of EMPs can the DEFCON™ Home Switch detect (nuclear, non-nuclear, etc.)?
The DEFCON™ Home Switch can detect the effects of both high-altitude nuclear EMPs, as well as those from smaller-scale tactical EMP weapons.
18. How quickly does the device react once an EMP is detected?
Once an EMP is detected, the device begins to trip the main breaker. Trip time depends on the breaker but is typically complete in 1-3 seconds.
19. Is there a risk of the breaker being falsely tripped by the DEFCON™ Home Switch?
While the DEFCON™ Home Switch has been designed to detect an EMP or CME, there is a risk that a powerful electromagnetic disturbance could cause it to falsely activate and trip the breaker. A nearby lightning strike is the most likely cause.
20. Can the DEFCON™ Home Switch be integrated with backup power sources like generators?
In theory, integration with backup power sources is possible. Please contact us with specific questions you might have.
21. What is the operating temperature range for the device to function properly?
The DEFCON™ Home Switch is designed to operate from -20 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
22. Are there any size or space requirements for proper installation of the DEFCON™ Home Switch?
Please see the online installation instructions for size and space requirements.
23. How much power does the device consume when operating normally?
The DEFCON™ Home Switch consumes approximately 5 watts nominally and about 20 watts when driving the actuator.
24. Can the device be easily relocated or moved to a different breaker panel if needed?
The DEFCON™ Home Switch can be easily relocated by simply removing the actuator and disconnecting the power.
25. Are there any periodic maintenance or testing procedures recommended for the DEFCON™ Home Switch?
No periodic testing is required or recommended.
26. What is the maximum circuit breaker voltage/amperage the device can handle?
The DEFCON™ Home Switch was designed to trip up to a 200-amp breaker. For larger breakers, please contact us.
27. Is the DEFCON™ Home Switch weatherproof for outdoor installation near the meter base?
The DEFCON™ Home Switch is not designed for outdoor installation.
28. Are any special tools required for the installation and setup process?
No special tools are required for installation or setup. Please see the installation instructions for details.