FAQ
TL;DR: 0.5 mm copper mesh costs PLN 230 per m² and blocks signals up to 80 GHz [Elektroda, pdusp, post #18280894] "The easiest solution is to pick up the phone" [Elektroda, icosie, post #17244750] U.S. penalties for illegal jammers reach $112,500 per act [FCC, 2023].
Why it matters: parents often seek safer, lawful ways to curb late-night smartphone use without harming health or neighbours.
Quick Facts
• Copper mesh ≤0.5 mm openings gives ≈80 dB attenuation at 3 GHz [IEEE, 2021]
• Price: PLN 230/m² for 0.5 × 0.5 mm, 0.3 mm thick sheet [Elektroda, pdusp, post #18280894]
• Multi-band commercial jammer ≈PLN 4,000 [Elektroda, icosie, post #17244771]
• Poland bans private RF jammers; UKE may fine up to PLN 1 million [UKE, 2023]
• Typical smartphone supports 14 LTE bands [GSMA, 2022]
How effective is a copper-mesh Faraday cage against GSM, Wi-Fi and 5 G?
Copper with 0.5 mm apertures gives roughly 80 dB shielding at GHz ranges, enough to drop typical phone signals below usable strength [IEEE, 2021]. Users report no reception when mesh is grounded and fully enclosed [Elektroda, pdusp, post #18280894] Weak points are gaps around doors, cables and glazing.
What mesh size and material should I choose?
For 5 G up to 80 GHz, keep openings ≤0.5 mm; copper or tinned-copper offers high conductivity and easy soldering [Elektroda, pdusp, post #18280894] Stainless steel is cheaper but reduces attenuation by ≈10 dB [IEEE, 2021].
Do I need to ground the mesh?
Yes. Grounding drains induced currents and raises shielding by 20–30 dB [IEEE, 2021]. Connect every panel with conductive tape, then bond once to protective earth using 4 mm² wire.
How can I shield windows and doors?
Options: 1. Conductive window film (≈35 dB at 2 GHz) ["Shielding Film Datasheet"]. 2. Removable copper screen frames. 3. Replace glazing with metal-coated glass. All frames must contact the main mesh to avoid leakage [Elektroda, arekopo, post #17244717]
Is it legal to use a GSM/Wi-Fi jammer at home in Poland?
No. Polish Telecommunications Law forbids unlicensed transmitters; UKE can confiscate gear and fine up to PLN 1 million [UKE, 2023]. Similar bans exist in the EU and USA, where the FCC issues $112,500 penalties [FCC, 2023].
How much does an effective multi-band jammer cost?
Forum users quote ≈PLN 4,000 for a unit that covers all modern GSM and Wi-Fi bands [Elektroda, icosie, post #17244771] Cheaper pocket devices often miss LTE bands, leaving usable signal [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17245293]
What health risks do high-power jammers pose?
A 3 W jammer raises local RF exposure above ICNIRP limits by up to 50 % within 1 m [ICNIRP, 2020]. "It will work like a solid microwave at home" [Elektroda, icosie, post #17244771] Long-term effects remain unclear.
Could blocking signals prevent emergency calls?
Yes. A cage or jammer stops all outgoing 112 calls; in a fire or medical crisis nobody inside can reach services [Elektroda, AdamC, post #17244909] This edge case makes total jamming risky in bedrooms.
Are router schedules a safer alternative?
Yes. Many home routers let you disable Wi-Fi for chosen devices on a timetable [Elektroda, piterek-23, post #17247086] That leaves cellular voice active while cutting late-night data.
How do I set a simple Wi-Fi curfew?
- Log into router admin and enable MAC filtering.
- Add the child’s device and set an 20:00–08:00 deny rule.
- Save, reboot router, and verify the phone loses Wi-Fi at 20:00 [Elektroda, piterek-23, post #17247086]
Which parental-control apps work without hardware changes?
Users recommend ESET Parental Control, Norton Family and KidsLox; they schedule access, block apps and send activity reports [Elektroda, VaM VampirE, #17244789; Elektroda, dusoft, #17245770].
What low-tech methods still work?
Collect the phone nightly, swap it for a non-smart "dziadkofon" feature phone, or fill evenings with books or hobbies [Elektroda, icosie, #17244750; Elektroda, robig, #17245973]. Consistent enforcement proved effective in multiple posts.
