Built to Withstand the Pulse: The Benefits of HEMP Filters for Defence and Critical Infrastructure

What is HEMP?

A high-altitude electromagnetic pulse is an intense burst of electromagnetic energy produced by a nuclear detonation high in the atmosphere. It can travel across a wide area and induce powerful surges in electrical cables and connected equipment.

Electronics containing microchips are especially vulnerable. Without protection, a pulse could disable power networks, communications and the systems that operations depend on. One of the main ways that energy reaches sensitive equipment is through power lines, and that's exactly where HEMP filters come in.

In short, TEMPEST filters stop information getting out, while HEMP filters stop a damaging surge getting in. Many secure facilities need both, which is why combined HEMP TEMPEST filters protect against both threats in a single solution.

The benefits of HEMP filters

Protecting mission-critical equipment: HEMP filters are installed where power enters a protected space. They divert the energy of a pulse safely away before it can reach sensitive equipment, helping computers, communications and control systems keep working.

Keeping operations running: For defence, government and critical infrastructure, downtime isn't an option. Protecting the power supply means core systems are far more likely to stay operational when they're needed most.

Completing the protection of shielded rooms: A shielded room is only as strong as its weakest point. Every power cable entering the room is a potential route for a pulse, so filtering those lines is essential to keep the shielding effective.

Protecting a long-term investment: Secure facilities and the systems inside them are a significant investment. HEMP filters help protect that investment against a high-impact threat.

Where are HEMP filters used?

HEMP filters are used wherever critical systems need to stay protected, including

Defence and military facilities

Government and secure sites

Command and control centres

Shielded rooms and secure enclosures

Critical infrastructure

Both fixed sites and mobile deployments

Choosing the right HEMP filter

The right filter depends on your site, your equipment and the power you need to protect. Akhter's HEMP range includes:

Socket-based HEMP TEMPEST filters: 13A, in 2- and 4-socket versions, for protecting individual equipment.

Single-phase shielded room HEMP filters: 16A, 32A, 63A and 100A.

Three-phase shielded room HEMP filters: 16A, 32A, 63A, 100A, 150A and 200A, for larger facilities.

Why choose Akhter for HEMP filters?

Fast availability: most filters are available from stock, or produced within a maximum of two weeks.

5-year warranty: every filter is backed for the long term.

Custom versions: if your requirement doesn't fit a standard specification, we can produce a filter to suit.

Trusted in defence: Akhter was founded in 1979 and has worked with defence since 1985.

Approved and accredited: JOSCAR-registered, Cyber Essentials Plus certified, ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 accredited, and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. See our accreditations.

Easy to buy: available through Crown Commercial Service frameworks, including Technology Products & Associated Services 2 (RM6098) and Technology Products 2 (RM6147).

Need to protect a critical site?

Talk to our team about the right HEMP filter for your requirements.