Ferrite beads, also known as ferrite cores or ferrite chokes, are simple metallic devices which wrap around an electric wire to eliminate frequency radiation. Radiation naturally occurs on any wire which transmits a high frequency current, but a ferrite bead acts as an impedance to this frequency when wrapped around the wire.

Ferrite beads are used for both convenience and safety in many forms of technology. From cell phones to USB cables to printers, ferrite beads are present in almost all office wires and devices. If a device or wire begins making high frequency noises, it's probably time to add or replace a ferrite bead in its wiring. Consider the following in your search for ferrite beads:

1. Integrate industrial-grade ferrite beads into your electrical wires before manufacturing

2. Clip on an aftermarket ferrite bead to frequently used office wires or install an internal ferrite chip bead to your office's devices

3. Prevent bodily damage from radiation with snap-on ferrite beads for cell phone headsets

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Select a ferrite beads manufacturer for industrial use

If you need to place a large order for a specific model of ferrite bead, order straight from the manufacturer. From here, you can find a specific model to integrate directly into an electrical system, rather than an aftermarket product such as the snap-on ferrite bead. Purchasing ferrite beads from the manufacturer is best for industrial use or mass production of ferrite integrated electrical wiring.

I recommend: Buy ferrite beads directly from Digi-Key or VENKEL.

Eliminate excess frequency interference with snap-on ferrite beads

Snap-on ferrite beads are the cheapest and easiest way to eliminate frequency radiation on your business' electronic wires. If you hear a wire in the office making an audible ringing noise, attach one of these to eliminate the problem. Also, any wires which pass close to people ought to have a ferrite bead attached to it as some of the radiation that wires give off can be harmful to people.

I recommend: Purchase snap-on ferrite beads for electric wires from Skycraft Parts & Supplies and Northern Arizona Wind & Sun. Excess Solutions has snap-on ferrite bead covers if you prefer to build your own ferrite beads.

Install ferrite beads directly into your business' electrical devices with ferrite chip beads.

The ferrite chip bead is a type of ferrite bead which can be integrated directly into a electrical device such as a printer, cellphone or computer. Like other ferrite beads, its purpose is to eliminate radiation noise from these devices. If an office device seems to be making a lot of high-pitched noise, consider replacing or installing a ferrite chip bead into its hardware.

I recommend: SMEC and IBS Electronics have ferrite chip beads for purchase.

Protect yourself from cell phone emissions with external ferrite bead attachments

An unpleasant truth about cell phones is that they emit frequencies when in use. To combat these frequencies, however, you can attach an external clip-on ferrite bead specialized for a cell phone headset which in turn protects the body from potentially damaging electromagnetic waves. Use this exceptionally simple and inexpensive safety measure if you're concerned about damage from cell phones.

I recommend: Get a clip-on ferrite bead for your cell phone from RF Safe or BlockEMF.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you plan to place orders on multiple ferrite bead products, try to order from one company rather than shopping around too much. Ordering from one company makes shipping easier and more reliable - not to mention the possibility of large order discounts.