EMP takes out ALL electronic devices that are not in a Faraday cage structure. Diodes and capacitors and transistors and ICchips are what control most equipment and are the most vulnerable. Any car after 1972 will be toast and need a complete replacement of its electronic ignition system [if you just happen to have a replacement kit somewhere safe].
Duncan - what about this - will some of our stuff be so ruined we'll have to replace it rather than just get it up and running?
Thanks for the information SonsofCollins....
I don’t even play an Electrical Engineer on TV (though there are dozens in the building I work in), and I didn’t stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night, but I believe what SonsofCollins wrote is generally correct.
Cars may not all be dead, depending on which way they are oriented relative to the EMP source. There MAY also be a phenomenon that keeps the pulse from penetrating the gap between, for example the hood and the fenders, depending on the ratio of the size of the gap to the wavelength of the pulse.
Generally, it’s my understanding that conductors that are long relative to their cross-section tend to be more vulnerable; this would include both conductors on integrated circuits and long-distance power transmission lines.
Commercial aircraft, ironically, MAY be less susceptible, since they are designed to be resistant to lightning strikes, but if there is no way to navigate them or fuel them, that doesn’t do a whole lot of good.
“... will some of our stuff be so ruined we’ll have to replace it rather than just get it up and running?”
The size [area]/intensity of the EMP is the most critical.
Most ANYTHING/EVERYTHING in a homeoffice/any non-FaradayCage structure will be toast unless it is in Faraday cage structure at the time of the event.
As for replacements, that will be mute.
Electronic devices do not go out “some” - it’s either OK or dead.
If the “large++ event” occurs there will be no replacements for you or anyone else -what happens at your place will occur in all the others too.
And unless you have a generator that did not fry and you have the fuel to drive it, then where will you get electricity or fuel.
I suggested reading “One Second After” to get a vivid sense of what the situation will be like for several years to come.
Hollywood has done a VERY poor job of accurately describing the aftermath but their “best job so far” is the TV series “Jericho” which you can purchase or get from your local library.
FYI, I’ve been researching this matter for 5+ years and had been in preparation for writing a book on the technical aspects in deep detail.
OSAfter book has the “gory details and some technicals” down well enough.
I have since pull off the project for more pressing and immediate concerns.