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Mostly yes, vacuum tubes are very “hard” when it comes to EMP type impulses, and even a momentary arc-over typically won’t cause permanent damage. In contrast, solid-state devices will fail permanently if the voltage limits (typically less than 1 volts) are exceeded.

EMP survivability depends on a number of factors, including the base technology “hardness” as you refer to, and others. For example, a solid state device like a tablet or laptop might survive if it were laying on the table by itself, but not if it had power, internet, or even an external monitor connected, as those interconnecting wires would act as “antennas” that would greatly increase the amount of energy coupled into the device. (The same reason you remember people disconnecting their TV sets from the outside antenna or not using the landline phones during lightning storms). The real target of EMP is not to kill every iPhone or Gameboy, but to disable the electrical grid, which present a massive “antenna” that unlike years ago, is now connected to and controlled by, computers having all the vulnerabilities of solid-state devices. When this trend began in the Cold War era, critical systems were hardened to give them at least a chance of withstanding and EM pulse, but nowadays it’s mostly COTS (commericial off-the-shelf) hardware. Of course, it’s very expensive to add EMP shielding and in normal times, no one (such as electrical utility ratepayers) wants to pay for it. If an attack ever happens anywhere on earth, those not directly affected will scramble to do so like we’ve never seen before in history.

EMP is science, not politics, yet every time the topic comes up on FR, it becomes an opportunity for some to demonstrate their ignorance. So thanks for an intelligent posting that elevates the discussion!

Would a old galvanized milk box we use to use in the old days when the milk man would deliver milk to people's homes protect let's say ? a tablet from a EMP ?

Would it work as a Faraday cage ?

I seen people on Youtube testing things out like galvanized trash cans, amo boxes to put electronics in.

I guess the best thing to do for a car is to go to a junk yard and buy a extra car computer and electronic ignition module and put it in a Faraday box or cage.

Looks like a refrigerated restaurant walk in box to me.

A simple screen mesh box.

I guess what makes the EMP discussion political is the fact that employing EMP means using nukes which is the most political decision of all time. So much so that nukes haven’t been used since 1945. By the way, is there such a thing as a non-nuclear EMP device?

Here’s another thought from a middle aged non techie:

Was it last month that the power grid in India failed for three fourths of their vast population? I hope that event is being carefully studied by those who predict the effects of EMP. Not the cause, of course (or maybe so) but the effect on the populace.

FWIW I needed to replace some vacuum tubes in my 1947 radio phonograph which had belonged to my grandfather. The ones I located were either old RCA stock or were made in Russia. Seems the old-timey radios are still popular in the Motherland.

“In contrast, solid-state devices will fail permanently if the voltage limits (typically less than 1 volts) are exceeded. EMP is science, not politics, yet every time the topic comes up on FR, it becomes an opportunity for some to demonstrate their ignorance.”

Really, a single “volts” kills electronics?