[DK Zimmerman]

Nor am I an expert, but what I understand of it...

Electrical lines can cause a system outside of the 'normal' range of the weapon to be affected due to the antenna effect, just as it can funnel in a pulse sufficient to fry-through otherwise "safe" features closer in.

However, neither of those effects are required to do damage. Your Mr. Coffee, your television, and electronic ignition, all those can be fried directly.

As I mentioned before, the Army frequently resorted to protecting systems by having them disconnected and placed into a shielded case. Just unplugging them doesn't suffice.

[js1138]

One thing is certain. EMP near a city can darken it. That and the CNN uplink the news rode in on.