An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) can cause permanent or temporary damage to electrical devices and has no impact on living organisms. Electromagnetic energy travels as fast as light. It affects vulnerable devices such as mobile phones, laptops, water supplies, power systems, traffic lights, etc., causing a chaotic situation among humans. To understand how to protect electronics from EMP, it is essential to prepare beforehand to protect your devices from damage.
Solar power systems such as Jackery Solar Generators are a reliable choice for charging your devices. They provide emergency backup power during power outages and extended blackouts. The solar generator uses renewable energy and can rescue your dependency on grid electricity in case it has a fault caused by an EMP attack.
Key Takeaways
- EMPs are unpredictable and rapid bursts of energy produced by nuclear detonation.
- An EMP can impact vulnerable electronic devices such as phones, laptops, power systems, antennas, and car electronics.
- Non-electrical, manual, vintage, portable devices and solar panels can survive an EMP attack.
- A Faraday cage composed of tinfoil can protect your electronics from EMP.
What Is The Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP)?
An EMP or electromagnetic pulse is an electromagnetic radiation burst that creates energy that damages your electronic devices easily. These are often unpredictable and rapid bursts of energy that are produced by nuclear detonation, EMP bombs, or natural solar events, causing loss of power. By using RF shielding techniques like electromagnetic shielding for electromagnetic radiation, you can mitigate electromagnetic risks as magnetic material barriers block the electromagnetic field.
EMP is caused by a mechanism called nuclear detonation, which causes the ionization of air molecules by gamma rays generated by the explosion. When these gamma rays interact with the air molecules, they ionize the molecules to produce recoil electrons called Compton electrons. EMP causes the electric power systems to be at risk from surges; however, if the EMP is at a kiloton-range surface, it might not produce serious damage outside the radius of severe destruction.
Why Do You Need to Protect Electronics from EMP?
You must protect your electronics from EMP for health, survival, and quality of life. Any resemblance to everyday life requires reliable access to electricity, and most payments are made electronically. Such electronic shortages may also limit access to clean water and sanitary resources. EMP damages electronics in three ways: electrostatic interference, magnetostatic effects, and high-intensity surges.
An EMP attack can cause electronics and generators to stop working permanently or temporarily. There are two factors to consider: the device and the power grid. The device may work for a while but will be dead as there will be no power to recharge. When electronics are harmed, these might be unable to change from on to off state. Moreover, remote equipment data communication would be affected. EMP can damage any device powered by electricity, from televisions to phones to generators. While hand-held devices may still recover from an EMP attack, the damage can vary depending on the severity of the power. Systems connected to power lines, such as landlines or grid networks, might get permanently damaged when exposed to EMPs.
What Are The Types of EMP Events?
EMPs can be caused by natural or man-made disturbances. Some EMP types are mundane, while others could cause a SHTF scenario. Here are the types of EMPs caused by natural and man-made disturbances.
Natural EMP Events
Electrostatic Discharge: An ESD is caused when two charged objects come into contact.
Lightning Electromagnetic Pulses (LEMP) occur from lightning strikes. They cause a massive initial current flow, after which a pulsating decreasing energy flow occurs.
Meteoric EMP: The discharge of electromagnetic energy causes a meteoric EMP. It results from the impact of a meteoroid passing through the earth’s atmosphere.
Coronal Mass Ejections: Also known as solar EMPs, coronal mass ejections occur from the blast of magnetic field and plasma from the sun's corona and are associated with solar flares.
Man-Made Events
Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse: Although surges of electricity from faulty electrical systems in the power grid can damage electronics, the NEMP, or nuclear electromagnetic pulse, occurs due to a nuclear explosion. When the gamma rays ionize the air molecules to produce Compton electrons, this energy pulse creates the EMP.
Non-Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse: An e-bomb or electromagnetic bomb can cause NNEMP or non-nuclear electromagnetic pulse without nuclear technology. These weapons can be carried as payloads in drones and cruise missiles.
EMP causes electronic devices and power grid faults, ultimately stopping appliances' functions. In cases of a power surge, solar power systems like the Jackery Solar Generator can be a reliable option for emergency backup power to charge appliances.
What Are The Potential Impacts of The EMP?
EMP can cause temporary or permanent damage to electronic equipment and devices and has little or no effect on living organisms. If EMP occurs due to a nuclear explosion, radiation will be present. Otherwise, EMP is not radioactive in general. A powerful electromagnetic field causes short circuits in any electrical equipment nearby after the EMP has been deployed. This electromagnetic energy travels at the speed of light and simultaneously affects all vulnerable equipment. Some effects are more severe than others, like the fallout of losing the power grid and water supply.
Here is a list of vulnerable electronics that might be affected by an EMP:
- Cell Phone
- Laptop
- Emergency Radio
- Flashlight
- Car Electronic Systems
- Computer
- Satellites
- Radar Receivers
- Traffic Lights
- Railway Networks
- Power Systems
- Telecommunication Equipment
- Water Supplies
- Antennas
How to Protect Electronics from The EMP?
An EMP attack can harm civilization in the short term and long term. However, with adequate preparation, an EMP event can survive if taken care of some warnings. Along with general survival tips, functioning electronic devices are essential to stay connected during the event. Here are a few ways to protect your electronics from the EMP:
Turn Off And Unplug Equipment
Turning off your non-essential equipment is the easiest way to reduce the damage caused by EMP. The equipment should be turned off from the main switch and unplugged from power cords, ethernet cables, coaxial cables, and telephone lines. If you cannot remove the cord, you can coil it near the equipment to let it pick up EMP energy. Turn the wireless equipment off and remove them from the charging adaptors. Since the battery can assist the EMP if damaged, it should be removed from the electronics.
Use Surge Protection Devices
When an EMP causes electrical power surges, surge protection protects the wiring, consumer unit, and accessories from the surge. Many devices use metal oxide varistors, which can cause fire if they fail. To overcome this, you should always use fire-proof surge protection devices whenever possible. It is advisable to keep a spare surge protection device in case one needs to be replaced.
Backup Generator
A backup generator system is a vital system to protect against EMPs. The generator should only be connected to commercial power if you have high-quality surge protection. In this case, a natural gas generator is the best option for backup power generators as it cannot catch EMP energy.
Use The Best Building Materials
When you live at your home, you must consider the materials used to protect certain sections of your home. Although no one can live in a house entirely made of metals, some materials have a better protection rate against EMPs than others. For example, wood gives a transparent protection rating; masonry has a poor protection rating; concrete material with no windows has a moderate protection rating; and all metals with no windows have an excellent protection rating.
DIY-Faraday Case
If you have not invested in electromagnetic shielding devices, you can make quick and easy EMP shields at home. A homemade Faraday cage can be composed of aluminum foil, and you can protect yourself from EMPs by wrapping your devices in tinfoil. Another way is to throw your electronics into steel trash cans for protection during EMP attacks.
If you have a metal roof at home or if your home is powered by solar generators like the Jackery Solar Generators, it is another excellent way to protect your electronics from an EMP attack. You can put your electronics inside a microwave, as it has in-built EMP shielding and acts like a Faraday cage for some smaller devices. To test the efficacy, place your phone in a microwave and try to call in. If the call doesn’t connect, then it has excellent EMP protection.
Jackery Solar Generators for Emergencies
Jackery is a sustainable brand that manufactures solar generators, portable power stations, and solar panels to provide clean and green energy to nature lovers. The Jackery Solar Generator is a portable solar power system that uses solar energy to charge most essential devices when needed. It combines Jackery Portable Power Station and Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels. When the solar panels are placed outside, they capture solar radiation on a bright sunny day and convert it into electrical energy. This energy is stored in the power station or the built-in inverter, which converts DC into AC to charge the appliances. The Jackery Solar Generators offer emergency backup power during power surges caused by EMP and keep your devices powered whenever needed.
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro
With a large capacity, low noise level, and longer battery life, the Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro supports 99% of electrical appliances. It is ideal for various scenarios, including RV, off-grid living, camping, travel trailers, and blackouts. Solar generators can charge your appliances when the municipal power grid is faulted and offer a long running time.
Appliance Working Hours
- Electric grill (850W): 3.0H
- Coffee machine (1500W): 1.7H
- Mobile phone (29W): 88.6H
- Heater (1800W): 1.4H
Customer Review
“ The 3000 Pro will be our backup power for the home fridge and chest freezer. I have already tested it, and it has 3 days of power for the fridge and 5+ days for the freezer. The next test is together. We plugged in our radiant heater for a test. 1.5 hours and done. It only took 2.1 hours of wall plugging for a full recharge.” -- JD
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus has a leaping performance and can power heavy-duty appliances. It supports additional battery packs and solar panels and is ideal for off-grid living and extended blackouts. Suppose EMP has disrupted the power grip and has no energy flow. In that case, you can rely upon this solar generator as it has an expandable capacity to provide additional solar emergency power.
Appliance Working Hours
- Portable Air Conditioner (1150W): 1.5H
- Electric Oven (800W): 2.1H
- Outdoor Electric Grill (1700W): 1.0H
- Angle Grinder (400W): 4.3H
Customer Review
“ Set up was easy—followed instructions. I charged as advertised. Set up on a partly sunny day to test and perform very well. Operated various appliances, including a mid-sized electric heater. Performed as expected. Purchased for emergencies, and I believe it will do the job.” -- Julie Botsko
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh)
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh) is a long-lasting and reliable solar generator. In general or during an EMP blast, you can allow power to become independent as the solar generator uses clean and renewable energy to charge the appliances. It is easy to expand, has fast solar charging capacity, does not emit toxic fumes, and can be easily operated. It is ideal for off-grid living, power outages during EMP, and extended blackouts.
Appliance Working Hours
- Hand Drill (400W): 8.6H
- Microwave (1050W): 3.3H
- Kettle (850W): 4.08H
Customer Review
“ The 2000 Plus battery pack is an excellent way to expand your storage if you already have one of the Jackery Solar Generators in the ‘Plus’ line. No frills, easy-to-use connections, and charging times were reported. Built-in handles make carrying simple.” -- Patrick Walz
What Electronics Would Survive An EMP Attack?
The electromagnetic waves of an EMP attack the electronics connected to the power grid or rely on electric power. Authorities of a large-scale EMP could take six months to repair the power grid, ultimately descending the human race into chaos. There would be no power to fuel the vehicles' engines, and the internet would be down. However, some appliances have a chance of surviving an EMP attack:
Non-Electrical Appliances
Non-electrical appliances such as ovens, gas generators, and solar-powered lighting can survive an EMP attack and work even after being affected by a pulsed attack.
Manual Appliances
Devices such as toothbrushes, non-electric razors, or bottle openers require you to input energy to make them work; hence, these will be EMP-proof.
Vintage Electronics and Handheld Devices
Some devices are better when not upgraded into electronic counterparts; the older they are, the more capacity they have to repel an EMP attack. Handheld devices like phones can survive an EMP attack if protected using an EMP shield.
Solar Panels
Solar panels or solar power systems rely on sun energy and do not use grid energy, so they can quickly recover from an EMP attack.
How to Protect Electronic Devices From EMP FAQs
What size of solar generator do I need for an emergency?
Since solar generators rely upon the sun's energy, you can access clean and green energy. To know the size of a solar generator, you should see the number of devices you need to charge and for how long you need to charge them.
For example, a Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro can charge a kettle (850W) and a microwave (560W),
Working Time = Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro Capacity in Wh × 0.85 / Operating wattage of the appliances.
So, Working time = 3024Wh × 0.85 / 1410W = 1.82H
Note: While charging the devices, some power loss occurs; hence, multiplied by 0.85.
What material can block an EMP?
Tinfoil can block an EMP. To protect your device from an EMP attack, wrap it in any non-conductive insulation and add layers of tin foil.
Will aluminum foil protect electronics from EMP?
Yes, a Faraday cage made of aluminum foil can protect your devices from EMP.
Will an EMP destroy electronics that are off?
EMP can damage an electronic device, whether it is on or off.
Would batteries be affected by an EMP?
Since batteries have conductors and electronic parts, an EMP attack can damage the batteries.
Protect Electronics From Emp
An electromagnetic pulse is a radiation burst that can damage almost all your electrical devices. Understanding how to protect electronics from EMP is essential for survival, health, and overall quality of life. Moreover, an EMP pulse can also limit access to water and sanitary resources. It causes many devices to stop working temporarily or permanently. Devices such as laptops, mobile phones, radios, flashlights, computers, satellites, and industrial devices are impacted by an EMP attack. Although EMP can cause extended faults in grid power supply, solar power systems such as Jackery Solar Generators can provide emergency backup power using renewable energy and charge your appliances back like usual during a power surge caused by EMP.
Are Jackery solar generators and solar panels hardened against an EMP, either man-made or naturally occurring?
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