What Electronics Will Survive an EMP?

What Electronics Will Survive an EMP?

Wondering what electronics will survive an EMP? It's a question that keeps many preppers up at night. An electromagnetic pulse could instantly fry most modern devices, leaving us without communication, transportation, or basic utilities. I've spent years researching this threat and testing various protection methods.

Understanding EMP Vulnerability

Most modern electronics with microchips and circuit boards are highly vulnerable to EMP attacks. The pulse creates a surge of electromagnetic energy that overwhelms electronic components, rendering them useless.

When I first started prepping in 2015, I underestimated how devastating an EMP could be. It's not just about losing your smartphone or laptop - it's about the entire electrical grid potentially collapsing.

Electronics That Naturally Resist EMP Damage

Not all electronics are equally vulnerable. Some devices are naturally more resistant to EMP effects:

• Simple electrical devices without microprocessors
• Older vacuum tube equipment
• Basic appliances with minimal electronic components
• Hand-crank or battery-powered radios without digital displays
• Mechanical watches and clocks

I keep a vintage mechanical watch and a simple hand-crank radio in my prep supplies. They're not fancy, but they'll work when everything else fails.

Why Older Electronics Are More Resistant

Electronics made before the 1980s often use vacuum tubes or simple transistor circuits rather than sensitive microchips. These older components can handle electromagnetic surges better than modern miniaturized electronics.

My grandfather's old tube radio from the 1960s would likely survive an EMP when my smart TV wouldn't stand a chance. The physical size and robust construction of older electronics provide natural protection.

Battery-Powered Devices

Simple battery-powered devices without sensitive electronics might survive an EMP, especially if they're not connected to the power grid during the event. Items to consider keeping:

• Basic flashlights
• Simple battery-operated tools
• Analog battery clocks
• Non-digital thermometers

I always store spare batteries in a protected container to ensure they'll work after an EMP event.

Protecting Your Essential Electronics

For critical modern devices you can't live without, EMP protection is essential. This is where EMP Shield protection systems from Prepper Hideout come in.

Founded by Darren Small in 2012, Prepper Hideout offers comprehensive emergency preparedness solutions, including top-quality EMP protection products. Their EMP protection bundles safeguard your home's electrical system, vehicles, and generators from both electromagnetic pulses and lightning strikes.

Faraday Cages: Your First Line of Defense

A Faraday cage blocks electromagnetic fields. You can protect smaller electronics by storing them in:

• Metal ammo cans with gasket seals
• Faraday bags specially designed for EMP protection
• Galvanized metal trash cans with tight-fitting lids
• Microwave ovens (unplugged, of course)

I tested my homemade Faraday cage by placing a cell phone inside and calling it - no signal means it's working correctly. The Faraday Defense NX3 Kit from Prepper Hideout offers professional-grade protection for your essential devices.

Critical Systems That Need Protection

Some systems are too important to risk losing in an EMP event:

• Communication equipment (ham radios, emergency radios)
• Medical devices
• Home security systems
• Solar power system components

For whole-home protection, Prepper Hideout offers the EMP Shield Home Protection system, which installs directly to your breaker box.

Off-Grid Power That Can Survive

After an EMP, the power grid may be down indefinitely. Having EMP-resistant power generation is crucial:

• Manual generators
• Protected solar systems
• Hydroelectric generators

Prepper Hideout offers excellent off-grid power solutions like the Low Voltage Micro Hydro Turbine, which provides reliable power from flowing water without complex electronics that could be damaged by an EMP.

Preparing Your Vehicle

Modern vehicles with computerized systems are highly vulnerable to EMPs. Consider:

• Keeping an older vehicle (pre-1980s) without electronic ignition
• Installing vehicle-specific EMP protection
• Storing spare electronic components in Faraday protection

Prepper Hideout's EMP Shield for Automobiles provides purpose-built protection for your vehicles against both EMP and lightning strikes.

Why EMP Preparedness Matters

An EMP could come from a solar coronal mass ejection (CME), a high-altitude nuclear detonation, or even non-nuclear EMP weapons. The risk is real enough that both military and civilian agencies have developed contingency plans.

When I talk to people about what electronics will survive an EMP, I emphasize that preparation doesn't mean living in fear - it means having peace of mind knowing you're ready for whatever comes.

Protecting Critical Infrastructure

When it comes to EMP survival, protecting your home's essential systems is crucial. I learned this the hard way after a lightning strike fried my power meter and some appliances.

Now I use an EMP Shield home protection system to safeguard my entire electrical system. It installs right at the breaker box and defends against EMPs, lightning, and solar flares.

EMP-Resistant Communication

After an EMP, communication will be vital. Some options that may still work:

• Hand-crank emergency radios
• Old-school landline phones (if the lines survive)
• CB radios
• Protected ham radio equipment

I keep a basic hand-crank radio in my emergency kit. It's not fancy, but it'll work when everything else is toast.

EMP and Solar Power

Solar panels themselves are fairly EMP-resistant. But the sensitive electronics that control them are vulnerable.

To protect your solar setup:

• Use EMP protection on inverters and charge controllers
• Keep spare components in Faraday protection
• Consider EMP-hardened solar equipment

Prepper Hideout offers great solar solutions like the Zamp Legacy 170W Solar Panel Kit. Pair it with proper EMP protection for a resilient power source.

EMP-Proof Water Systems

Clean water is life. After an EMP, electric pumps and filtration systems may fail. Focus on gravity-fed and manual options:

• Hand pumps for wells
• Gravity-fed water filters
• Stored water in EMP-safe containers

The Katadyn KFT Expedition Microfilter from Prepper Hideout is an excellent manual water filter that'll work post-EMP.

EMP and Medical Devices

For those with critical medical needs, EMP-proofing is essential. Some considerations:

• Keep spare devices in EMP-protected storage
• Have manual backups when possible
• Discuss EMP concerns with your doctor

I keep my spare asthma inhaler in a small Faraday bag, just in case.

EMP-Safe Food Storage

An EMP could knock out power for weeks or months. Plan your food storage accordingly:

• Focus on non-perishables and canned goods
• Use manual can openers
• Consider EMP-resistant freeze-dryers for long-term storage

The Xiros 2X Industrial Freeze Dryer from Prepper Hideout is built tough and perfect for a community of serious preppers.

Building an EMP-Resistant Workshop

After an EMP, the ability to repair and build will be invaluable. Stock your workshop with:

• Manual tools
• Old-school machining equipment
• EMP-protected power tools (stored in Faraday cages)

I've slowly built up a collection of quality hand tools that'll keep working no matter what.

EMP and Transportation

Modern vehicles are highly vulnerable to EMP. To stay mobile:

• Keep an older vehicle (pre-1980s) as a backup
• Store spare parts for critical vehicle systems
• Consider EMP protection for your primary vehicle

Prepper Hideout offers vehicle-specific EMP protection to keep you on the road.

Surviving Long-Term Power Loss

An EMP could knock out the grid for months or years. Long-term power solutions are crucial:

• Solar with EMP-protected components
• Micro-hydro systems
• Wind turbines (with protected electronics)
• Wood gasification for fuel

I'm a big fan of the Low Voltage Micro Hydro Turbine from Prepper Hideout. It's simple, effective, and less vulnerable to EMP than other power sources.

The Importance of Community

No prep is complete without considering your community. After an EMP:

• Pool resources and skills with neighbors
• Establish local communication networks
• Work together on larger projects (water, power, security)

I've started building relationships with my neighbors, focusing on complementary skills and resources.

FAQs About EMP-Resistant Electronics

Will a microwave oven protect electronics from EMP?

An unplugged microwave can work as a makeshift Faraday cage, but it's not 100% reliable. Purpose-built Faraday protection is better.

Are old tube radios EMP-proof?

Tube-based electronics are more EMP-resistant than modern solid-state devices, but they're not invulnerable. Additional protection is still wise.

Will an EMP permanently destroy electronics?

In many cases, yes. The surge can fry sensitive components beyond repair. Some simpler devices might survive or be repairable.

How long would it take to recover from an EMP attack?

Estimates vary widely, from weeks to years depending on the scale of the event. Proper preparation can drastically reduce your personal recovery time.

Wrapping Up: Be Prepared, Not Scared

EMP preparedness isn't about fear - it's about resilience. By understanding what electronics will survive an EMP and taking smart precautions, you're setting yourself up to thrive in any scenario.

Prepper Hideout, founded by Darren Small in 2012, offers a comprehensive range of EMP protection and preparedness gear. Their products can help you build a robust, EMP-resistant lifestyle without breaking the bank.

Remember, the goal isn't to hoard a bunch of gear - it's to develop the skills and systems that'll keep you and your community thriving, no matter what comes our way. Stay prepared, stay positive, and keep learning!