Posted: 5/22/2007 8:56:54 PM EDT
| I was just wondering, if an EMP was set off, how would it effect circuits that are not running at the time? Like if my car was not running or my cell phone was off while the EMP happened. Would the car/cell phone or similar gadgets be okay if they were off or would it make no difference? |
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It doesn't matter if there's current running to the device or if there's a battery in it. What matters is the proximity to the blast and the length of conductor involved. Unplugging stuff would help. Cars are probably not as vulnerable to a wide-scale EMP as most people think, but the power grid is probably more vulnerable. |
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This topic has been (literally!) beaten to death in the Survival Forums. The threat from EMP is GREATLY exaggerated. There is more bullshit regarding EMP floating around on the internet than you'll find in a decade's worth of Alex Jones radio shows! THE SHORT COURSE: 1. Unless a device is connected to a large electrical conductor (such as electric utility lines, phone line, cable TV or a large antenna), it stands an excellent chance of surviving EMP. This includes portable radios, cell phones, PDAs, flashlights, calculators, wrist watches and probably most laptop computers. RULE OF THUMB: Small and portable = survivable. 2. Devices that are turned off are much less likely to be damaged. 3. Vehicles are unlikely to be damaged, due to (A.) the lack of any long conductors, (B.) the shielding effect of the metallic car body, and (C.) the ruggedized design of automotive electronics. |