E.m.p attack- Can data & home computers survive?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential effects of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack on electronic devices and data storage mediums. Participants explore the survivability of various devices, methods for protection, and the effectiveness of different materials in shielding against EMP effects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether only electronic devices are affected by an EMP or if storage mediums like flash memory and optical discs are also rendered unusable.
  • There is curiosity about the readability of data on USB external HDDs and DVDs after an EMP attack.
  • Participants propose various home methods for protecting storage devices, including wrapping them in tin foil and storing them in a safe.
  • One participant suggests constructing a Faraday box or cage for protection, mentioning the need for reinforced concrete and expressing concerns about air filtration and water purification systems.
  • Questions arise regarding the grounding of Faraday cages and the effectiveness of materials like brass mesh in blocking EMPs.
  • Some participants express interest in practical applications, such as storing devices in a car or microwave for protection.
  • There is a discussion about the potential effectiveness of rubber in blocking electricity from an EMP.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the effectiveness of various protective measures or the specifics of how EMPs affect different devices and materials. Multiple competing views and uncertainties remain throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include varying assumptions about the nature of EMPs, the effectiveness of proposed shielding methods, and the specific conditions under which devices may or may not be affected.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals concerned about EMP effects on technology, those exploring protective measures for electronic devices, and enthusiasts interested in practical applications of electromagnetic shielding.

Dav333
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Is it just the electronics devices like notebooks, PC's that are rendered useless or as well the actual storage mediums like flash memory & optical discs even when there stored away?

Would data on usb external HDD, flash memory, & dvd optical storage be readable after the attack?

What home methods can keep these storage devices safe?


Do the devices (usb flash & say notebook) have to be connected to power in order to be affected by the emp?

Would wrapping devices in a lot of tin foil & storing them in a safe be enough?


I'm not getting ready for ww3, but I'm pretty curious.
 
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Certainly CDs would survive...but I'm curious about flash and hard drives too...
 
Just construct a Faraday box for your flash drives, a Faraday cage for your computer room, and in conjunction with reinforced concrete that should provide enough EMP protection. I'd be worried about air filtration and water purification systems if I was you.

Naturally an underground bunker addresses all these issues. If you consider the cost, the quality of life after a nuclear blast, and the overall damage to infrastructure, looting, and zombie Brooklynites, I'd just invest in a HAM rig, pactor modems, long lasting batteries and put them all in that Faraday cage.
 
I would like to make a small one that shields a notebook, just for fun.

How thick or heavy duty does the ground wire have to be? Would a long 10-12awg wire be enough? Couldn't I just use a copper pipe? And have it deep into the ground?

As for brass mesh, wouldn't the emp still get through the holes in the mesh?

cheers.
 
I got more info from a few non science forums on how to build a FC

But for a small box that you can hold easy, would it stll need a ground wire? Or does all the electricity just go away in the air?
 
Dav333, you don't need to ground a Faraday cage. A Faraday cage is a conducting box.

cronxeh, I'm not sure I know how this works. Blocking a pulse EMF requires a rapid rearrangement of charge in the cage. Resistance impedes charge rearrangement. Also, conduction alone doesn't block magnetic fields. Is this an issue?
 
Would storing devices in a car & microwave work?
 
Dav333 said:
I would like to make a small one that shields a notebook, just for fun.

How thick or heavy duty does the ground wire have to be? Would a long 10-12awg wire be enough? Couldn't I just use a copper pipe? And have it deep into the ground?

As for brass mesh, wouldn't the emp still get through the holes in the mesh?

cheers.

I suggest wheels - to help you move it about during the day.
 
Just curious, would a device housed in rubber block out the electricity? Or some of it?
 

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