Electricity after an EMP

[nickatnite]

A massive electromagnetic event striking Earth from space (as in coming from above the Earth, not on its surface), the origin of the event was not an important topic it could be a man made device or a natural event. The ''event'' as I will call it would knock out electrical grids and electronic devices the world over (that are not protected)!

The major question, what is a reliable sustainable energy source in the event of such a catastrophe. We thought we had solved our problems when we came to the idea of solar energy (granted, it would not provide the same power used today, but enough to have light and keep any important equipment on) then we realized... the solar panel system most likely wouldn't survive the actual event. We also tossed around the idea of gas powered generators, then realized that the gas will run out quite quickly if their is a panic, the public response is a variable that will be somewhat difficult to predict. So I ask you, what are your ideas?

p.s. I realize I stated this event would knock out electrical devices the world over so ''why do you need electricity to power nothing''. The reason being small devices can be repaired much faster than a nationwide power grid, and some devices would survive if they were protected (purposely or just by chance alone).

 

[themcfarland]

In the unlikely event of an EMP used in such a manor that a regional or national grid is effected we are in trouble..

The Transformers are usually made over seas and we only keep a few on hand for general repair, the switching stations I cant speak to but I can guess they have gone solid state and have some trouble from EMP..

I think it would be the 1900's real fast.. like 1901..

that directly affects my situation and the wife has sleep apnea, and is on an insulin pump.. our best hope is 90 days.. then I am on my own.. with the dog.. (90 days of meds)

I think there are a lot of people that would perish in a short period..

trash would build up, people start killing for food after 7 days, sometimes sooner...

barter systems would be established but regionally , some areas would fair better than others..


I dont think that there would be much chance for an alternative power, and there wouldnt be anything made domestically to use it anyway.. Name ONE electronic we have made in the US?

life would be slower, harder, dirtier, and the lazy and in-firmed would not make it..

 

[LACamper]

There's a downloadable novel about just such a thing. Look in the survival section and you'll find the title (sorry brain is fried right now).

Think 1960's vehicles. Start farming your lawn.
Devices inside a metal cabinet might survive. I don't know what good they would do you though. THink about your iphone. With no network. Pretty dull.

 

[Magpie]

It's called Lights Out.

 

[sam4freedom]

I'm thinking this http://www.tegpower.com/index.html coupled with a rocket stove to power a battery bank for a HAM/CB.

 

[jimdana1942]

Mankind survived for thousands of years without the electrical stuff. But life would change drastically and many would soon starve.

 

[dantheman]

The Transformers are usually made over seas and we only keep a few on hand for general repair, the switching stations I cant speak to but I can guess they have gone solid state and have some trouble from EMP..

I dont think that there would be much chance for an alternative power, and there wouldnt be anything made domestically to use it anyway.. Name ONE electronic we have made in the US?

There are plenty of transformers manufactured here in the U.S.
And , what type of electronic devices are you referring to ?

 

[themcfarland]

There are plenty of transformers manufactured here in the U.S.
And , what type of electronic devices are you referring to ?

are all of the components made here as well, and do they take power to assemble?

 

[dantheman]

are all of the components made here as well, and do they take power to assemble?

You're changing the subject .
I was addressing YOUR statement about transformers usually being made overseas . And I asked about what type of electronics you were referring to .

 

[themcfarland]

You're changing the subject .
I was addressing YOUR statement about transformers usually being made overseas . And I asked about what type of electronics you were referring to .

No dog in this fight. I get it that some are made here.. and I said ANY electronics..

 

[dantheman]

If you're talking about consumer electronics . then I agree that nearly all is made overseas . However , a lot of the electronics used in the electric utility business is still made here .

 

[themcfarland]

If you're talking about consumer electronics . then I agree that nearly all is made overseas . However , a lot of the electronics used in the electric utility business is still made here .

That I dont know much about, what I was talking about was consumer grade run of the mill ...

I am somewhat surprised that utility electronics that are used are made here? How is that possible? I dont doubt you but really?

in my communications background , nothing is made here.. and has not been since 70's.. maybe assembled but I doubt it..

 

[spanky]

people start killing for food after 7 days, sometimes sooner...

7?

I'm dipping into my ammo cans at day 1.5.

 

[Yrdawg]

WOW......

Didn't even know BS had a survival forum...

No power grid ...I have looked into one of those solar blankets I could just unroll onto the house to charge a couple trolling motor batts just to run a light or two and charge what ever cell phones or radios were left
I think batteries and blanket were around 700.00

Farming your lawn...I plan to start that, should have already, the whold world around me out here can grow anything and do , seems like year round

 

[LACamper]

Nope. Your cell phone and radios are fried. Unless they use radio tubes?

 

[dmh]

7?

I'm dipping into my ammo cans at day 1.5.

you're nicer than me. 6 hours and I WILL eat another human if necessary.

 

[Jed]

Mankind survived for thousands millions of years without the electrical stuff. But life would change drastically and many would soon starve.

It'll sure sort out the men from the boys though

 

[dantheman]

I am somewhat surprised that utility electronics that are used are made here? How is that possible? I dont doubt you but really?

in my communications background , nothing is made here.. and has not been since 70's.. maybe assembled but I doubt it..

A lot of the stuff is assembled here . As far as the individual components go , no doubt a lot of it is foreign manufactured , but we were talking about transformers which ARE still built here .

 

[Leonidas]

In answering the OP, I'm certainly no expert, but my guess would be that hydro-electric is sustainable and would not be affected by EMP. Since that is basically a mechanical process, it should be good to go. Right?

That does not address this issue of the functionality ofwhatever equipment is to be powered.

 

[simplyorange]

fire for cooking, work in daylight, rest in darkness.the less you think about the old luxuries, the better off you will be.you dont need electricity, you need fire,water,food,shelter, and means to protect all of it.