Is an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) a risk for the motors?

Understanding electromagnetic pulse (EMP) concerns and how they relate to your Simple Pump motor system helps with preparedness planning.

What is an EMP?

An electromagnetic pulse is a burst of electromagnetic energy that can damage electronic equipment. Sources include:

• Nuclear detonation (HEMP)
• Solar events (CME)
• Localized EMP devices

Simple Pump Motor Vulnerability

Motor Construction

Simple Pump motors are brushed DC motors:

• Relatively simple construction
• Minimal electronic components
• No complex circuitry
• Mechanical commutation

Comparison to Electronics

Unlike computers or solid-state equipment:

• No microprocessors to damage
• No sensitive integrated circuits
• Minimal semiconductor components
• More resistant than complex electronics

Risk Assessment

Lower Risk Elements

• Motor windings (copper wire)
• Mechanical components
• Basic switches and contacts
• Simple wiring connections

Potentially Vulnerable Elements

• Charge controllers (if using solar)
• Electronic switches or timers
• Any solid-state components
• Connected electronic systems

Protection Considerations

For Motor System

• Motor itself is relatively hardy
• Disconnect from other systems when not in use
• Store spare brushes and parts
• Consider manual operation as primary backup

For Solar/Battery Systems

• Charge controllers more vulnerable
• Consider Faraday protection for spares
• Simple systems less vulnerable than complex
• Battery itself unaffected by EMP

The Hand Pump Advantage

The Simple Pump hand-operated configuration has zero electronic components. It will function after any EMP event with no vulnerability whatsoever.

Why Hand Operation is EMP-Proof

• Pure mechanical operation
• No electricity required
• No electronic components
• No semiconductors or circuits

Preparedness Strategy

Many customers purchase Simple Pump specifically for EMP preparedness:

• Install with hand operation
• Motor is convenient addition
• Hand pump always works
• True grid-independent water

Practical Recommendations

For EMP Preparedness

1. Primary: Hand operation

   • Always available
   • Zero EMP vulnerability
   • No power required

2. Secondary: Protected spare motor

   • Store spare motor in Faraday protection
   • Include spare charge controller if solar
   • Keep spare wiring/connections

3. Tertiary: Working motor system

   • Use for daily convenience
   • May survive minor events
   • Easily replaced from stored spares

Faraday Protection Options

For spare components:

• Metal garbage can with tight lid
• Ammo cans (metal)
• Purpose-built Faraday bags
• Multiple layers of protection

Other Preparedness Considerations

Beyond EMP

Simple Pump provides backup for:

• Power outages (common)
• Submersible pump failure
• Grid instability
• Natural disasters

Practical Priority

While EMP is a concern:

• Power outages are much more likely
• Simple Pump serves both scenarios
• Hand operation covers all situations

Summary