The impact of non-nuclear EMP devices can be broken into the physical and virtual (data) categories.

Physical Effects:
1. Permanent damage. The device is rendered permanently inoperative and must be serviced or replaced to function correctly.
2. Interruption. The device ceases to function or acts in violation of inputs or programming while in the field of IEMI. The device may need to be rebooted, but can regain functionality without being taken out of service.
3. Degraded reliability, also referred to as systemic reliability degradation (SRD) due to components being damaged, but not failing until some later date.

Physical Effects
• Permanent Damage
• Interruption with subsequent recovery
• Degraded reliability

Data Effects:

1. Erroneous input (from sensors or changes to data before storage to permanent media). This is especially damaging to SCADA and DCS systems where the input provides the basis for decision by operators and preprogrammed logic.
2. Data Corruption. Incorrect data is stored as if it was valid.
3. Gaps in continuous data collection. This can be due to direct interference or because of physical effects.

Data Disrruption
• Erroneous reporting of sensors
• Data Corruption
• Gaps in data collection
• Data retention and compliance issues