Subject: How do non-nuclear EMPs work?

I'm doing a summer independent research project on EMPs and shielding for my 
school. I've concentrated on nuclear-based EMPs (Compton effect, etc.) and how 
to shield electrical components, but I've heard of non-nuclear EMPs and 
there's little I've found on non-nuclear EMPs. I know it has something to do 
with tremendous amounts of electrical energy (thousands of volts, high amps, 
etc.) but I don't know how it occurs. I know that if you suddenly open a high 
energy electrical circuit, there is a sudden power spike across the switch. 
Does this have something to do with it? Or does it have to do with an 
electrical application to the Compton effect (like the guy and his camera 
flash resetting his clock)? Basically, how do non-nuclear EMPs work?

Re: How do non-nuclear EMPs work?