Electromagnetic pulse

An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) is a mechanism used in or caused by weaponry.

Weaponry
An electromagnetic pulse is used to disable or destroy turrets, robots, and other electronic security systems. Prototype weapons such as the pulse rifle prototype were developed before the war, and research was conducted on EMP weapons at locations such as Sugar Grove as part of Project PULSAR. EMP traps were also developed, utilized on doors or containers. Research on the robo-scorpion indicated that the creature required improved EMP shielding for the next prototype, due to damage caused by a sonic emitter.

Environmental
During the Great War, students at the University Credit Union stated that an EMP knocked out the power for a few minutes. Scientists in the Cambridge Polymer Labs, LLC experienced the same, stating that an EMP had "blown out all the external communications." Staff Sergeant Michael Daly's vertibird crashed due to "EMP following nuclear detonation."

Appearances
An electromagnetic pulse or EMP is mentioned in Fallout Tactics, Fallout: New Vegas, Fallout 4, and Fallout 76.