Abstract <p>Connecting an external pulse voltage source to a conductor creates a rapidly changing electric field in it, which leads to a redistribution of current across its cross section. From the study of fast mechanical processes, it was established that, at the fronts of an electrical pulse, a short-term jump in the magnitude of magnetic induction occurs. These jumps are caused by the appearance of radial polarization currents. The interaction of radial currents with the annular component of the magnetic field of the main current leads to the emergence of the Ampere force. This force in the axial direction causes a shock wave response in the metallic material. The amplitude of mechanical vibrations was measured by determining the acceleration of the surface layers of the material. It has been established that the amplitude of the resulting vibrational response of the material depends linearly on the amplitude of the electrical pulse. The direction of the vibrational response depends on the direction (sign) of the external electrical impulse. The obtained results will help to form a consistent theory of the electroplastic effect and will contribute to the effective application of the electroplastic effect in technologies.</p>