We analyze, in the absence of space charge, nonaxisymmetric wave propagation in pulsed power machines in the long wavelength limit (&lgr;≫anode‐cathode gap dimensions). The conditions for generalized TEM waves are derived for both straight (coaxial) and convergent (double‐disk) transmission lines. We examine the asymmetries resulting from the lack of switch synchronization as it affects the wave propagation and power delivery to a small radius symmetric imploding load. We apply the long wavelength equations to the output water line and vacuum feed sections of a machine resembling BLACKJACK V and calculate the reduction in power delivered to the load as a function of the degree of synchronization. An important, but simple, consequence of the theory is that for a small symmetric load the angular average of the voltage at the switches is approximately the effective driver of the power reaching the load.