TASER® Frequently Asked Questions

TASER International may have created the perfect non-lethal self defense product in the TASER® C2. Below we've tried to answer your questions and help you to decide if a taser device is right for you. In addition we've created a TASER information page which includes a series of short videos regarding the TASER C2

Upon firing, compressed nitrogen projects two TASER® GUN probes 15 feet at a speed of 135 feet per second. An electrical signal transmits throughout the region where the probes make contact with the body or clothing. The result is an instant loss of the attacker’s neuromuscular control and any ability to perform coordinated action. TASER® uses an automatic timing mechanism to apply the electric charge. TASER® stun weapons release an electric current in a preset time sequence (an initial seven seconds followed by several 1.8 second breaks for a total time of about 30 seconds in each cycle). This cycle ensures that the nervous system of the target does not recover instantly to allow him to remove the probes. The follow-on bursts disrupt the process of re-equilibration of the nervous system. While the target is disabled, the user can place the device on the ground and escape.

HOW CAN THE TASER® BE SO EFFECTIVE YET NON-LETHAL SELF DEFENSE PRODUCT?

The TASER® technology does not depend upon impact or body penetration to achieve its effect. Its pulsating electrical output interferes with communication between the brain and the muscular system, resulting in loss of control. However, TASER devices are nondestructive to nerves, muscles and other body elements. More importantly, the TASER® is a non-lethal self defense weapon.

DOES THE TASER® AFFECT THE HEART OR A CARDIAC PACEMAKER?

TASER device output is well below the level established as "safe" by the federal government in approving such devices as the electrified cattle fence. In a medical studies of TASER devices, Dr. Robert Stratbucker of the University of Nebraska Medical Center confirmed that the T-Wave does not interrupt the heartbeat or damage a pacemaker. Any modern pacemaker is designed to withstand electrical defibrillator pulses that are hundreds of times stronger than TASER® output. The TASER® stun gun current of 0.3 joules is well below the 10-50 joule threshold above which cardiac ventricular fibrillation can occur.

ISN’T HIGH VOLTAGE LETHAL?

High voltage, in itself, is not dangerous. One can receive a 25,000-volt shock of static electricity from a doorknob on a dry day without harm. The physiological effect of electrical shock is determined by: the current, its duration, and the power source that produces the shock. The typical household current of 110 volts is dangerous because it can pump many amperes of current throughout the body indefinitely. By contrast, the TASER® stun weapons power supply consists of 8 AA batteries that are capable of supplying less than three watts of electrical power for a few minutes.

WILL THE TASER® CAUSE ELECTROCUTION?

No. The output is metered by the electronics and the electrical energy in each pulse is always the same, regardless of the target condition. The electrical output will not be transferred from one person to another even if they touch. TASER®, Inc.’s president has been stunned by an TASER® while standing in water to emphasize this point.

WHAT ARE THE AFTER EFFECTS?

A person hit with an TASER® GUN will feel dazed for several minutes. The pulsating electrical output causes involuntary muscle contractions and a resulting sense of vertigo. It can momentarily stun or render an attacker unconscious. Yet, the low electrical amperage and short duration of pulsating current, ensures a non-lethal charge. Moreover, it does not cause permanent damage or long-term aftereffects to muscles, nerves or other body functions. A January 1987 Annals of Emergency Medicine study reported TASER® technology leaves no long term injuries compared with 50% long term injuries for gun shot injuries.

MUST THE PROBES PENETRATE THE BODY TO BE EFFECTIVE?

No. The electrical current will "jump" up to two inches as long as both probes are attached to clothing or skin. At most, only the 3/8-inch needlepoint will penetrate the skin. They have less energy than a spring propelled BB.

WHAT IF THE PROBES MISS?

The TASER® can be used in a touch-stun mode. The user is thus provided with a final backup if the probes miss the target. Should the user miss or engage a second attacker, he can touch the unit directly to the target and it will work like a powerful touch-stun device.

WHAT IS THE BEST-SHOT AT MAXIMUM RANGE?

As long as the spread of the probes is at least six inches, the TASER® will be extremely effective. To ensure that the spread is greater than six inches, the TASER® should be fired at a target several feet away. The optimum shot is from seven to ten feet away form the target to achieve maximum effect. At seven to ten feet away - the spread of the probes will be approximately 16 inches, ensuring that the target receives the most efficient T-Wave flow.

DOES TEMPERATURE HAVE A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON THE TASER®?

No. The TASER® utilizes compressed nitrogen (an inert gas). The TAZER compressed air capsules have successfully held their charges at temperatures of minus 20º F and up to 160º F. Moreover, altitude will not adversely effect the firing of an TASER®. In addition, the temperature will not effect the T-Wave. However, as with any product containing poly carbonates and other thermoplastics, the TASER® and Air Cartridges should never be left in direct sunlight.

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