Why Role Does Voltage Play In Tasers?

A lot of people assume that because Tasers emit such a high voltage that that must be the “stun factor,” and so the higher voltage that comes in their stun gun, the better. That’s not the case. Voltage is an important part of stun technology, but is actually the amperage, or current of the electricity, that is the most important factor in keeping stun guns at a non-lethal level.

Voltage is the “pressure” of the electricity. A water analogy is commonly used to illustrate the parts of electricity, and voltage is likened unto the water pressure coming out of a garden hose. Tasers employ 50,000 volts because that much pressure is needed for the electrons to “make the jump” from the darts on the end of the wires to the target. That is why Tasers work through up to 2 inches of clothing. The high voltage enables the electricity to complete the circuit without the probes touching skin. Even though volts aren’t what affects the body’s response to electricity, it should be noted that all 50,000 volts do not enter the body. Most of the volts are used up propelling the wires and barbs out of the gun and penetrating any clothing. On average, only about 1,500 volts per pulse enter the body.

So if volts don’t matter the most, what is this stuff about amperes? As mentioned above, amps are the current, or flow of electrons. Taser’s website gives the example of the Van De Graff Generator at a science museum. You know, those things you put your hands on and it makes your hair go crazy from static electricity? Those generate 20 MILLION VOLTS. But there is almost no current in it, so you don’t feel anything except your hair standing up on end. A normal electrical shock from a standard household wall outlet has about 4,000 times the current that a Taser does. It’s been said that 0.021 amperes can kill a person; Taser weapons are programmed to deliver an average of 0.002 amperes, well below a lethal level. In case you’re still worried, the wires that propel the electrical current from the Taser unit are very small and incapable of carrying large currents.

So voltage plays a key role in stun technology; it is actually what makes it possible to keep a safe distance between you and the target. Keep in mind, however, that higher voltage doesn’t necessarily mean you can be farther away- it just means the current will travel faster across the void between the barbs and the target.

So why do other stun devices offer such high voltages if it really has no bearing on the effectiveness of the weapon? Good question- you’ll just have to come back soon and find out in the next segment.