Upon firing, compressed nitrogen projects two
TASER® C2 probes about 15 feet at a speed of about 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 temporary loss of the attacker’s neuromuscular control and any ability to perform coordinated action. The
TASER® C2 uses an automatic timing mechanism to apply the electric charge. The
TASER® C2 releases an electric current in a pre-set 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 assailant is temporarily disabled, the user can place the device on the ground and escape.
HOW CAN THE TASER® DEVICE BE SO EFFECTIVE YET NON-INJURIOUS?
The
TASER®C2 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, the
TASER® C2 is non-destructive to nerves, muscles and other body elements. It simply affects them in their natural mode. More importantly, no deaths have ever been directly attributed to the
TASER® C2.
DOES THE TASER® DEVICE AFFECT THE HEART OR A CARDIAC PACEMAKER?
The
TASER® C2 output is well below the level established as "safe" by the federal government in approving such devices as the electrified cattle fence. Any modern pacemaker is designed to withstand an electrical defibrillator pulse that is hundreds of times stronger than the
TASER® C2 output. The
TASER® C2 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® C2 power supply consists of an alkaline 9-Volt battery that is capable of supplying less than three watts of electrical power for a few minutes.
WILL THE TASER® DEVICE 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 a TASER® device while standing in water to emphasize this point.
WHAT ARE THE AFTEREFFECTS?
A person hit with a
TASER® C2 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
TASER® C2 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.
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® C2 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 assailant 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® C2 will be extremely effective. To ensure that the spread is greater than six inches, the
TASER® C2 should be fired at a target several feet away. The optimum shot is from seven to ten feet away from the attacker 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 AN EFFECT ON THE TASER® C2?
No. The
TASER® C2 utilizes compressed nitrogen (an inert gas). The
TASER® C2 compressed air capsules have successfully held their charges at temperatures of minus 20º F and up to 160º F. Moreover, altitude will not adversely affect the firing of a
TASER® C2. In addition, the temperature will not affect the T-Wave.