A REFERENCE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM FOR ELECTROSHOCK WEAPONS

Published

June 3, 2013

Author(s)

Nicholas G. Paulter Jr., Donald R. Larson

Abstract

We have developed a measurement system to accurately measure the electrical current and high-voltage output of electroshock weapons (ESW) that are used to deliver an electrical stimulus to humans for the purpose of incapacitation. Since the output of several ESW consist of a train of impulse-like signals having transients with a duration of 10 ns or less and pulse train duration greater than 5 s, we have assembled a unique waveform recorder, using commercially-available components, to acquire this time varying output of the ESW. The electrical load needed to simulate the load presented by the human body (the target) will also be discussed. We have developed a variable load that can be automatically changed between pulses from an ESW. The pulse parameters selected for measurement are discussed. An uncertainty analysis of the measurement system and measurement results has been developed and will be presented. We will also report on the progress of IEC62792 “Electroshock weapon measurement method,” a standard being developed by Working Group 22 of the IEC TC 85.

Conference Dates

June 3-5, 2013

Conference Location

Ettlingen

Conference Title

7th European Symposium on Non-Lethal Weapons

Pub Type

Conferences

Download Paper

Local Download

Keywords

electroshock weapon, measurement uncertainty, standard, waveform recorder

Citation

Paulter, N. and Larson, D. (2013), A REFERENCE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM FOR ELECTROSHOCK WEAPONS, 7th European Symposium on Non-Lethal Weapons, Ettlingen, -1, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=913730 (Accessed October 22, 2025)