What Is a Taser?
A taser — properly called a Conducted Energy Device (CED) or Electronic Control Device (ECD) — is a weapon that uses electrical current to disrupt voluntary muscle control. The name "TASER" is a registered trademark of Axon Enterprise, Inc., derived from "Thomas A. Swift's Electric Rifle," the 1911 science fiction novel that inspired inventor Jack Cover.
Unlike conventional stun guns that require direct contact, a taser fires two small probes connected to thin conductive wires. When both probes make contact with the target, electrical current flows between them through the body, causing involuntary muscle contraction.
The Firing Sequence — Step by Step
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01
Trigger Pull
Pulling the trigger activates a nitrogen-propelled cartridge. The cartridge contains two probes (darts) on thin insulated wires, coiled tightly inside the cartridge housing.
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02
Probe Deployment
Compressed nitrogen expels the two probes at approximately 160 feet per second. The probes travel on separate trajectories — they splay apart as they fly, creating probe spread. At 15 feet, probe spread is approximately 12–18 inches, which helps ensure both probes make contact even with some aiming error.
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03
Probe Penetration
Each probe has a barbed tip designed to penetrate up to 2 inches of clothing and anchor in the skin or clothing layer. Both probes must make contact to complete the electrical circuit — if only one probe connects, no effect occurs (unless the device is also in drive-stun contact with the body).
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04
Electrical Pulse Delivery
Once both probes are anchored, the device delivers a series of high-voltage, low-amperage electrical pulses through the wires and into the body. TASER devices deliver 19 pulses per second for a 5-second cycle at approximately 50,000 volts peak — but with extremely low amperage (typically 0.003 amperes average).
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05
Neuromuscular Disruption
The electrical pulses interfere with the motor nerve signals traveling between the brain and muscles. The result is involuntary and uncontrollable muscle contraction throughout the muscle groups between the two probes. The person cannot control their limbs and typically falls. The effect ceases immediately when the electrical cycle ends — there is no residual impairment.
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06
Drive-Stun Mode (Backup)
If the probes miss or the cartridge has been expended, the TASER device can be pressed directly against the body to deliver a drive-stun. Drive-stun mode works through pain compliance (like a contact stun gun) — it does NOT cause neuromuscular disruption unless used in conjunction with an anchored probe. It is used primarily as a compliance tool in law enforcement, not for standalone incapacitation.
Key Technical Specifications
Peak Voltage
High enough to arc across clothing and skin
Average Amperage
Below the threshold for cardiac fibrillation
Pulses Per Second
Optimized for neuromuscular disruption
Default Cycle
Provides time to retreat from a threat
Civilian Range
TASER Pulse+, Bolt 2, and similar models
LE Model Range
TASER 7, TASER 10 (law enforcement)
Voltage vs. Amperage: High voltage is what allows electrical current to arc through clothing and penetrate skin. Low amperage is what makes the device non-lethal. Household current at 120V/15A is far more dangerous than a taser at 50,000V/0.003A. The taser's designed waveform specifically targets motor nerve disruption while staying below cardiac risk thresholds — which is why medical research has consistently shown TASERs to be far safer than firearms or impact weapons.
Why Tasers Work on Everyone
The key advantage of neuromuscular disruption over pain compliance is that it bypasses the brain entirely. A person with extreme adrenaline, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or with a high pain tolerance can resist or push through the pain from a contact stun gun. They cannot resist involuntary muscle contraction — it is a direct physical override of the motor nervous system.
This is why law enforcement adopted tasers as a primary non-lethal force option, and why civilian tasers modeled on law enforcement technology are the most effective non-lethal self-defense tools available.