AFTE Store - Analyzing Electronic Control Device (TASER) Wire to Determine Duration of Short Circuit

When the trigger of an Electronic Control Device (ECD) such as a TASER is activated, a timed cycle of pulsed electrical energy (usually five seconds) is automatically delivered. This cycle is designed to temporarily incapacitate the subject through involuntary muscle contraction, to reduce escalation of force and injury potential to all parties involved. However in some field applications, the situation may dictate multiple cycles from the device. In the post incident analysis, it may necessary to determine the time that the individual was exposed to the discharge. Although the cycle duration is recorded within the TASER unit, the data does not necessarily equate to energy delivered to the subject. The ECD output will take the path of least resistance to complete a circuit between the positive and negative poles. Occasionally, the electrical path will short circuit across the wires, and not through the intended subject. The area through the wire becomes damaged/burned as a result of the passing current. Microscopic examination of the burned wire can determine the site of the wire to wire arc, and the duration of the short circuit can be approximated. Discharge cycles of 1, 5, 10, and 20 seconds in duration were evaluated to determine the size of the wires’ burned area. This technique can prove useful to help verify and reconstruct the circumstances surrounding an incident. For the purposes of controlling experimental conditions, the probe was arced through the wire on the opposing side. The damaged area of the wire was measured. Based on the data, durations of the short circuit in the field can be approximated.