Electrical characteristics of an electronic control device under a physiologic load: a brief report

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Forensic Science
• Electrical Engineering

Background:

• Electronic control devices (ECDs) like the TASER X26 are used by law enforcement for subject control.
• Debate exists regarding ECD safety, with electrical characteristics being a key focus.
• Historical electrical data for ECDs is based on a 400 Ohm resistor, not a physiologic load.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the electrical characteristics of the TASER X26 under a physiologic load.
• To compare these characteristics to manufacturer-provided data.
• To provide initial data on ECD performance during a 5-second exposure in human volunteers.

Main Methods:

• Subjects received a 5-second TASER X26 exposure on the chest and abdomen.
• Electrical characteristics were captured during the discharge.
• Resistance was calculated using Ohm's Law (Voltage/Current).

Main Results:

• The mean spread between probes was 12.1 inches.
• The mean tissue resistance was 602.3 Ohms (range: 470.5-691.4 Ohms).
• Resistance decreased by 8.0% over the 5-second exposure.

Conclusions:

• The mean tissue resistance of 602.3 Ohms under a physiologic load differs from the 400 Ohm laboratory load.
• A slight decrease in resistance was observed during the 5-second exposure.
• Future ECD characterization should utilize a physiologic load for reporting electrical characteristics.