What voltage range is typically produced by the boosted circuitry in stun devices?

What voltage range is typically produced by the boosted circuitry in stun devices?

• A. 500-1,000 volts
• B. 2,000-3,000 volts
• C. 20,000-150,000 volts
• D. 1,000-2,000 volts

Answer: (C)

Boosted circuitry raises a modest battery voltage to a very high level to create brief, high-voltage pulses that can overcome skin resistance and deliver energy into the body. The goal is to incapacitate by disrupting neuromuscular signals while keeping the current limited so the device remains non-lethal. Because the skin and clothing present resistance, a high voltage is needed to push enough current through; the current is kept low by the design, so the effect comes from the pulse rather than sustained power. In practice, the voltage produced by this boost stage is typically in the range of 20,000 to 150,000 volts, though the actual voltage under contact can vary with load. Velocities outside this range are less reliable for achieving the intended incapacitating effect, which is why this higher, boosted range is the standard.

Boosted circuitry raises a modest battery voltage to a very high level to create brief, high-voltage pulses that can overcome skin resistance and deliver energy into the body. The goal is to incapacitate by disrupting neuromuscular signals while keeping the current limited so the device remains non-lethal. Because the skin and clothing present resistance, a high voltage is needed to push enough current through; the current is kept low by the design, so the effect comes from the pulse rather than sustained power. In practice, the voltage produced by this boost stage is typically in the range of 20,000 to 150,000 volts, though the actual voltage under contact can vary with load. Velocities outside this range are less reliable for achieving the intended incapacitating effect, which is why this higher, boosted range is the standard.