Why do CEWs use high voltage with reduced amperage?

Why do CEWs use high voltage with reduced amperage?

• A. To maximize burn risk
• B. To deliver more energy overall
• C. To incapacitate muscles while reducing burn risk
• D. To minimize voltage

Answer: (C)

High voltage with reduced amperage is used to achieve a brief, effective neuromuscular disruption while keeping tissue heating and burn risk low. The high voltage helps push current through skin and clothing, overcoming impedance so the stimulation reaches nerves and muscles. The current is kept small and the pulses are very short, so the total energy delivered—and thus heating and potential burns—remains limited. This combination allows rapid incapacitation with minimized burn risk.

High voltage with reduced amperage is used to achieve a brief, effective neuromuscular disruption while keeping tissue heating and burn risk low. The high voltage helps push current through skin and clothing, overcoming impedance so the stimulation reaches nerves and muscles. The current is kept small and the pulses are very short, so the total energy delivered—and thus heating and potential burns—remains limited. This combination allows rapid incapacitation with minimized burn risk.