BODYCOTE ORTECH INC. • 2395 SPEAKMAN DRIVE, MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO, CANADA L5K 1B3 • TEL: (905) 822-4111 • FAX: (905) 823-1446

Testing of a Conducted Energy Weapon for Electric Current Output

A Report to:

RCMP
10010 100TH Ave., P. O. Box 30
High Level, Alberta
T0H 1ZO

Attention:

Mr. Peter M. Sherstan, S/Sgt.

Telephone:
Fax:

(780) 926-3013
(780) 926-3444

Report No.:

01-06-M0095
15 Pages, 1 Appendix

Date:

May 16, 2001

Bodycote Ortech
Testing of a Conducted Energy Weapon for Electric Current Output
For RCMP

1.0

Page 1 of 15
Report No. 01-06-M0095

INTRODUCTION AND SAMPLE IDENTIFICATION

Bodycote Ortech was contracted by the RCMP to conduct comparative electrical characterization
of current output of five Conducted Energy Weapons. Testing was conducted according to
written instructions provided by the RCMP. Five conducted energy weapons were tested with
two types of batteries for electrical current output with variance of device, variance of barrier and
variance of temperature. The sample weapons were submitted for testing on April 9, 2001.

The samples were received, logged in and assigned the following Sample Numbers:

Client Identification

Our Sample Number

Sample 1
Serial No. P007984
Date of manufacturing: 5/00

01-06-M0095-1

Sample 2
Serial No. P001823
Date of manufacturing: 12/99

01-06-M0095-2

Sample 3
Serial No. P001432
Date of manufacturing: 12/99

01-06-M0095-3

Sample 4
Serial No. P001420
Date of manufacturing: 12/99

01-06-M0095-4

Sample 5
Serial No. P001639
Date of manufacturing: 12/99

01-06-M0095-5

Bodycote Ortech
Testing of a Conducted Energy Weapon for Electric Current Output
For RCMP

Manufacturer: Taser International
Model No.: M-26
Manufacturer’s Specifications:
Power supply [E]: Eight (8) “AA” batteries – 12 VDC.
Amperage [I RMS]: 162 mA,
Power: 26 Watts
Output Voltage: 50 kV peak
Output Amperage: 18 A peak
Output Power: 324,000 Watts peak
Pulse Energy: 1.76 Joules
Number of pulses [1/second]: 15
Firing range: Up to 6.4 m (21 feet)
Operating temperature range: -7 °C (20 °F) to 46 °C (114 °F)
Weight: 510 grams (18 ounces) – including batteries.
Sample No. 01-06-M0095-2 photographed on Figure 1.

Figure 1

Page 2 of 15
Report No. 01-06-M0095

Bodycote Ortech
Testing of a Conducted Energy Weapon for Electric Current Output
For RCMP

Page 3 of 15
Report No. 01-06-M0095

Cartridges
The M26 energy weapon is equipped with a single use cartridge that utilizes compressed
nitrogen to shoot two small electrodes (also called “probes”) to a distance of up to 6.4 m (21
feet). The probes are connected to the M26 weapon by high voltage wiring. The cartridge is
shown on Figures 2, 3 and 4.

Figure 2: Cartridge before use

Figure 3: Cartridge after use

Figure 4: HV Probes after use

Bodycote Ortech
Testing of a Conducted Energy Weapon for Electric Current Output
For RCMP

Page 4 of 15
Report No. 01-06-M0095

Test Batteries:

1. Duracell Ultra AA Alkaline (1.5 VDC) shown in battery pack of M26 on Figure 5.

Figure 5.

2. Energizer NiMH Accu – rechargeable (1.26 VDC) shown in battery pack of M26 on Fig. 6.

Figure 6.

Bodycote Ortech
Testing of a Conducted Energy Weapon for Electric Current Output
For RCMP

2.0

2.1

Page 5 of 15
Report No. 01-06-M0095

TEST PROGRAM AND RESULTS

Overview

The high voltage test station was assembled in the “Tenney” environmental chamber, where the
RCMP completed the final assembly of the weapons.

The following is a list of instruments that were used for the tests:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Tenney Environmental Chamber , WI-T-40+80°C, Serial #7675, (MII A04852),
Oscilloscope, Tektronix, 2430, (MII A07846),
Digital Voltmeter, HP 3456A (MII A08338),
Current Shunt 150A/300mV (MII B04910),
High Voltage Probe, Ross Engineering, VD60-6.2Y-A-KB-ALT (MII A13987),
Multimeter, Fluke 87, (MII B01580),
Caliper, Mitutoyo, Digimatic 0-12 inches (MII B02703),
Digital Thermometer, Omega HH82 (MII B01293),
Precision Resistor, 1000.0 Ohms ±0.1%, 7 Watts (as load).
Digital Camcorder, Sony DCRTRV720 (as sound recorder)

All raw data is referenced in Lab Book No. 8181.
•

Test setup:

The high- voltage probes of each weapon were electrically connected (physically secured) to the
test station. A ceramic high voltage probe was used to measure the voltage level and a current
shunt was used to measure the current levels. They were connected to a 100 MHz oscilloscope.
A 1000-Ohm precision resistor was used as load, simulating the electrical properties of human
body.
Each weapon was fired five (5) times for about two (2) seconds. The oscilloscope recorded peak
voltage and amperage levels of weapon output. Battery voltages were recorded before and after
each test.

Bodycote Ortech
Testing of a Conducted Energy Weapon for Electric Current Output
For RCMP

2.2

Page 6 of 15
Report No. 01-06-M0095

Comparative Level of Electric Current – Variance of Device

The purpose of this test was to determine the difference in electrical output of each weapon with
two types of batteries. The RCMP made the selection of the weapons and provided all of the
batteries.
•

RCMP’s Test Procedure:

RCMP operated each of the five weapons five times with a half-a- minute intervals for the
duration of two seconds.
•

Test Results:

Battery pack voltages were recorded prior to testing at 12.9 VDC (Duracell) and 10.6 VDC
(Energizer). Battery voltages were measured again immediately after the five operations.
The voltage level of the battery pack with Duracell batteries had decreased to 11.6 VDC and the
Energizer battery pack decreased to 10.2 VDC. Both battery packs recovered nearly 50 % of the
loss within a 5- minute period of time.

The waveforms of the emitted pulses were half-sinusoidal with the duration of 10 microseconds
(µs). The averaged test results are shown in Table 1 and Figure 7:

Table 1: Variance of Device
Sample
No.
1
2
3
4
5

Battery
Type
Duracell
Duracell
Duracell
Energizer
Energizer

Temperature
[°C]
23
23
23
23
23

Duration
[seconds]
2
2
2
2
2

I peak
[A]
17.77
18.1
18.2
18.3
18.15

P peak
[W]
326080
314578
333060
326838
329967

Bodycote Ortech
Testing of a Conducted Energy Weapon for Electric Current Output
For RCMP

Page 7 of 15
Report No. 01-06-M0095

Figure 7: Variance of Device
18.3

18.2

18.1

18

17.9

Peak
Current
[A]

Sample 1
Sample 2
Sample 3

17.8

Sample 4
Sample 5

17.7

17.6

17.5
1

Note: An additional “Double Hit” test was performed immediately after the “Variance of
Device” tests. Two weapons were activated connected parallel to the HV test station and fired
simultaneously. Detailed test result can be found in Appendix A.

2.3

Comparative Level of Electric Current – Variance of Barrier

The purpose of this test was to determine each weapon’s firing capability through various
clothing as subject of barrier.

Bodycote Ortech
Testing of a Conducted Energy Weapon for Electric Current Output
For RCMP

•

Page 8 of 15
Report No. 01-06-M0095

RCMP’s Test Procedure:
The RCMP operated each of the five weapons five times with a half-a- minute intervals for the
duration of two seconds. All barrier materials were placed between the test sample weapon and
the HV station. The RCMP made the selection of clothing. They are shown in Figures 8 and 9.

Figure 8: Barrier of clothing photographed prior to testing

Figure 9: Barrier of clothing photographed during testing

Bodycote Ortech
Testing of a Conducted Energy Weapon for Electric Current Output
For RCMP

•

Page 9 of 15
Report No. 01-06-M0095

Test Results:

The averaged test results are shown in Table 2 and Figure 10:

Table 2: Variance of Barrier
Sample Battery
No.
Type

Temp. Duration I peak P peak
[°C] [seconds] [A]
[W]

3

Duracell

23

2

5

Energizer

23

2

3

Duracell

23

2

5

Energizer

23

2

3

Duracell

23

2

5

Energizer

23

2

3

Duracell

23

2

5

Energizer

23

2

3

Duracell

23

2

5

Energizer

23

2

Barrier

Holofilled synthetic insulated jacket (short
16.85 291168 sleeves) - Two layers, Thickness: 38.5 mm,
10.5 mm (compressed)
Holofilled synthetic insulated jacket (short
17.4 293016 sleeves) - Two layers, Thickness: 38.5 mm,
10.5 mm (compressed)
Holofilled synthetic insulated jacket (two
layers) + melton (75 % wool / 20 % nylon /5
16.6 284690
% other, 100 % polyester liner),Thickness:
41.6 mm, 15.5 mm (compressed)
Holofilled synthetic insulated jacket (two
layers) + melton (75 % wool / 20 % nylon /5
17.3 288910
% other, 100 % polyester liner),Thickness:
41.6 mm, 15.5 mm (compressed)
Holofilled synthetic insulated jacket (two
layers) + melton + sweatshirt (50 % cotton /
16.5 282150
50 % polyester), Thickness: 66 mm, 17 mm
(compressed)
Holofilled synthetic insulated jacket (two
layers) + melton + sweatshirt (50 % cotton /
17.1 282150
50 % polyester), Thickness: 66 mm, 17 mm
(compressed)
Holofilled synthetic insulated jacket (two
layers) + melton + sweatshirt
15.7 263760
+ shirt (100 % cotton, light denon),
Thickness: 73 mm, 24 mm (compressed)
Holofilled synthetic insulated jacket (two
layers) + melton + sweatshirt
16.3 269765
+ shirt (100 % cotton, light denon),
Thickness: 73 mm, 24 mm (compressed)
Holofilled synthetic insulated jacket (two
layers) + melton + sweatshirt + shirt +
14.1 195285
RCMP storm coat (current issue), Thickness:
107.2 mm, 41 mm (compressed)
Holofilled synthetic insulated jacket (two
layers) + melton + sweatshirt + shirt +
14.3 194337
RCMP storm coat (current issue), Thickness:
107.2 mm, 41 mm (compressed)

Bodycote Ortech
Testing of a Conducted Energy Weapon for Electric Current Output
For RCMP

Page 10 of 15
Report No. 01-06-M0095

Table 2: Variance of Barrier (cont.)
Sample Battery
No.
Type
3

Duracell

Temp. Duration I peak P peak
[°C] [seconds] [A]
[W]
23

2

13.3

173698

Barrier
Holofilled synthetic insulated jacket (two
layers) + melton + sweatshirt + shirt +
RCMP storm coat (pre 1990 issue),
Thickness: 140 mm, 58 mm (compressed)
Holofilled synthetic insulated jacket (two
layers) + melton + sweatshirt + shirt +
RCMP storm coat (pre 1990 issue),
Thickness: 140 mm, 58 mm (compressed)
Holofilled synthetic insulated jacket (two
layers) + melton + sweatshirt + shirt +
RCMP storm coat (pre 1990 issue) +
additional jacket, Thickness: 123 mm, 69
mm (compressed)
Holofilled synthetic insulated jacket (two
layers) + melton + sweatshirt + shirt +
RCMP storm coat (pre 1990 issue) +
additional jacket, Thickness: 123 mm, 69
mm (compressed)

5

Energizer

23

2

13.7

174675

3

Duracell

23

2

0

0

5

Energizer

23

2

0

0

3

Duracell

23

2

16.85 296560

RCMP body armour (current issue),
Thickness: 6.5 mm

5

Energizer

23

2

16.4

RCMP body armour (current issue),
Thickness: 6.5 mm

3

Duracell

23

2

RCMP body armour (current issue) +
16.05 271085 RCMP storm coat (current issue), Thickness:
36 mm, 16 mm (compressed)

5

Energizer

23

2

16.9

283392

RCMP body armour (current issue) +
281047 RCMP storm coat (current issue), Thickness:
36 mm, 16 mm (compressed)

Note: Some of the pulses were not going through the test materials in the first two tests on this
page (140 / 58mm thick combination barrier). The values represent the averaged measurements
of the first 10 pulses.

Bodycote Ortech
Testing of a Conducted Energy Weapon for Electric Current Output
For RCMP

Page 11 of 15
Report No. 01-06-M0095

Figure 10: Variance of Barrier
Peak Current vs. Thickness of Barrier

20
18
16
14
12
10

Peak
Current
[A]

8
6
Sample 3

4

Sample 5

2
0
0

10.5

15.5

Sample 5
17

24

Thickness of Barrier [mm]

2.4

41

Sample 3
58

69

Comparative Level of Electric Current – Variance of Temperature

The purpose of this test was to determine each weapon’s firing capability at various temperature
environments.

•

RCMP’s Test Procedure:

Bodycote Ortech
Testing of a Conducted Energy Weapon for Electric Current Output
For RCMP

Page 12 of 15
Report No. 01-06-M0095

The test weapons were placed in the walk- in environmental chamber and conditioned to each
temperature level for approximately 30 minutes prior to testing. Then they were removed and
the RCMP officer operated each weapon once for the duration of five seconds. The sounds of
pulses were recorded by a digital camcorder. The pulse rate of each firing was determined
graphically from the camcorder’s digital sound track.
•

Test Results:

The test results are shown in Table 3 and Figure 11:
Table 3: Variance of Temperature
Sample
No.
3
5

Battery
Type
Dura.
Ener.

Temperature
[°C]
40
40

No. of pulses
(1st second)
22
22

Duration I peak
[seconds] [A]
5
18.3
5
18.1

P peak
[W]
337086
330325

Energy max.
[Joules/second]
38.7
38.7

3
5
3
5
3
5

Dura.
Ener.
Dura.
Ener.
Dura.
Ener.

23
23
0
0
-10
-10

23
22
10
23
6.5
21

5
5
5
5
5
5

3

Dura.

-20

4.75

5

Ener.

-20

3

Dura.

5

Ener.

Notes

18.2
18.1
17.7
17.8
17.3
17.6

333606
329601
315945
319510
301885
310640

40.5
38.7
17.6
40.5
11.4
37.0

5

16.2

273618

8.4

15

5

17.1

289845

26.4

-30

0

0

0

0

0.0

There was no output

-30

0

0

0

0

0.0

There was no output

There was no output
at the end of the 5th
second
The operation was
unusually slow.

Note: The calculations for the maximum transmitted energy per second (Energy max.) were based
on the manufacturer’s published capacitor value of 0.88 µFarad and 2,000-Volt spark gap.

Bodycote Ortech
Testing of a Conducted Energy Weapon for Electric Current Output
For RCMP

Page 13 of 15
Report No. 01-06-M0095

Figure 11: Variance of Temperature
Peak Current vs. Temperature

19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11

Peak
Current 10
9
[A]

8

Sample 3

7
6
5

Sample 5

4
3
2
1
0
40

Sample 5
23

0

Sample 3

-10

Temperature [°C]

-20
-30

Note: The number of emitted pulses varied at various temperatures. The effect of the
temperature change is reflected on Figure 12.

Bodycote Ortech
Testing of a Conducted Energy Weapon for Electric Current Output
For RCMP

Page 14 of 15
Report No. 01-06-M0095

Figure 12: Number of Pulses Emitted by M26
Pulses vs. Temperature
120
110
100
90
80

Number
of
Pulses

70
60
50
Sample 3

40

Sample 5
30
20
10
0
40

Sample 5
23

0

Sample 3

-10

Temperature [°C]

-20
-30

Note: The test weapons slowed down significantly by the 5th second of the five-second
operations at lower temperatures. The number of pulses emitted by the test weapons is shown in
Table 4.

Table 4: The number of pulses emitted in the 5th second
Temperature
[°C]
40
23
0
-10
-20
-30

Sample No. 3
Number of pulses
20
19
7
5
3.5
0

Sample No. 5
Number of pulses
22
23
22
15
10
0

Bodycote Ortech
Testing of a Conducted Energy Weapon for Electric Current Output
For RCMP

3.0

Page 15 of 15
Report No. 01-06-M0095

CONCLUSION

Testing of the five Conducted Energy Weapons provided by the RCMP indicates that the test
samples met the electrical current specifications published by the manufacturer, Taser
Interna tional.

Reported by:

by:__________________________
Thomas Orban
Project Technologist
Product Evaluation & HVAC

Reviewed by:

by: _________________________
David Bailey, P.Eng.
Operations Manager
Material Technologies

This report refers only to the particular samples, units, material, instrument, or other subject
used and referred to in it, and is limited by the tests and/or analyses performed. Similar articles
may not be of like quality, and other testing and/or analysis programs might be desirable and
might give different results.
ACCREDITATION
Canadian General Standards Board #76002, Standards Council of Canada #1.

REGISTRATION
ISO 9002-1994 registered by QMI, Registration #001109

Bodycote Ortech
Testing of a Conducted Energy Weapon for Electric Current Output
For RCMP

APPENDIX A
Additional Te sting: Double Hits
(1 Page)

Appendix A
Report No. 01-06-M0095

Bodycote Ortech
Testing of a Conducted Energy Weapon for Electric Current Output
For RCMP

Appendix A
Report No. 01-06-M0095

APPENDIX A
Double Hits

This additional test was performed immediately after the “Variance of Device” tests. Two weapons
were connected parallel to the HV test station and fired simultaneously.
The test proved that the amperage of the emitted pulses did not changed significantly from a single
weapon’s output pulse during the test.
The electrical current output results are shown in the following table:

Sample
No.
2 and 3
4 and 5

Battery
Type
Duracell
Energizer

Temperature Duration I peak P peak
[°C]
[seconds] [A]
[W]
23
2
17.9 327570
23
2
18.2 318864