What is the usual discharge duration for a stun device when activated?

• A. Three seconds
• B. Seven seconds
• C. Five seconds
• D. Ten seconds

Answer: (C)

Discharge duration is kept brief on a stun device so you can create a deterrent and gain a chance to move away, without exposing yourself or the other person to a long exposure. Five seconds is the standard duration taught in many training guides because it’s long enough to disrupt or deter a threat, yet short enough to minimize risk and conserve the device’s battery. Shorter bursts, like three seconds, may not be as effective at stopping the other person, while longer bursts, such as seven or ten seconds, raise safety concerns and potential legal issues. Some devices are designed to deliver a five-second burst as a common default, though a few models may offer different settings or multiple pulses that add up to a similar total duration.