Electricity from a CEW can pass through which materials?

• A. Water
• B. Clothing and bullet-resistant materials
• C. Wood
• D. Glass

Answer: (B)

The energy from a CEW travels as short, high-voltage pulses that seek a path through the body. Clothing and many protective fabrics aren’t perfect insulators — moisture, fibers, seams, and layers can still allow a conductive route for the pulse to reach the skin. Because of the device’s extreme peak voltage and the brief pulse duration, it can push current through these barriers enough to affect neuromuscular control, even when someone is wearing clothing or some bullet-resistant gear. Thick woods or solid glass act as better barriers and greatly attenuate the current, making passage into the body much less likely. Water conducts, but the question focuses on barrier materials that can be breached in typical use, and clothing plus some protective materials are the ones that align with how CEW energy can pass through to reach the body.