Electricity from a CEW can pass through which material?

• A. Clothing
• B. Wood
• C. Glass
• D. Water

Answer: (A)

A CEW delivers a high-voltage, short-duration pulse with relatively low current. That combination is enough to reach the body even when there’s a barrier. Clothing isn’t a perfect shield; it provides some resistance, but a high-voltage pulse can penetrate fabric to reach the skin, especially if the fabric is thin, damp, or close-fitting. Once the current reaches the body, it can stimulate nerves and muscles as intended by the device.

Wood and glass are good insulators, so they resist current flow and are unlikely to let the energy pass through to the body. Water can conduct electricity, but the scenario typically tested is whether energy can traverse clothing to affect the person wearing it, which fabrics can do under many practical conditions.