Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Shipping Restrictions for Stun Guns?

The following states restrict delivery of: Stun Guns
Hawaii
Illinois
Massachusetts
Michigan
New Jersey
New York
Rhode Island
Wisconsin

The following cities restrict delivery of: Stun Guns
Washington,DC
Denison,IA
Annapolis,MD
Baltimore,MD
Philadelphia,PA

What are the Shipping Restrictions for Pepper Spray?

The following states restrict delivery of: Pepper Spray
Massachusetts
Michigan
New York

The following cities restrict delivery of: Pepper Spray
Washington,DC

What are the Shipping Restrictions for Pepper Spray Larger Than 2.5oz?

The following states restrict delivery of: Pepper Spray Larger Than 2.5oz
California
Massachusetts
Michigan
New York

The following cities restrict delivery of: Pepper Spray Larger Than 2.5oz
Washington,DC

What are the Shipping Restrictions for Pepper Spray, MI approved?

The following states restrict delivery of: Pepper Spray, MI approved
Massachusetts
New York

The following cities restrict delivery of: Pepper Spray, MI approved
Washington,DC

What are the common types of self-defense sprays?

There are three major chemicals used in defensive sprays. The first two are CS and CN, commonly known as tear gas. These manmade chemicals are irritants to the membrane (eyes, nose, throat, and lung) tissues. In large quantities, they cause heavy flow of tears and produce mucus. Tear gas has been used by law enforcement in crowd control for years.

The third chemical is OC (Oleoresin Capsicum), commonly known as pepper spray. OC is an inflammatory agent made from hot cayenne and other peppers. Upon contact, it causes an intense burning sensation, temporary blindness, restricted breathing and disorientation. Pepper spray is a hot selling product on the market now.

What is the difference between pepper spray and tear gas?

• The reaction to pepper spray is involuntary (not dependent on pain response), so pepper spray is effective on those who feel no pain, such as psychotics, drunks and drug abusers. Pepper spray also works to control wild animals. Tear gas is not effective in these situations.
• Tear gas vaporizes to some extent. It may have some effect on a person who is hit less accurately, due to the vapors being inhaled or drifting into the eyes. Pepper spray does not emit fumes, and it will not deteriorate with age, but it must be sprayed in the eyes or inhaled directly to be effective.
• Tear gas takes take longer to be effective, anywhere from 5 seconds to 30 seconds, while the effects of pepper spray are quicker. Tear gas also takes longer to wear off and the chemical residue can last for days.

Since each spray has different advantages, some formulations are being manufactured which contain blends of OC (the chemical in pepper spray) and either CS or CN (the chemicals in tear gas).

What is Mace?

Mace is a term used to describe one type of tear gas, but it is also a very common term to describe all types of self-defense sprays.

Mace is also a well-recognized trade name by Mace Security International. The company produces PepperGard pepper spray, and blended sprays under the name Mace. Mace sprays have some distinct features, such as the finger-grip dispenser, flip-top cap, and glow-in-the-dark firing buttons. It is one of the most reliable and advanced self-defense sprays available on the market.

What are the benefits and limitations of pepper spray?

Pepper spray is an excellent self-defense product. It is used by nearly every law enforcement agency throughout the country. It is non-lethal and extremely effective when sprayed in the facial area and eyes. It put a safe distance between your and an attacker and gives you plenty of time to escape and seek help.

Because pepper spray does not cause death to the attacker, people are more likely to use it instantly without hesitation. Acting quickly can often avoid serious injuries and save lives. Pepper spray is very inexpensive, and is not typically restricted by law. A permit is not usually required to carry them.

Still, you should be aware of its limitations, so you do not rely on just one form of defense. Pepper spray may take a few second for it to be effective. An attacker may be able to take your canister away from you, before the effects kick in. It may be used against you. Wind and rain may reduce its range and effectiveness. You may get spray-back when sprayed against strong wind.

How do I measure the effectiveness of pepper spray?

Pepper spray is rated in two ways: OC% and SHU rating. The % you see listed on the package (10%, 15%, etc.) explains how much OC is in the container relative to the other ingredients (propellant, dyes, etc.). However, this percentage cannot always be used to compare the "hotness" of different pepper sprays. The hotness of OC is directly related to the amount of capsaicin in OC, which varies significantly from manufacturer to manufacturer. The amount of capsaicin in OC is rated in Scoville Heat Units (SHU). To compare the hotness of two different pepper sprays, SHU rating is more important. The more capsaicin content the OC has, the hotter & more effective the spray will be. Two million SHU will be sufficient.

Will pepper spray expire? How often should I replace my pepper spray?

Most defensive sprays have an expiration date stamped on the canister. OC will not degrade over time, but the unit may not spray as far as expected, if at all. The aerosol propellant may leak out, rendering the spray less effective. This is especially true with the smaller sprays like the key chain.

The nature of the product suggests that effectiveness is of utmost importance. We recommend replacing your spray after the expiration date.

To make sure that propellant does not go bad, you should test your spray every 90 days. Every time you perform a test, you reduce the contents of the canister. If you are using a key chain model and you test regularly you may need to replace the unit every 9 to 12 months.

When will pepper spray start to work, and how long will the effect last?

It can take 3-5 seconds for pepper spray to take effect, and the effects can last anywhere from 15 minutes to about 60 minutes depending on concentration, which will give you plenty of time to escape an attacker and call the police.

UV Dye, a harmless additive used to assist authorities in catching the attacker, will generally wear off in about a week.

When should I use pepper spray?

Use pepper spray if you are threatened or your life is in danger. And use it ONLY in defense of people, not property. It is a crime to use self-defense sprays in an offensive manner.

How should I store & carry pepper spray?

Store your defensive spray in a safe place at room temperature. Keep it away from children. Do not leave it in your car during summer because high temperatures may cause the seals to leak.

Think in advance how you want to carry your pepper spray. In a typical assault, you get no warnings and you will get attacked when you least expect it. Carry your pepper spray with you whenever possible, and keep it in the same place. You can put it in a loose outer pocket of a jacket or inside a pants pocket, or in a purse with an open pocket. Try a few different carrying methods and find good accessible locations for you. Practice and make sure you can draw it quickly in an emergency situation.

The keychain pepper sprays (ASP Key defender, Spitfire pepper Spray, etc) are very convenient, and you are more likely to carry them with you all the time because of their smaller size.

How do I use pepper spray?

It is very important that you get some training and practice with the specific spray you are going to carry. Study the canister, the nozzle, and the dispenser. Take your canister to an open field, make sure the wind, if any, is at your back, and fire it for about two seconds. How far will it spray? Is the spray a stream or a foggy mist? How did it react to the wind? Can you spray it into the eyes of an attacker?

In an emergency situation, make sure you have distance between you and the attacker. Don't get within their grabbing distance. Don’t threaten an attacker with your spray. Fire 2 or 3 second bursts directly into the eyes of the attacker. If it is not working, give them another two seconds. The small pocket or purse size will give you between 5 and 10 seconds of continual fire. Once the threat is stopped, run immediately and call the police. If your spray contains UV dye, tell the police that. It can help the police to identify your attacker.

You may wish to get a Tactical Use of Defense Spray Manual. It is loaded with useful tips on using defense sprays.

Will pepper spray work on bears and dogs?

Pepper spray is effective on dogs and other wild animals. To protect you from bear /dog attacks, purchase bear spray and dog spray that is specifically formulated and clearly labeled for deterring attacks by bears or dogs.

Is pepper spray legal?

Pepper spray is LEGAL in all fifty states. However, some states and cities have specific regulations pertaining to the purchase, possession and use of defense sprays. Please check with your local law enforcement agency for any regulations your state may have.

New York: the sellers must be local licensed firearm dealers or local pharmacies.

Massachusetts: the buyer is required to obtain a Firearms Identification Card (FID); the sellers must be local licensed firearm dealers.

Michigan: OC Pepper Spray can be no stronger than a 2% concentrate. CS is the only Tear Gas accepted. Both must be no larger than 35 grams per can. No combination sprays allowed.

Wisconsin: Pepper spray only. No Tear Gas, UV Dye or combination sprays. OC Pepper Spray can be no stronger than a 10% concentrate. The can must be between 15-60 grams only. It must have a safety feature.

We carry Michigan/Wisconsin approved pepper sprays.

California: Canisters cannot be more than 2.5 ounces.

Animal Repellers like bear spray and dog spray are legal and can be shipped to New York, Wisconsin and Michigan.

Is there any place where I cannot carry pepper spray?

Yes. You cannot carry any pepper spray on an airplane or in carry-on luggage or in the passenger area. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) allows one Pepper Spray (up to 4 oz) per traveler in your checked luggage only.

How do I remove pepper spray from myself?

If you get pepper spray on yourself, don’t panic. Water, soap and time are all that is needed to decontaminate you. Exposure to fresh air should help, too.

Remove all contaminated clothing. Flush the affected area with cool water. Warm water may intensify the burning and inflammation. Do not rub your face!

Wash the affected area with non-oil or cold cream based soap. Don't apply oily lotions--they will trap OC resin onto your skin.

Have a physician examine the exposed area if any irritation or pain persists after the decontamination procedures.

What is a stun gun?

A stun gun is a hand-held, battery-powered device designed to deliver an electric shock to an attacker. They are not guns in the traditional sense, because they don’t shoot anything or anybody. A stun gun has two prongs at the end of the device. Touching an attacker with the prongs and pulling the trigger will cause an electrical current to go from the prongs through the attacker’s clothes into his body.

The pulsed current causes muscles to work super fast, depleting them of needed blood sugars. It also interrupts the tiny neurological impulses that control muscle movement. The results are disorientation and loss of balance. The entire process takes only a few seconds and is very painful. It can disable a person for up to 30 minutes.

Although the voltage can be as high as 1,000,000, the amperage is low, so it will not cause any permanent damage to the person who receives the shock. A stun gun is a great protection device.

What are the sizes and styles of stun guns?

Stun guns come in different sizes and shapes. They are designed to be held in an average size hand. Z-force stun guns are intended for those with smaller hands. In most cases, the more volts a stun gun is capable of producing, the longer and heavier it will be.

The "mini" stun gun is usually 3.25 inches long. The stopping power of these compact units is surprisingly good.

Most stun guns are about six inches long, with voltages ranging from 100,000 to 775,000 volts.
Stun Master stun guns are available in straight and curved models. While the straight model is the most common, some people prefer the curved model, feeling that the curved design makes it easier to make contact with the attacker.

Stun batons are about 16 to 20 inches long. They allow you to maintain more distance from an attacker, and they also deliver a shock when touched six inches from the tip. This prevents an attacker from grabbing it and taking it away. They are a favorite among security guards.

The element of surprise usually makes stun guns more effective. Some stun guns are disguised as cell phones, flashlights or other ordinary objects so you can catch an attacker off guard.

How does a stun gun work?

The stun gun works on the muscular and neural system. It does not rely on high amperage or pain for results. The stun gun dumps its energy into the muscles at a high pulse frequency. This makes the muscles work very rapidly which results in energy loss. It also interrupts the tiny neurological impulses that travel through the whole body to control and direct voluntary muscle movement. This causes disorientation and loss of balance and leaves the attacker in a passive and confused condition for several minutes.

Generally speaking, a one second contact with the device will repel, startle and cause muscle contraction. One to two seconds will cause muscle spasms and a dazed state. Three or more seconds will cause loss of balance and muscle control, mental confusion and severe disorientation. The attacker will be unable to recover for several minutes and effects may last for up to fifteen minutes

Will I be shocked if the attacker touches me when the device is applied?

No! The electrical current is absorbed in the muscles and will not pass through to the user, regardless of the conditions. Even if the assailant is holding you, there is no way the current will pass to you.

Are stun guns safe?

Stun guns have been proven safe. They cause no permanent damage to an attacker. There is no evidence that the electrical charge of the stun gun has adverse psychological or neurological effects. The effects on the heart or other major organs are very insignificant.

Stun guns will not permanently injure or kill anyone because of the voltage. One amp will kill a person. Most stun guns deliver only 3 milliamps. That is far below the amperage that could do any lasting damage to an individual.

Do stun guns have safety switches to prevent accidental activation?

Most models we carry include a safety switch to prevent accidental activation. The unit cannot produce a shock unless the safety switch is activated AND the On/Off switch is turned ON.

What is the power source for stun guns?

Stun guns are normally powered by 9-volt Energizer alkaline batteries. Lower voltage units require only one, and the higher voltage units will use two or more. Newer models use Lithium Batteries, and the rechargeable stun guns do not need batteries, they include a charge cord.

How do I carry a stun gun?

Most models are small enough to fit easily inside a pocket or purse, and include a belt clip so the unit can be conveniently worn on the waist. Leather and nylon holsters are also available. A holster can keep a stun gun securely in place. Some design allows quick access.

How do I use a stun gun?

To use a stun gun, hold the electrodes firmly against an attacker. Target an area that is harder and slower to move like the upper shoulder or the upper hip. The arms or hands are not good attack points because they can be moved away too quickly. To completely subdue the attacker, the stun gun must be continuously applied for a few seconds. More time is required if the person is large, or you are using a low voltage model.

Will a stun gun work on those under the influence?

Yes. Stun guns work on those under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, but effects on a person under the influence can vary.

What difference does the voltage make?

Generally, the higher the voltage, the quicker the full effect of the stun gun, thus more effective. Besides voltage, the delivery method and the amperage of the charge are also important. A lower voltage stun gun with a better method of delivery may be more effective then the stun gun with higher voltage.

Can a stun gun be fired multiple times?

Yes. A stun gun can be used many times to ward off attackers before the battery needs recharging or replacement.

Are stun guns legal in my area?

Stun devices are restricted in some areas. HI, MA, MI, NY, NJ, RI and WI are known states where stun devices are restricted. A few cities and counties also have laws restrict its use and ownership. Before buying a stun device, please make sure they are legal where you live. You may check stun gun laws and restrictions for some general guideline. If in doubt, contact your local police department.

Can I travel with a stun gun?

When traveling, stun guns should be packed in CHECKED luggage only. They are not allowed in terminal areas of any airport, or in any carry-on luggage. Never attempt to enter a courthouse, government building, public meeting, or sporting event area with a stun device.

Should I choose stun gun or pepper spray?

Stun guns and pepper spray both have advantages and disadvantages. A stun gun can only be used at close contact with an attacker, while pepper spray can put a safe distance between you and an attacker (5-10 feet depending on model). Pepper spray must be sprayed in the eyes or inhaled directly to be effective, while stun gun works anywhere on the body. The effectiveness of pepper spray may be affected by wind and rain, and stun gun effectiveness depends on how long you keep the gun on the attacker. It is strongly recommended that you carry both. Do not rely on just one form of defense. For information about pepper spray, see our Pepper Spray FAQ.

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Common Surveillance Terms

AGC - Automatic Gain Control is an electronic system found in many types of devices. Its purpose is to control the gain of a system in order to maintain adequate performance over a range of input signal levels. Or an electronic circuit that tries to keep the video signal at a constant level (1 volt peak-peak). Useful on cameras working at low light levels

AI - Auto Iris is an electronic circuit that acts as an iris on CCD cameras by electronically shuttering the CCD sensor. It is also an automatic method of varying the size of a lens opening in response to changes in scene illumination.

AWB - Auto White Balance is an electronic process used in video cameras to retain true colors. It is performed electronically on the basis of a white object in the picture.

CCD - Charged Coupled Device: It is analog technology. The CCD camera has a little bit higher resolution than CMOS. The camera also functions better in low light. A CCD camera drains a little bit more power than the CMOS cameras. It uses 12v instead of 9v battery. The CMOS camera is smaller than a CCD camera and works longer with the 9v battery.

CMOS - Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor: a lower resolution camera compared to a CCD model. The advantage of a CMOS camera is that it uses lower operation current.

HAD CCD - Hole Accumulation Diode is a type of CCD sensor with a layer designed to accumulate holes (in the electronic sense), thus reducing noise level.

S to N Ratio - Signal to Noise Ratio is simply the ratio of the signal power and noise power, expressed in decibels (dB). Or measure of noise on a video signal. It is represented in Decibels as the level of the video signal compared to the level of noise present on that signal. The higher the signal to noise ratio, the better.

BLC - Balance Light Control is a method to compensate for bright spots in a picture. It is also important to consider whether there are bright spots in the picture such as car headlights which can make identification of the vehicle registration or model impossible. This can also be a major problem where it is necessary to identify a person who is moving from bright daylight into artificial light. This could result in the subject becoming an unidentifiable silhouette.

OSD - On Screen Display is a method of displaying set-up information or instructions on to a display monitor. Resolution - Resolution measures the cameras ability to reproduce an image. The higher the resolution, the better the picture quality.

LUX - LUX is the measurement of low light needed for the camera to view and record properly.

FPS - Frames Per Second is the number of still frames (pictures) that give the illusion of motion, which appear in a single second of time.30fps is considered "Real Time". For Real Time viewing of your cameras, at least 30fps for each camera is needed.

IR - Infrared, IR LEDS are used on Day/Night cameras which allow the camera to see in the dark.
Focal Length - the distance from the surface of a lens and its focal point.

How do hidden cameras work?

A small board camera is built into an everyday item. The camera can be wired which means it is connect to the DVR or VCR using a cable. The camera can also be wireless, in this case the camera transmits a signal to a receiver that is connected to the DVR or VCR.

What is the difference between a wired and a wireless camera?

Wired cameras have a video cable that runs from the camera to your recording or viewing device such as a DVR, VCR or monitor. Wireless cameras have a built-in transmitter that sends the video signal to a receiver. The receiver connects to your recording or viewing device.

Can I get audio in my hidden camera?

No you cannot. According to United States federal laws, audio should not be used in a surreptitious manner. One example of surreptitious interception is audio in a hidden camera. This includes pinhole board cameras and all covert or hidden cameras; i.e., a clock radio. Audio in a hidden camera or board camera is only available to law enforcement agencies. Title 18, Section 2512.

What is a 2.4 GHz wireless frequency??

A frequency used to transmit a signal or data like video. 2.4GHz is the specific wireless frequency that our transmitters use to send video signal to a receiver. All of our wireless cameras operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency. Range varies from 200' to 700' depending on environmental conditions. These units are FCC approved.

Are the transmitters FCC approved?

The transmitters used in all of our wireless systems are FCC and Industry Canada Certified.

How far can a wireless hidden camera transmit?

Standard wireless hidden cameras can transmit up to 1000 feet and high-powered wireless hidden cameras can transmit up to 2000 feet.

How many wireless cameras can you have in one location?

You can have up to four wireless cameras in one location. You can view all cameras at once using four receivers or you can use one receiver and switch to each camera. You will only be able to view one camera at a time if you only use one receiver. If you want to install multiple wireless cameras in one location it's best to order them at the same time so that we can put them on different channels.

Will cordless phone interfere with wireless cameras?

Cordless phone that operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency will cause interference with 2.4 GHz cameras. Interference should be minimal and usually occurs if the phone is between the camera and receiver.

What is CCD?

CCD is used in professional cameras because of its high resolution quality and its ability to record in low-light situations. CCD is basically a small silicon chip that receives light and turns it into voltage variations which makes up an image. It's usually measured in inches with 1/3" CCD being the standard. They are higher priced but are great for cameras that may require vision in near darkness.

What is a Quad? Will a Quad allow four cameras to record at the same time? Do you have a monitor that has built in Quad?

A Quad splits your monitor into 4 sections allowing you to view 4 cameras at once. You can record all four cameras at the same time. You also can record using a switching monitor, which will record the camera that is showing at that moment. We do not have a monitor with built in Quad.

Do the receivers work through walls up to two feet thick?

Yes as long as there isn't excessive amount of metal in the wall.

Do the plug and play connections require extra wire to run the signal back to the VCR or TV?

Yes, you need to buy the length of cable you need, the CA-25,CA-50 or CA-100.

What is the difference between a DVR and a VCR?

A Digital Video Recorder (DVR) system records high resolution digital images to a hard disk drive (HDD) and eliminates the requirement of maintaining VHS tapes. Since the video images are stored digitally, the image quality will not degrade overtime, as would a VHS tape when recorded over multiple times. The time-saving search capabilities of a DVR will enable the user to locate the desired video clips via user defined parameters (camera, time, date, etc.) versus the fast forward and rewind functions of a VCR. A DVR can be accessed remotely from anywhere in the world using the Internet.

How many hours will a DVR record?

The amount of time a DVR will record for is based on the size of the DVRs hard drive, the number of cameras recording and the number of frames per second it is recording at. One camera recording in Real Time uses 1 GB per day. So a 16 camera system will use 16 GB in one day.

Do I need a VCR to record or will the cameras record? Can I use my own VCR?

You must have a VCR or DVR if you want to record. You can use your own VCR for recording. However, the VCR will have to be recording all the time. Most VCRs can only record for about 10 hours.

What is a DVR card?

DVR Cards enable the user to convert their computer into a Digital Video Recorder. The DVR Card(s) is typically installed in an available PCI slot of a computer. DVR cards are bundled with video surveillance software which allows the user to record and display multiple cameras simultaneously from the camera site or a remote location.

What is a Plug and Play connection camera?

It is an RCA Video plug and a power plug on the camera for easy connection to VCR or TV. This is done by running the RCA (Aux) line into the VIDEO IN of the VCR or TV. The TV or VCR must be set on the correct channel to view the VIDEO IN picture.

How many cameras can I hook up to one TV?

You can hook up as many cameras as your TV has inputs. Most TVs have 2 inputs but when using a quad you can hook up four cameras.

How long will the camera last with a battery pack?

The cameras requiring a  9 volt battery pack, will last about five hours. Hidden Cameras use 12 volt battery pack and can last about 8-10 hours. 

What is the operating temperature of the cameras?

The operating temperatures of the B/W cameras are -23°C to + 50°C or -10°F to +122°F
The operation temperatures of the color cameras are -23°C to +40°C or -10°F to +104°F
The storage temperature & humidity is -30°C to +70°C or -22°F to +158°F

What is the operating voltage of a camera?

Our cameras range from 9 volts (CMOS) to 12volts, and also 24 volt professional models.

What is a varifocal lens?

A varifocal lens is one where the focal length of the lens can be varied. This is a fancy way of saying it is a zoom lens. Most varifocal lenses have, and in almost all circumstances should have, an auto iris feature.

What is a fixed lens?

A fixed focal length lens cannot zoom. The focus is fixed. A fixed focal length lens usually allows more light to pass through the lens at a given focal length than a varifocal, or zoom lens. This can be important in low light situations.


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