forwarded for Scott. Jim ____________________Reply Separator____________________ Subject: RE: Electrical safety of firearms Author: "Scott Lacey" <[email protected]> List-Post: [email protected] Date: 7/27/00 5:02 PM
Phil, I think you are probably in somewhat new territory here. In the U.S. I am pretty sure that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (U.S. Treasury) is the sole regulating authority for firearms. If they don't a.p.p.r.o.v.e it, you can't sell it - period. Customs authorities in other markets could probably steer you to the appropriate regulatory bodies. Now, my personal opinion is that something of this nature needs to be rigorously tested for immunity. An accidental discharge caused by any electromagnetic field, permanent magnetic field, or whatever would leave you wide open to liability lawsuits. I would insist on testing to the maximum limits for industrial equipment, with no "wiggle room" allowed. If possible, a mechanical interlock such as a transfer bar should be used so that the firearm cannot be disharged unless the trigger is deliberately pressed. If the goal is simply to reduce the lock time on a firearm used for target shooting, I think you have a good chance of success. You can design the system so that failure renders the firing mechanism inoperable. On the other hand, if this is so-called "smart gun" technology for a handgun that may be used for personal defense, I think you are in a no-win situation already. If a malfunction causes an accidental discharge that injures someone, you are liable. If a malfunction causes a failure to discharge during a defensive situation, you are also liable. The lawyers win either way. No system is totally failure proof. I'm betting that companies who attempt this will pay massive damage awards in the future unless Congress provides some kind of liability protection. Food for thought, Scott Lacey -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of [email protected] Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2000 3:51 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Electrical safety of firearms Here's one that you feel should have something, just because of the nature of the equipment, but your not quite sure what!! Does anyone have the least inkling of any safety requirements specific to a firearm with an electronic trigger. I am not particularly interested in firearms laws/regulations etc but any requirements that the electronics may fall under. This device will be powered by a 9-volt battery. Thanks in advance of any responses. Phil Godfrey ps. Domestic, EU, Aus and a few more. Thanks Phillip Godfrey - Manager, Product Safety KTL Dallas, Inc. 802, N.Kealy, Lewisville, Texas 75057-3136 Tel : (972) 436-9600 Fax: (972) 436-2667 http://www.ktl.com/ email : [email protected] ------------------------------------------- This message is from the IEEE EMC Society Product Safety Technical Committee emc-pstc discussion list. To cancel your subscription, send mail to: [email protected] with the single line: unsubscribe emc-pstc For help, send mail to the list administrators: Jim Bacher: [email protected] Michael Garretson: [email protected] For policy questions, send mail to: Richard Nute: [email protected]
