IED Clearance Good Practice Guide

3.3.2. PRESSURE RELEASE Pressure release VOIED switches operate when a weight is removed. This can be to target a victim when they carry out what they believe to be a normally safe act or when IED clearance personnel conduct poor procedures. In the most basic form, a pressure release switch consists of two electrical contacts held apart by the weight of an object. When the weight is removed, the contacts come together and electricity flows to the detonator.

ׁ WARNING. More complex pressure release switches can work when electrical contacts come apart, stopping electrical current flowing in one part of the circuit, which in turn causes it to flow in another part.

Image 47. Weapon used in conjunction with a pressure release switch as an attractive item to pick up

Weapon

Electrical contacts (open)

Pressure release switch

Image 48. A simple pressure release switch located under the weapon. Note that the electrical contacts are open and when the weight of the weapon is removed, they will close

Technical IED capabilities

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