SAFETY FUSE / TIME FUSE / BLASTING FUSE—INERT SIMULANTS

Safety fuse is the oldest type of delay device used to initiate the detonation of an explosive charge. In essence, it is a train of fine black powder, designed to burn at a steady. It is confined within a thin paper tube core, surrounded by waterproofing asphalt, flexible plastic and reinforcing textile threads. Some types also have an out wax coating, or a colored plastic jacket for strength and durability against the elements and abrasion on sharp rocks.

Safety fuse at the approximate rate of 45 seconds per foot at sea level. At higher elevations, its burning rate is slightly faster. Live safety fuse has a powdery black core about 1/8 inch in diameter (2- 3mm). The outer diameter of the product is about ¼ inch (5-6mm).

It is designed to be inserted into a charge of blasting black powder (now almost obsolete), or into a non-electric detonator, the initiating device inserted into– or taped to– other high explosives like dynamite, cast TNT demolition blocks, detonating cord, cast boosters and plastic explosives.

Commercial safety fuse may be plastic jacketed or wax-coated, textile jacketed. It may be any color. Military safety fuse is usually plastic jacketed for strength, abrasion resistance and waterproof characteristics. It is often an olive green camouflage color.

Securesearch, Inc. stocks several types of inert safety fuse for use in awareness training courses, and for construction of simple IEDs that are initiated by fuse and a non-electric detonator. Inert safety fuse can be purchased from us in small quantities, in coils or on spools. Note that some manufacturers make inert product used by their sales force; it is for training purchasers in its proper use, and often has a solid flexible plastic core or textile fiber core, to differentiate it from the live black powder core product.