Glossary of Pyrotechnic Terms

A salute that functions as an aerial shell, designed to produce an explosive sound as its primary effect.

A cartridge containing pyrotechnic composition, a burst charge, and an internal time fuse or module, that is propelled into the air from a mortar.

A fireworks device designed to be launched into the air for use in a fireworks display.

The principal trade association for the fireworks industry in the United States.

The Standard for Construction and Approval for Transportation of Fireworks, Novelties, and Theatrical Pyrotechnics.

A person who works under the direct supervision of the pyrotechnic operator.

Federal agency which regulates the licensing and storage of display fireworks. This agency monitors the importation, manufacture, distribution, and storage of display fireworks.

Water vessel or floating platform from which fireworks are discharged.

A rapidly fired sequence of aerial fireworks.

A collection of fireworks devices, such as a group of mortars (finale battery) or a bundle of roman candles (candle battery), fused together in such a manner that they are fired within a short period of time.

A fuse made from string that is impregnated with Black Powder.

Material found in fireworks that can be used as a propellant charge, to produce sound, as a constituent of other compositions, or in the ignition fuse or timing system of fireworks. Also known as gun powder.

Fountains fired in groups.

An individual burst from an aerial shell, generally producing either a visual effect (stars) or noise (salute).

A chain-fused firework that propels a series of aerial shell, comet or mine effects into the air from collectively attached tubes.

A series of two or more aerial shells fused to fire in sequence from a single ignition.

All pyrotechnic and explosive composition contained in a fireworks device. Inert materials (such as clay used for plugs or organic matter used for density) are not considered to be part of chemical composition.

A pellet of composition which is propelled from a mortar or shell and produces a long-tailed effect. Large comets are constructed much like aerial display shells, with attached lift charge ready for loading into mortars.

Small fireworks devices containing restricted amounts of pyrotechnic composition, designed primarily to produce visible or audible effects by combustion, that comply with the construction, chemical composition, and labeling regulations of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission as set forth in 16 CFR 1500 and 1507, 49 CFR 172, and APA Standard 87-1A.

Federal agency which regulates consumer 1.4G fireworks.

Federal agency which controls the transport of all hazardous materials including fireworks. This organization also assigns all legal commercial fireworks with an EX Number.

The area immediately surrounding the fireworks mortars used for an outdoor fireworks display.

Large fireworks devices that are explosive materials intended for use in fireworks displays and designed to produce visible or audible effects by combustion, deflagration, or detonation, as set forth in 27 CFR 555, 49 CFR 172, and APA Standard 87-1B.

The immediate area where a fireworks display is conducted, including the discharge site, the fallout area, and the required separation distance from mortars to spectator viewing areas, but not spectator viewing areas or vehicle parking areas.

Any device in which the fuse or igniter fails to ignite the main pyrotechnic charge. The term is reported to have originated as an acronym for 'dangerous unexploded device.'

An electric device that contains a small amount of pyrotechnic material that ignites when current flows through the device.

A device that provides and controls the electric current used to ignite fireworks during a display.

A panel or box that operates automatically to provide the source of electric current used to ignite electric matches.

A small, handheld unit with manually operated switches that control the flow of electric current to electric matches attached to fireworks devices.

A panel or box with manually operated switches that control the flow of electric current to electric matches attached to fireworks devices.

A technique used to ignite fireworks using a source of electric current.

The identification number assigned by DOT to a commercial fireworks device. All legal commercial fireworks must have an EX number.

Any chemical compound, mixture, or device with the primary or common purpose being to function by explosion. The term includes, but is not limited to: dynamite, black powder, pellet powder, initiating explosives, detonators, safety fuses, electric matches, detonating cords, igniter cords, and igniters.

Any material determined to be within the scope of Title 18, United States Code, Chapter 40, Importation, Manufacture, Distribution, and Storage of Explosive Materials, and also includes any material classified as explosive by the Hazardous Material Regulations of DOT.

Any material that is capable of undergoing a self-contained and self-sustained exothermic chemical reaction at a rate that is sufficient to produce substantial pressures on their surroundings, thus causing physical damage. Explosives fall into 2 classes, detonating and deflagrating.

Any chemical compound or mixture, the primary purpose of which is to function by explosion, producing an audible effect.

The designated area in which hazardous debris is intended to fall after a pyrotechnic device is fired.

A rapidly fired sequence (barrage) of aerial fireworks, typically fired at the end of a display.

To ignite pyrotechnics by using an electric match, electrical current, or some other means.

Any composition or device for the purpose of producing a visible or an audible effect by combustion, deflagration, or detonation, and that meets the definition of consumer fireworks or display fireworks.

A presentation of fireworks for a public or private gathering.

Individual who actually ignites fireworks devices at a show.

Mixtures which contain powdered aluminum or a magnesium/aluminum alloy which, when ignited, can result in a violent explosion and flash.

Device that projects a spray of sparks.

A highway distress flare, sometimes used to ignite fireworks at outdoor fireworks displays.

Small fountain sometimes used with lance-work set pieces.

Special horizontal wheel which rises rapidly into the air while emitting a spray of sparks and, sometimes, a whistle.

A pyrotechnic device that functions on the ground (as opposed to an aerial shell that functions in the air) and that includes fountains, wheels, and set pieces.

A salute that functions from a stationary or secured ground position.

Common historical term for Black Powder.

A fuse or pyrotechnic ignition composition which continues to glow or burn slowly instead of burning at its normal speed. Such a fuse may suddenly resume burning at its normal rate after a long delay. If the hangfire goes completely out, it is termed a misfire.

Any debris produced or expelled by the functioning of a pyrotechnic device that is capable of causing personal injury or unpredicted property damage.

Devices propelled into the air, usually aerial shells.

Also known as an electric match. A device used for the electrical ignition of fireworks and pyrotechnic articles.

Usually unlabelled devices that exceed the federal maximum explosive charge allowed. Examples include M-80s, M-100s, and silver salutes. These are banned explosive devices and are not legal fireworks.

Also known as Quickmatch. Black match that is encased in a loose-fitting paper or plastic sheath to make it burn extremely rapidly.

Mandatory labeling requirements on all legal consumer fireworks. Included on these labels should be the manufacturer's name and address, cautions, and directions for use.

A thin cardboard tube packed with color-producing pyrotechnic composition used to construct ground display pieces (lancework).

The propellant composition (typically coarse black powder) that propels (lifts) the pyrotechnic device into the air.

An assistant(s) who loads or reloads aerial shells, comets, or mines into mortars.

Any class of fireworks devices that either perform below approximately 200 feet (60 m) or begin their display at ground level and rise to complete their effect. Examples include comets, mines, roman candles, and many consumer items.

A technique used to ignite fireworks using a handheld ignition source such as a fusee or portfire.

A device containing multiple pyrotechnic effects that are simultaneously ignited and dispersed into the air directly from a mortar or tube.

The individual at a fireworks display responsible for observing the perimeter of the firing site and ensuring that security personnel or barriers keep spectators at a safe distance.

A tube from which certain aerial devices (such as aerial shells, comets, and mines) are fired into the air.

Sturdy wooden or metal frames used to support mortars in an upright position, usually above ground.

An above-ground structure or trough filled with sand or similar material into which mortars are positioned for stability.

International organization which provides standards that outline recommendations for the manufacture, storage, transportation, and execution of fireworks.

Code for Fireworks Display: The standard for outdoor public fireworks displays.

Code for the Manufacture, Transportation, and Storage of Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles.

Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics Before a Proximate Audience (indoor, stage, and theatrical pyrotechnics).

A device containing small amounts of pyrotechnic and/or explosive composition that does not fall under the category of consumer fireworks. Examples include snakes, party poppers, and snappers.

Federal agency that inspects fireworks manufacturing plants, regulating both employee workplace safety standards and the fireworks-related requirements of NFPA 1124.

The person with overall responsibility for the operation and safety of a fireworks display. Responsible for storing, setting up, and removing pyrotechnic materials and devices.

A square-on-point diamond hazard warning symbol mounted on each side and each end of a truck or container informing emergency responders of hazardous cargo (DOT 49 CFR § 172).

A long tube containing slow-burning pyrotechnic composition that is sometimes used to manually ignite fireworks at outdoor displays.

An audience that is closer to pyrotechnic devices than allowed by NFPA 1123 Code for Fireworks Display.

Any device containing pyrotechnic materials and capable of producing a special effect.

A chemical mixture used in the entertainment industry to produce visible or audible effects by combustion, deflagration, or detonation.

A special effect created through the use of pyrotechnic materials and devices.

Controlled exothermic chemical reactions that are timed to create the effects of heat, gas, sound, dispersion of aerosols, emission of visible electromagnetic radiation, or a combination of these effects.

Also known as an Instantaneous Fuse. Black match that is encased in a loose-fitting paper or plastic sheath to make it burn extremely rapidly (10–50+ ft/sec).

A secure storage container for aerial devices for use during display set-up and live firing.

An assistant who controls and dispenses the contents of ready box(es) during a fireworks display.

A component of an aerial display shell or mine. A report contains salute powder (usually flash powder) which explodes violently, producing a loud noise, bright flash, and smoke.

A chain-fused firework that propels a series of aerial shell, comet or mine effects into the air from a single tube.

A protective tube or cap closed at one end placed over the tip of a fuse until intended ignition to protect it from damage and accidental sparks.

Fireworks designed to produce an explosive sound as its primary effect.

A pyrotechnic composition (such as flash powder) that makes an explosive sound when ignited and constitutes the sole pyrotechnic effect of a salute.

A ground display such as lancework, wheels, gerbs, fountains, and/or other devices which function while mounted on poles, frames, or ground structures.

A detailed sketch or map of the fireworks display site or performance area outlining discharge areas, fallout zones, and spectator perimeters.

The organization, person, group, or government agency that arranges with a duly authorized fireworks supplier for presentation of a fireworks display.

A member of the fireworks display crew who observes the firing and bursting of aerial shells to detect proper mortar angling, identify duds, and monitor safety hazards.

Fireworks materials that are compressed or rolled into small cubes, cylinders, or round pellets that produce colored points of light and sparks.

Individual at a fireworks display who controls all product, ensuring that shells are dispersed only as they are needed.

Pyrotechnic devices for professional use in the entertainment industry. Similar to consumer fireworks in chemical composition but not intended for consumer use.