There are so many different styles, methods, practices and preferences in fireworks. We wanted to know what the shooters at Archangel Fireworks prefer. Being that the crew is a little tired after the busy weekend, I will be doing some mini-posts for our Quick-fire Edition of Pyrotechnically Speaking.
For those of you who don't know much about the terminology used in the industry I will also give a brief description of what it all means.
Quick-fire Edition #1: Hand Firing or Electrical?
What does it mean?
Some fireworks shows are shot by hand, this means that the pyrotechnician physically lights each fuse. At Archangel Fireworks, our preferred method of hand firing uses emergency flares which are attached to a length of wooden dowel to give the shooter more distance between them and the firework. The pyrotechnician will be wearing full fire fighting turn-out gear, a safety helmet with a visor that covers their faces as well as safety glasses while firing by hand.
Some fireworks shows are shot electrically, this means that the fireworks fuses are attached to an electric match. Each match is wired into a firing system module which is then either wired, or wirelessly connected to a master control panel. The pyrotechnician can test the continuity of the electrical circuit and fire the show from the master control panel The match has a small head made up of a combustible compound at the end of a length of wire. The firing system allows controlled pulses of electricity to pass through the wires to ignite the match head, which ignites the fuse to launch the firework.
Some fireworks shows are shot by hand, this means that the pyrotechnician physically lights each fuse. At Archangel Fireworks, our preferred method of hand firing uses emergency flares which are attached to a length of wooden dowel to give the shooter more distance between them and the firework. The pyrotechnician will be wearing full fire fighting turn-out gear, a safety helmet with a visor that covers their faces as well as safety glasses while firing by hand.
Some fireworks shows are shot electrically, this means that the fireworks fuses are attached to an electric match. Each match is wired into a firing system module which is then either wired, or wirelessly connected to a master control panel. The pyrotechnician can test the continuity of the electrical circuit and fire the show from the master control panel The match has a small head made up of a combustible compound at the end of a length of wire. The firing system allows controlled pulses of electricity to pass through the wires to ignite the match head, which ignites the fuse to launch the firework.
James: Hand firing!!!! Get right in there!
Leiah: Electrical, I like the control and the ability to create more intricate designs.
Ross: Electrical. Allows things to be more precise, and I just despise when the finale is something less than perfect and amazing. Electrical gives you the control you need to make finales better.
Adam: Hand-firing is a much more visceral experience
Candice: Both are great for different reasons. Hand firing is an adrenaline rush. There is nothing like a 5 inch shells lifting only inches from your head.
But with electrical shows, you get to see the fruits of
your labor. If I had to choose one over the other, electrical would be my
preferred method for that reason.
Kelly: Apples and oranges
Do you have a question for the crew? Is there something that you would like to know about what it's like to be a pyrotechnician? If we use your question you could win your very own Archangel Fireworks T-shirt so you can look just as cool as Danny and Daniel did at the Junos! Send your questions to info@archangelfireworks.com
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