Types of Fireworks
Knowing Firework Details Keeps You Safe
Fireworks have a magical way of lighting up the sky and our spirits, turning any celebration into a dazzling spectacle. From the booming bursts of color on the Fourth of July to the sparkling showers on New Year’s Eve, fireworks captivate audiences of all ages with their brilliance and variety. Whether it’s the thunderous crack of a mortar shell or the delicate shimmer of a fountain, each type of firework brings its own excitement and charm. In this article, we’ll explore just how fun fireworks can be and take a closer look at the different types that make these displays so unforgettable.
Firework History
Fireworks originated in China during the Han dynasty around 200 B.C., predating the invention of gunpowder. Fireworks originated thousands of years ago from China during the Han dynasty around 200 B.C. ), even long before gunpowder was invented. People believe that the earliest “firecrackers” probably consisted of chunks of green bamboo which someone used in a fire due to a lack of dry fuel. To the observer’s surprise, the blackening rods started sizzling before eventually exploding after some time. Americans spend $930 million dollars on fireworks purchases annually and it’s important to know the types of fireworks before you shop and shoot…
Different Firework Types:
- The DOT classifies consumer fireworks as 1.4G (UN0336) which indicates these explosives present a limited hazard.
- The DOT classification for explosives presenting minimal hazard levels includes 1.4S (UN0337) which covers products like fuses.
- Safe and Sane fireworks are consumer products which neither explode nor produce aerial effects. This category features fountains along with novelties, smoke devices and both sparklers and snaps.
- Texas law recognizes these specific classifications of fireworks. Your fireworks wholesaler or retailer stocks most of these items for purchase.
- The DOT classification 1.3G (UN0335) covers explosives which create flaming projectiles known as display fireworks. A permit is necessary for both owning and shooting 1.3G fireworks.
Know Your Effects:
Firework Assortments:
ASSORTMENTS represent collections of fireworks available in a range of sizes and prices across various types. Fireworks included in one box save money because a $50 assortment contains items that would cost $80 if purchased individually. People new to consumer fireworks or those organizing their displays should consider assortments because they offer diverse options while saving both time and money compared to purchasing individual fireworks. You can select assortments based on your preferences for small backyard children’s shows you can choose a small family assortment which includes quiet items like fountains sparklers poppers and smokes. If you’re skilled in handling consumer fireworks and intend to host a neighborhood-wide display you’ll find that picking a large fireworks assortment gives you diverse options including shells and rocket effects.
Aerial Repeaters:
Among the most favored fireworks types are aerial repeaters which people also call “cakes” along with aerial shells. They function like their own individual fireworks display because you only need to ignite the fuse and then relax to enjoy the spectacle. The extended showtime combined with multiple effects makes these displays exceptional crowd favorites. A repeater contains multiple tubes connected together which can number anywhere between six and over 200. A repeater can be identified by its fuse placement on the lower side which contrasts with a fountain that has its fuse positioned at the top. The tubes on repeater fireworks are miniature versions of aerial shell devices. A single fuse burns between the tubes. The lifting powder inside launches the effects high into the air once it reaches one. The maximum pyrotechnic content of larger repeaters reaches the legal limit of 500 grams.
Aerial Shells (Artillery)
Among consumer fireworks the reloadable shell kits known as AERIAL SHELLS have gained significant popularity. The ignited shell is shot up into the sky where it explodes into striking color patterns similar to those created by professional fireworks displays. Each assortment features one or two tubes (mortars) along with a selection of 6 to 99 shells. Mortars for these fireworks are constructed using High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), fiberglass material, or heavy cardboard. The different color boxes of “Artillery Shells” make them a reliable option because they have good bursts while remaining affordable. The bigger shell assortments feature one or multiple 18″ HDPE mortars plus 24 or more shells that include several exploding effects. Assortments with double, triple, and quadruple breaks exist among shell collections. Each individual “shell” combines multiple attached shells which explode rapidly one after another when launched into the air.
Display Tubes:
DISPLAY TUBES are available in two variations which include single tubes and multiple tubes. Single tubes represent a ready-to-use aerial shell which includes remarkable effects like purple comets or green palm trees not typically found in regular shells as well as thick gold comets and giant red chrysanthemum bursts. Multiple tube fireworks feature distinct tubes that hold individual shells which activate in succession with a short delay between each.
Firecrackers:
The earliest fireworks form known as firecrackers originated from China and served to ward off evil spirits. Firecrackers are available in multiple package sizes which range from small strings with 12 units to large celebration rolls containing up to 20,000 units. Different sized packaging of firecrackers displays a special code on their label which tells buyers how many crackers are contained inside, as exemplified by the code 6/80/16. The case has 6 units which each include 80 packs containing 16 individually fused crackers on one string per pack. The total count of crackers emerges from multiplying the provided numeric values. The packaging sometimes displays a “tau” figure which does not represent the full count of firecrackers.
Flying Spinners:
Flying Spinners, also known as Helicopters, function as ground spinners that utilize angled wings. The spinning device uses angled wings to channel airflow downward which creates lift similar to helicopter mechanics. The flight ends when a small burst charge ignites and releases the colored stars inside. Sometimes the whole thing explodes.
Fountains:
FOUNTAINS operate as ground-based devices that launch showers of colored sparks into the air. Compared to repeaters these devices launch effects that reach only about ten feet high. These devices create stunning color displays which enhance aerial effects such as those created by repeaters and shells. The bigger fountain models operate by linking multiple tubes to activate in succession. Their similar shape to repeaters can cause confusion but identifying fountains relies on their top-mounted fuses which differ from repeaters. Although they never reach beyond 10 feet in height their effects remain visible for 2 to 3 minutes which makes them excellent for long lasting displays. Your show performance improves significantly when you use these fountains together with shells or other aerial devices.
Ground Spinners:
SPINNERS perform random rotations at ground level while emitting colorful sparks and flames. “Ground Bloom Flowers” represent the most frequent type of spinners that move rapidly in many directions. The flame repeatedly shifts colors while the spinning imbalance creates the appearance of a radiant flower during its rotation. The circular spinner is a type of spinner which achieves its circular motion through the burning of either composition or small drivers in a tube.
Mines:
Mines generate upward fan-shaped displays of color and effects which the side view of the box picture illustrates. They appear in kits with both a tube and multiple mines similar to how reloadable shells operate. The consumer market currently has a limited selection of mine kits but their availability is expanding with the growing popularity of the “mine” effect.
Firework Novelties:
Small fireworks known as Novelties resemble real-world objects like tanks and animals while they move across the ground. While these items aren’t very impressive they provide children with a lot of fun. Children find these toys fun because they can play with the remaining parts afterwards (or use them as something to stomp on). Novelties provide a low-cost way to entertain children while the main fireworks display is being prepared (another adult should supervise them). ).
Firework Parachutes:
The available parachute models are categorized into day and night versions. Both day and night parachute types contain subdivisions for single or multiple shot options. The single daytime parachute mechanism propels a canister skyward before it opens up into one or two parachutes. The “paratrooper” sometimes turns out to be a colored smoke canister that lights up during descent to help track its path. Multiple shot daytime parachute designs appear as tall thin repeaters made of numerous tubes as shown in the left picture. These devices create moments of colorful spectacle as nearly 100 different colored parachutes fill the air and rain down everywhere. The only difference between night parachutes and daytime parachutes lies in their payload which contains a strobe or colored star composition that shines as it descends. Both types of parachutes have similar pricing.
Poppers and Snaps:
The devices known as POPPERS or SNAPPERS do not meet the legal definition of fireworks for the majority of states and remain available for purchase in toy stores throughout the year. These items are suitable for kids because they are both safe and entertaining so retailers often bundle them with fireworks. Impact-ignited snappers are marketed under approximately a thousand different brand names which are sold in packages of 50 small boxes. Pull string “party poppers” come in bottle shaped containers which release confetti when activated and they typically come packaged in sets of six.
Firework Rockets and Missiles:
When rockets and missiles launch they propel into the sky while emitting effects including reports, crackles or stars. A long stick stabilizes rockets while they divide into two types: bottle rockets and skyrockets. Bottle rockets are small rockets that measure 1 foot long which produce whistling or explosive sounds and they function when launched from bottles. Skyrockets exceed 1 foot in size which prevents bottle launch because they possess advanced features like stars and crackles alongside strobes and parachutes. Skyrockets measuring between 3 and 5 feet long (this measurement includes the stick) feature substantial payload sections that hold aerial shells inside.
Roman Candles:
ROMAN CANDLES operate as single tubes which discharge multiple shots while repeaters and shells produce only one shot in each tube. The tube discharges shots one by one. Shots can vary from basic color stars to complex designs that demonstrate flashing, exploding, whistling and crackling effects. The shots from larger bore roman candles expand in flight to create effects similar to those of miniature aerial shells.
Smoke:
SMOKE items serve as entertaining daytime items that people can enjoy using. The most popular packaging for smoke balls is in sets of six. Four different colors of smoke stick to orange, blue, yellow, green, and red while most of the purple ones produce white smoke instead. Cylindrical “smoke grenades” exist to produce dense smoke coverage for a duration of two minutes.
Snakes & Strobes:
STROBE devices which produce bright disorienting flashes come in boxes containing six units. Snake fireworks exist as small black pellets. The burning of these objects results in the release of long brittle carbon ash that resembles a snake emerging from the ground.
Sparklers:
SPARKLERS function as miniature handheld fireworks which produce colored sparks from their burning tips. They are designed as the exclusive handheld fireworks available. Two varieties exist which include metal rod types alongside “Morning Glory” models. Metal rod sparklers come in single colors which are generally gold or silver. They are fairly difficult to ignite. Morning Glory sparklers consist of 3 burning phases beginning with a red flame lasting 20 seconds. It is then followed by a crackle/snapping stage for 20 seconds before ending with a green/white flame for the final 20 seconds. Morning Glories offer better safety than metal sparklers because they avoid creating a heated wire after usage. Several companies produce enormous sparklers called “California Candles” that function like large roman-candle fountains.
Wheels:
Wheels are specialized fireworks that attach to vertical supports using nails. Once lit they spin around their center and emit showers of sparks along with crackling noises and whistling sounds. They rotate at extraordinary speeds creating an illusion of a fiery ring suspended in the air. A number of engines (referred to as drivers) operate in sequence to power most wheels.
From the heart-pounding booms to the glittering cascades of light, fireworks offer a unique kind of joy that brings people together under a sky full of wonder. Whether you’re a fan of colorful aerial shells, crackling Roman candles, or the quiet sparkle of ground fountains, there’s a type of firework for everyone to enjoy. As you plan your next celebration, take a moment to appreciate the artistry and excitement behind each burst.
If you want to fuse fireworks together to make a show you can learn more about that here.
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Disclaimer- we are not responsible for injury or damage to the use of any firework or information on this page.