A very cheap way to remotely light wireworks.
Use a quarter watt, 10 ohm, carbon film resistor.
When 12V is applied across it, the resistor passes about 1A and burns out quickly - igniting the firework fuse.

A 10 ohm quarter, watt carbon film resistor wrapped around a piece of firework fuse applied: 12 volts, the resistor overloads and ignites the piers. You.

18 thoughts on “Resistor firework fuse ignition”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Master Bates says:

    Ive always been fascinated with remote fuse ignition, but is there an easy way to make it wireless? All the basic RF modules i could find cost at least $2, and frankly feel like cheating.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Supreme Ruler of the World says:

    sidenote: only works with the very cheapest resistors your favourite oriental online store has to offer.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars shawn thomson says:

    another great video Mr.Dotcom, love to see these componets we are all use too fail in interesting ways. thanks for this

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars john doe says:

    I saw the opposite side of the resistor light first… that would throw off timing with fireworks for sure

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Morticus says:

    Good idea for a Grand Finally Display. Can different watt resistors, do a time delay? If using one supply voltage wire.

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars groovedodger says:

    I used to use a small piece of 9 thou /top E thinnest guitar string (steel) soldered on wire to set off stage pyro's flash powder works instantly. The resistor idea I never thought of nice one.

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hugh Brackett says:

    I used to use phone wire ~24 ga. to ignite model rocket motors. Power was from an antique electrocautuary transformer. Never had a failure to ignite which is more than I can say for pre-made fuses.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars 12799MaDeuce says:

    "Shorts" seems like the perfect place for the return of Resistor Roulette

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars GraemeMurphy says:

    Used the same principle for a firework display on the Queen's Jubilee in 1977 !

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Roland Elliott says:

    And it's now cheap, chinesium resistors are only a fraction of a cent each, 15 years ago they were costing 2 cents each for a one third watt.

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Batdragon 71 says:

    I did exactly this nearly 20 years ago when i lived in Scotland. I used a strip of wood with nails in for the det board with wires going to the resistors and a car battery booster pack as the power source.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Brian Leeper says:

    Used to use a strand of steel wool to accomplish the same thing. Probably a very very very cheap way to do it.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars George Prout says:

    A 10 ohm resistor has no other purpose in life other than to make pretty sparkly things happen.

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dirk Bergstrom says:

    I have NEVER seen firework fuse in an electronic circuit!! This must be from Poundland and of Chinese origin… the UK doesn't make circuits like that! 🤪 Thanks BigClive!

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars NiHaoMike says:

    Might you be able to get a faster/more predictable ignition by wrapping the fuse around the resistor instead of having it touch at one point?

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars CrazyPete says:

    12 volts through 10 ohms = 1.2 amps and 14.4 watts! Now I need to order a 100 pack of resistors to see how reliable of an ignition source it really is.

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars TopEnd Spoonie says:

    I agree, firework fuse into a pre-loaded whoofler, for a fireball finish. Please. 🔥🔥🔥

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Fred Flintstone says:

    When you're bored on a Sunday and nothing else to do then blow up a resistor or two😄

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