Frequently Asked Questions
E-match questions:
How Many E-matches will shoot on one cue series wiring ?
1 E-match per each volt of system voltage minus 3 E-matches for each hundred feet of cabling.
How many E-matches will shoot with a parallel wiring ?
6 E- matches for most 24 volt 24 ga systems per circuit, additional E-matches will ignite but can damage switches and connectors. Suggestion is add additional circuits for firing more than 6-matches at once in parallel circuits.
How many E-matches will shoot with series parallel wiring?
This a powerful solution for igniting many E-matches at once but requires technically competent personnel to calculate this circuit. A 24 volt system with a series parallel circuit can ignite up to 60 to 80 E-matches with 300 feet of wire if configured properly
Firing systems questions:
How many volts for firing E-matches?
1 volt dc per E-match on a circuit plus 3 volts for each hundred feet of 24 ga cabling and shot wire.
What is the correct hook wire gauge?
18-22-24 ga shot wire are common wire gauges utilized for E-matches. 24 ga in most cases is adequate.
How big of a battery for firing E-matches?
Series circuits recommendation of 1- amp minimum battery capacity Parallel circuits recommendation is a minimum of 3 amp capacity battery
System test questions:
How come the system test good in the after noon and test bad at show time?
Condensation gathers on the electrical equipment at sundown which can cause problems with continuity test and communications test.
Why do E-matches test good and don't ignite?
E-matches will usually not fire over 70ohms resistance and many firing systems will show a good circuit up to 10,000 ohms of resistance.
Why do firing cues which are not used light up for testing?
Usually moisture is the culprit or a damaged cable however sometimes it is a miss wired circuit.
Before the show questions:
Why do they shunt E-matches and firing modules?
E-match are shunted or shorted to stop the possibility of static discharge of an E-match.
After the show questions:
How come indicator lights do not go out after firing a cue?
- The igniter wire inside the E-match does not break opening the circuit
- E-match wire shorted out after firing
- E-match circuit was over 70 ohms and never ignited
Is there a control cable that does not burn during a show?
Probably not for the budgets allowed for Fireworks. A burning pyrotechnic star landing on a cable with a temperature of several thousand degrees will burn all affordable cables used with pyrotechnics. Covering cables with sand and aluminum foil is a effective protection from burned cables.
Should unfired E-matches be shunted before removing pyrotechnic devices?
Yes because you want eliminate static discharge ignition of an E-match when handling.
How Many E-matches will shoot on one cue series wiring ?
1 E-match per each volt of system voltage minus 3 E-matches for each hundred feet of cabling.
How many E-matches will shoot with a parallel wiring ?
6 E- matches for most 24 volt 24 ga systems per circuit, additional E-matches will ignite but can damage switches and connectors. Suggestion is add additional circuits for firing more than 6-matches at once in parallel circuits.
How many E-matches will shoot with series parallel wiring?
This a powerful solution for igniting many E-matches at once but requires technically competent personnel to calculate this circuit. A 24 volt system with a series parallel circuit can ignite up to 60 to 80 E-matches with 300 feet of wire if configured properly
Firing systems questions:
How many volts for firing E-matches?
1 volt dc per E-match on a circuit plus 3 volts for each hundred feet of 24 ga cabling and shot wire.
What is the correct hook wire gauge?
18-22-24 ga shot wire are common wire gauges utilized for E-matches. 24 ga in most cases is adequate.
How big of a battery for firing E-matches?
Series circuits recommendation of 1- amp minimum battery capacity Parallel circuits recommendation is a minimum of 3 amp capacity battery
System test questions:
How come the system test good in the after noon and test bad at show time?
Condensation gathers on the electrical equipment at sundown which can cause problems with continuity test and communications test.
Why do E-matches test good and don't ignite?
E-matches will usually not fire over 70ohms resistance and many firing systems will show a good circuit up to 10,000 ohms of resistance.
Why do firing cues which are not used light up for testing?
Usually moisture is the culprit or a damaged cable however sometimes it is a miss wired circuit.
Before the show questions:
Why do they shunt E-matches and firing modules?
E-match are shunted or shorted to stop the possibility of static discharge of an E-match.
After the show questions:
How come indicator lights do not go out after firing a cue?
- The igniter wire inside the E-match does not break opening the circuit
- E-match wire shorted out after firing
- E-match circuit was over 70 ohms and never ignited
Is there a control cable that does not burn during a show?
Probably not for the budgets allowed for Fireworks. A burning pyrotechnic star landing on a cable with a temperature of several thousand degrees will burn all affordable cables used with pyrotechnics. Covering cables with sand and aluminum foil is a effective protection from burned cables.
Should unfired E-matches be shunted before removing pyrotechnic devices?
Yes because you want eliminate static discharge ignition of an E-match when handling.