Igniter Installation Tips and Tricks

IGNITE supports Clip-on Igniters— sometimes referred to as Talon Igniters— as they are reliable, safe, and easy to use. This guide will cover installation techniques, as well as tips and tricks to get the most out of your clip-on igniters.

In this article

How Do Clip-On Igniters Work?
How Can I Tell if My Igniter Will Fire?
How Can I Prevent Misfires?

How Do Clip-On Igniters Work?

Clip-on igniters rely on a thin filament inside the clip, which heats up when fired; no chemicals needed! This means the igniters are completely inert, making them safe to handle, store, and transport. They’re single-use, easy to clip onto your standard firework fuse, and deliver reliable ignition when installed correctly.

The filament inside a clip-on igniter is a tiny tungsten coil that wraps partially around the fuse when you clip it onto your firework. The IGNITE system sends electricity through the coil, heating it so that the fuse ignites.

How Can I Tell if My Igniter Will Fire?

While clip-on igniters are simple to install, it’s important to make sure the filament is intact so the igniter will fire reliably.

The easiest way to check is with a continuity test. Breaks in the filament are easy to spot— they’ll show as greyed-out cues during a check because the circuit cannot complete.

Stretched filaments are harder to identify since the circuit still completes, but a stretched coil may not make enough contact with the fuse, which can prevent the igniter from firing.

How Can I Prevent Misfires?

A misfire is any instance where a firework was supposed to go off, but didn't. While many factors can cause this, we’ll focus here on clip-on igniters.

These tips address the most common misfires caused by installation or handling errors, helping ensure your igniters are set up correctly and ready to fire.    
 

Properly Install Clip onto Fuse

• Move the wire aside to avoid pinching when squeezing the levers, allowing the clip to open fully.

• Attach the clip straight from the "front" like a dog biting a stick; do not slide it in from the side.

• Never thread the fuse through the filament. This will damage the filament and prevent ignition

• Make sure the fuse is centered in the clip so it touches the filament, but doesn’t reach the hinge.

• Never squeeze the clip head to close it; this could damage the filament

Avoid moving the clip once installed on a fuse

• Never slide the igniter along the fuse. This can break or stretch the coil, leading to a misfire.

• Avoid repeatedly unclipping and re-installing the igniter. Doing so can stretch the filament. Once the clip-on igniter has been placed on a fuse, it is best to use a new igniter if you need to remove and reapply the igniter to that firework.
• Be cautious when transporting fireworks with igniters installed. Jostling can move the fuse along the filament. If transport is necessary, use strain relief to distribute any force and keep the igniter in place.

Add Strain Relief

• Once the igniter is attached to the fuse, tape it to the side of your firework, rack, or board.

• Taping the igniter below the clip helps absorb any pulls on the wire, keeping the clip from shifting along the fuse if the wire is tugged or tripped over.

• If you need to tape over the clip, do not press directly on the clip.

Stick to these tips, and your show will be set to ignite exactly as you planned!

Need more help? Contact us, we're always happy to assist!