What follows is the result of combining years of experience with multiple opinions. We hope this gives you a foot-hold into the vast expanse that is fireworks. The definitions below are not infallible and we will do our best to stay on top of the ever-changing terminology. Please feel free to send suggestions and/or amendment ideas to us at any time.
TermsDefinition
DOT classification for High Explosives that pose a mass explosion hazard. The DOT recently revised 1.1G to include all display firework shells greater than 10" and all salutes containing greater than 2.5 ounces of flash powder.
DOT classification for explosives that DO NOT pose a mass explosion hazard. They DO pose a mass fire, minor blast or fragment hazard. This grouping includes all display firework shells larger than 1.75" up to 10".
DOT classification for Consumer Fireworks that DO NOT pose a blast or fragment hazard. They DO pose a moderate fire hazard. This means that contrary to popular belief, consumer fireworks will NOT mass detonate.
A multi-tubed device containing no more than 200 grams of powder.
A multi-tubed device that produces bursts, which some people feel appear larger than those of an average 200 gram. Some in the industry feel this categorical distinction is unnecessary, but if words like "ginormous" can make it into the dictionary, we feel that a commonly used (albeit technically inaccurate) term, like 350-gram, can make it into this glossary.
A multi-tubed device containing no more than 500 grams of powder.
ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, which is a plastic pipe used in plumbing. ABS should NEVER be used as a material for mortars. It is liable to shatter, creating shrapnel and poses a huge safety hazard.
The desired result of a firework that occurs once it's in the air.
A device that is propelled up into the air. Roman Candles, Multi-shot Cakes, Artillery Shells and Rockets are all examples of aerial fireworks. Aerial fireworks are easily distinguishable from ground fireworks by their warning label, which reads "Shoots Flaming Balls." A consumer grade aerial firework can reach heights of 200 feet, but not all of them go that high. Aerial fireworks on the professional level can range all the way up to 1500 feet high.
A spherical or cylindrical-shaped shell propelled into the air from a mortar. Once in the air, the shell bursts to create an aerial effect such as a peony or a chrysanthemum. Aerial Shells are a type of Aerial Firework.
AHJ is an acronym for the "authority having jurisdiction." It refers to the fire marshal, local police department, local fire department, or whoever is responsible for regulating and monitoring fireworks in your area.
A smaller version of a display firework shell measuring 1.75" or less. They are propelled out of a mortar and may have single or multiple breaks. Artillery Shells are sometimes referred to as Mortars or Reloadables.
Assortment is a loose term referring to fireworks that come pre-packaged in a box. Assortments can range from a package of different types of rockets to a mixed package of 500-Gram Multi-shots, reloadables and fountains. Assortments are sometimes referred to as "a show in a box." The specific definition may vary from store to store, so be sure to ask.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, commonly known as the ATF, is the Federal agency that regulates the licensing, importation, manufacture, distribution, and storage of explosives (1.3G & 1.1G). The ATF does not regulate the legal use of consumer fireworks.
Rapid repetition of an aerial effect. These are often found in multi-shot cakes and roman candles.
A Battery is a group of similar items grouped as a single bunch. Saturn Missile Batteries are a good example.
Also known as gunpowder, black powder is the most common material used in fireworks. It is a low explosive consisting of potassium nitrate, sulfur, and charcoal.
A single break that creates several small bursts of color or noise. Bombettes are commonly found in roman candles, but are not limited to them.
A small rocket attached to a thin 12" stick that travels into the air and typically ends with a small report. Some bottle rockets have whistle or color as well.
A Bottom Shot is the loud salute at the end of a multi-break shell. Bottom shots are not found in consumer fireworks.
The part of a shell containing effects. If a shell has multiple breaks, there will be multiple bursts of effects to it.
A spider-like shell burst pattern, which typically has a silver tail effect and is very bright.
The release of effects by an aerial device.
A cake is a repeating aerial firework consisting of multiple shots. Cakes consist of one fuse attached to multiple tubes which fire in a sequence, launching one or more effects into the air. Cakes are often referred to as repeaters or multi-shot cakes. They may even get more specific and be referred to as 500-gram multi-shot cakes or 200-gram multi-shot cakes depending on the amount of powder they contain.
A small salute that gets its name from its cherry-like size and red color. The original Cherry bombs, which contained over 1 gram of flash powder, have been banned in the US since 1966. The legal version is restricted to 50 milligrams of flash powder.
A common and widely used effect, a chrysanthemum is a dense spherical burst of stars that retains its shape before fading.
Classification is primarily based on powder weight and type. The DOT assigns the classification at the time of approval. See the chart below.
| Fireworks sold to the general public | Display Fireworks greater than 1.75" | Display Fireworks greater than 10" | |
| Previous Name | Common Fireworks | Special Fireworks | Explosives |
| Previous Explosive Classification | Class C | Class B | Class B |
| Shipping Classification | UN0336 | UN0335 | UN0333 |
| Current Name | Consumer Fireworks | Display Fireworks | High Explosives |
| Current Explosive Classification | 1.4G | 1.3G | 1.1G |
A large star that emits showers of sparks as it rises into the air. They get their name from actual comets and mimic the tails seen on them.
A mixture of pyrotechnic materials containing an oxidizer, a fuel and assorted other chemicals for color and effect.
Fountain in the shape of a cone.
Consumer Fireworks are fireworks that are specifically designed for use by the general public. They include many different types and effects. Check with your AHJ for local laws and availability. Consumer fireworks must adhere to the rules laid out by the CPSC to ensure their safety and low hazard level. For example, consumer fireworks must have an ignition source come in contact with their fuse in order for them to discharge, meaning they are heat tested and will not simply go off because they were left in a hot car. Also, and contrary to popular belief, consumer fireworks WILL NOT mass detonate. Consumer Fireworks are heavily regulated to ensure safety and quality. Consumer fireworks are also known by their DOT classification, 1.4G or UN0336 and were previously known as Class C or Common fireworks.
A Continuity Test is a way for pyrotechnicians who are firing a show using an electric system to test whether an electrical circuit works. These are usually performed before shows to make sure all the fuses will light when they are qued to do so. During a continuity test a very small current is sent through the igniters to see if the circuit is complete without using enough power to actually ignite the fuse. There is a minimal amount of risk that the fuse will light, so all safety precautions are employed while performing these tests.
The CPSC is the Consumer Product Safety Commission, a Federal agency that regulates Consumer Fireworks.
A cluster of very small, sharp reports. It is similar to the sound of popcorn or water hitting hot oil.
A Crossette is a comet that contains an internal burst charge of flash powder or black powder that causes it to burst into several fragments, hopefully creating a cross or "X" in the sky. Getting these shells to break just right so the audience can see their shape is tricky. Most Consumer Fireworks containing these effects will direct the user to face a certain side towards the audience in an attempt to have the effect break in the prime viewing position.
A burst pattern similar to a peony, but containing fewer stars that are larger in size.
Daytime Pyro devices usually include parachutes, streamers and other such devices that do not let off colored light (which is best viewed after dark) as their main effect. These fireworks are more enjoyable and visible during daylight hours.
First and foremost, consumer fireworks DO NOT detonate, they ignite. A detonation is an exothermic chemical reaction in which the explosive decomposition of a substance forms an energy wave that spreads through the substance at supersonic speeds. This term is used to describe the reaction achieved in High Explosives, 1.1G.
Display Fireworks, sometimes known as Commercial Fireworks, are professional fireworks regulated by the ATF. They require a special license to buy, store, and use. These fireworks are commonly seen in large displays, such as an aquatennial. Display fireworks should only be used by pyrotechnicians. They are also known by the DOT classifications of 1.3G or 1.1G.
The Department of Transportation is a Federal agency that regulates the classification and transportation of fireworks and other explosives, among other things. The DOT created the 1.1G, 1.3G and 1.4G classifications.
A firework that fails to ignite.
The Effect of a firework is the desired result. The following are examples of effects: chrysanthemum, flying fish, tails, falling leaves, glitter, etc.
An Electric Igniter is a device used for the electrical ignition of fireworks by pyrotechnicians. These are often used at big displays. Electric Igniters consists of two lead wires connected to each other by a small filament. When a current passes through the igniter, the filament heats up and ignites, eventually igniting the fuse.
An Explosive is a substance that has the potential to undergo rapid chemical decomposition, producing light, heat and large volumes of gas.
Falling Leaves are a quieter aerial effect that consists of glowing embers that tumble slowly in the air, flickering back and forth as they fall. Their motion mimics that of falling leaves.
The Finale may refer to the last portion of a firework display or individual firework. In the finale of a fireworks show, fireworks are ignited in large quantities to create an intense display. The finale of an individual firework is usually multiple tubes fused to ignite last and at the same time creating a larger final display in the sky.
A small rolled paper tube containing flash powder, which is typically braided by their fuses into long strings. When the fuse is lit, the flame travels to the inside of the firecracker and ignites the flash powder, which causes it to undergo a small explosion. This small explosion creates the signature "bang" associated with firecrackers. In the United States, firecrackers can only contain 50 mg of flash powder. Regulatory tests have proven that one of today's legal firecrackers does not even contain enough powder to break the skin.
A Firefly effect is a blinking gold and silver light. It may be part of a tail or a star.
A combustible that, when ignited, creates visible and audible effects for entertainment purposes. In the United States, fireworks are divided into two groups: those that can be purchased by the general public, known as Consumer Fireworks, and those that can only be used by professional pyrotechnicians, known as display fireworks. Fireworks are considered a hazardous material.
Fish are a type of aerial effect that looks very much like a school of fish darting around the sky. The effect is created using small bits of fast-burning fuse that propel themselves through the air when ignited. Fish do not have engines for propulsion.
A Flare is a tube containing pyrotechnic material that burns slowly with a bright, colored flame.
An energetic explosive mixture consisting of an oxidizer and a powdered metallic fuel, used to create firecrackers and reports. Flash Powder, in its raw form, is highly volatile and can be set off by both friction and static.
An aerial pattern that resembles a flower with points of light that streak outward from the center of the break.
A ground firework that sprays sparks upwards. They are easily distinguishable from aerial fireworks by their warning label, which reads "Emits showers of sparks." Fountains are considered a Safe & Sane firework and are also known as gerbs.
An item resembling a string or wire that is used to ignite a fireworks device.
See Fountain
A wheel mounted horizontally that spins quickly enough to cause it to lift off and rise up into the sky. Girandola's usually end with a burst or report and are sometimes referred to as flying saucers.
Glitter is a tail effect consisting of bright flashes of light and small explosive bursts. It lasts several seconds.
A self-propelled star that flies around randomly in the air. Unlike flying fish, go-getters have their own engines for propulsion.
A consumer firework that functions at ground level. They usual range from ground level to about 10 feet tall. Ground fireworks include, but are not limited to: fountains, novelties and snakes.
An item that spins on the ground, but does not fly up into the air. Jumping Jacks are an example of a ground spinner.
Another term for a Mortar
See Black Powder
According to the DOT a Hazardous Material is defined as any substance or material that could adversely affect the safety of the public, handlers or carriers. Fireworks are considered Hazardous Material and are to be treated as such.
HDPE stands for High Density Polyethylene, which is a strong plastic pipe commonly used for mortars.
A Helicopter is a spinner with wings. Once ignited a helicopter will spin on the ground before it travels up into the air.
A High Explosive is an explosive, such as TNT, capable of detonation that combusts nearly instantaneously producing a violent, shattering effect. Until a recent classification change, high explosives were not used in the fireworks industry and were part of an entirely different DOT classification. Now any display shell larger than 10" is considered, by the DOT, a 1.1G high explosive and should be treated as such. Consumer Fireworks are NOT high explosives.
An Illegal Firework is a broad term that encompasses any explosive item sold to the general public that is over the legal limit of powder or has been deemed illegal by local or state laws; this includes the sale of Display Fireworks to unlicensed and untrained individuals. These items include M-80s, Cherry Bombs and Silver Salutes. If you are caught with Illegal Fireworks you could face heavy fines and/or jail time. For local laws regarding fireworks contact your AHJ.
Jumping Jacks are small tubes fused together in packs. When lit, they spin or "hop" around on the ground with red and green flames. Jumping Jacks look strikingly like firecrackers.
A firecracker that is smaller in size and tightly packed.
A Lift Charge is located beneath a shell and is used to propel the device into the sky. It is usually made of black powder.
Contrary to popular belief, the M-80 is NOT a firework. It is a High Explosive (1.1G). They were originally created by the military for use as a grenade and gunfire simulator. M-80's were later sold to the general public as a loud and powerful firecracker. The M-80 was banned in 1966 by the CPSC as part of the Child Protection Act, because of the overwhelming amount of serious injuries they caused. M-80s are an illegal firework and have been since 1966.
A Mine is a ground level eruption or burst of effect in an upwards spray.
A Misfire occurs when the fuse of a shell burns into the device, but it fails to ignite the device.
A type of rocket that uses fins, not a stick, for guidance.
A Mortar is a tube from which aerial fireworks are ejected. Mortars can be made from cardboard, high density polyethylene or fiberglass. The term mortar is sometimes used as a nickname for Artillery Shells as well.
A wooden or metal frame that may house one or more mortars. (see Mortar)
A Multi-break shell is a shell with multiple compartments that burst separately.
See Cake
An abbreviation for the National Fire Protection Association. The NFPA is responsible for setting uniform national standards for fireworks use, manufacture transportation, and storage.
A small firework shaped like an animal, vehicle or other structure. Novelties emit small sprays of sparks, crackle, and whistle, and often move around the ground on wheels. Certain novelty devices you may find at a fireworks store have been deregulated by DOT as non-explosives, including: bang snaps, party poppers, some smoke items, most sparklers, snakes and some other items.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is a branch of the United States Department of Labor responsible for establishing and enforcing safety and health standards in the workplace. OSHA regulates the pyrotechnic workplace as well.
A Palm Tree is a comet shell that begins with a thick tail of sparks as it travels into the sky and then breaks into several branches of sparks. It looks very much like an actual palm tree.
An effect that releases a single or multiple paper parachutes upon bursting. Parachutes come in both daytime and night varieties.
A single color star that is launched from the ground.
A Peony is a somewhat symmetrical break of stars without tails that travel outward before beginning to droop downward.
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Security Administration is the federal agency charged with the safe and secure movement hazardous materials by all modes of transportation.
A ball of stars in the center of another ball of stars. Another way to describe this effect is as the small peony inside a larger peony.
Proximate Fireworks are the formal name for indoor fireworks. Proximate fireworks are intended for indoor use. They are used for public events and, just like the rest of the fireworks world, are heavily regulated.
Polyvinyl Chloride is a plastic pipe that should NEVER be used for mortars. It can shatter sending shrapnel into the air and poses a huge safety risk.
A stick of compressed sawdust that burns quite slowly. It is used for igniting Consumer Fireworks.
From the Greek word meaning "fire." It is often used to describe a pyrotechnic enthusiast.
Pyrotechnics are items or devices that burn in order to perform their function. Fireworks are pyrotechnics.
A person who builds or shoots fireworks.
See Mortar Rack
A Ring Shell produces a ring as its break pattern. Ring shells must burst facing the right direction or the ring will not be as visible.
See Artillery Shell
See Cake
A loud crack or boom. Sometimes referred to as a salute or sound shell. Reports are legal in consumer fireworks as long as they are accompanied by a color effect or if it contains less than 150mg of powder.
Rising Effects are effects that are released by a shell during its ascent. Tails, whistle and crackle are all examples of possible rising effects.
A Rocket is a type of firework that is (usually) mounted on a stick and propelled by a rocket engine into the air where it bursts. There are several types of rockets: sky rockets, bottle rockets and missiles.
A tube-shaped device that ejects a series of stars into the air. Contrary to popular belief, roman candles are not meant to be held in your hand. They should be secured in the ground, or something like a bucket of sand, and then ignited.
A Salute is a loud, colorless bang containing flash powder. Salutes are illegal in consumer fireworks. A salute is not a report.
Safe & Sane refers to Consumer Fireworks that do not burst or contain aerial effects. This group includes ground fireworks such as fountains, novelties, sparklers, and more. These items are Minnesota Legal.
A Serpent is a self-propelled star with a tail. It look like a snake in the sky.
See Aerial Shell
The term Shot refers to the number of effects that burst in a fireworks device.
A Silver Salute is an illegal explosive packaged in a long silver tube. It is similar, in effect, to the M-80's.
A Sky Rocket is a pyrotechnic device made out of a paper tube that propels itself into the air in order to fly. Sky rockets generally have a stick to add stability to their flight. Sky rockets are larger in size than bottle rockets.
Technically speaking, smoke is a dispersion of fine solid particles in the air usually resulting from incomplete combustion. In fireworks, smoke may be white or colored and is used to create or add to many effects.
A Smoke Item is a firework that generates smoke as a primary effect, such as smoke balls.
A Snake is a small black pellet that, when lit, burns slowly to produce an elongated column of ash resembling a snake.
Snaps are paper balls filled with a cap composition that emits a sharp "bang" upon impact.
A Spark is a tiny particle that emits light as it is ejected from a burning composition.
A Sparkler is a bamboo or metal stick coated in a pyrotechnic composition that give off sparks while burning.
A spinner is a type of star that spins in the sky and gives off large quantities of white light. A tourbillion is a type of spinner.
A Star is a small capsule that emits light and sparks as it burns. Stars are a building block for many effects, such as the peony or chrysanthemum. A singular star launched from the ground is referred to as a pearl.
A Strobe is blinking effect composed of extremely bright stars that flash repeatedly.
A Tail is a burning trail that follows a star into the sky. Most comets have tails and so do willow and brocade effects.
Time fuse is a thick, slow-burning fuse used to create time delays in aerial shells.
A Tourbillion is a type of star that spins in the sky and gives off large quantities of gold, silver, or white light. These are generally constructed as a small paper tube with holes on each end that allow it to spin. Tourbillions are a type of spinner.
A Volley is an intense barrage of shells or rockets.
A slow burning fuse used to make fireworks. It is usually green in color.
A Wheel is a device propelled by drivers to spin rapidly. They usually emit sparks, whistles, color and other effects.
A Whistle is a high-pitched shriek caused by the movement of air through a partly hollow tube.
Willows are falling trails of sparks that last up to 10 seconds and look like willow trees.