Fuse Colors and Time Explained
Different colored fuses burn at different speeds. Understanding these rates is essential for timing your fireworks display perfectly.
Common Fuse Types and Burn Rates
Green Visco
30 sec/ft
Slowest burn rate. Perfect for long delays between effects.
Yellow Visco
20 sec/ft
Medium burn rate. Good for standard timing between items.
Pink/Red Visco
10 sec/ft
Fastest burn rate. Use for rapid sequences.
Important: Don't Trust Color Alone
While the colors and speeds above are traditional, you cannot rely on color alone to determine burn rate. Recently, many fuses are available in various colors that don't follow these traditional speed conventions. The packaging may state one burn rate, but the color may not be what you expect.
Always cut 1 foot of fuse and time it when you burn it before using it in your show. This is the only reliable way to know your actual burn rate.
Calculating Timing
Example Calculation:
If you want a 15-second delay between two cakes using green visco:
15 seconds ÷ 30 seconds/foot = 0.5 feet (6 inches) of fuse needed
Professional Tips
- Always test your fuse: Cut a 1-foot piece and time it. Environmental conditions like humidity can affect burn rates.
- Add extra length: It's better to have slightly longer delays than risk overlapping effects.
- Store properly: Keep fuse in a cool, dry place. Moisture can significantly slow burn rates.
- Color consistency: Different manufacturers may have slight variations in burn rates even with the same color.
Quick Reference Chart
| Desired Delay | Green Fuse | Yellow Fuse | Red Fuse |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 seconds | 2 inches | 3 inches | 6 inches |
| 10 seconds | 4 inches | 6 inches | 12 inches |
| 15 seconds | 6 inches | 9 inches | 18 inches |
| 30 seconds | 12 inches | 18 inches | 36 inches |
Safety Reminder
Always light fuses at arm's length and move to a safe distance immediately. Never attempt to relight a fuse that appears to have gone out.