Legislation on Pyro Detonator

[djtom29]

Hi Guys

 

Just a theoretical question. As a little project in our spare time we built a pyro detonator from parts we could buy from the local maplins. The challenge was to build a single channel detonator with key switch and fire button, that had to be built in to a box (black plastic) and had to be as "safe" as possible for a home built construction. (we succeeded)

 

It will never actually be used for a real production (unless I can ensure it meets all regs and is tested and certified)

 

I was wondering what the regs are for such a device. And what it would take to make it "safe and legal" to be used on actual productions.

 

Note I dont claim to be an expert and this is just theoretical. until I have the correct training and experience I wont be building my own pyro system and working it!

[kerry davies]

I am also not an expert and we haven't heard much lately about the new regs etc but BSI has a consultation or FIVE going on about stage pyro;

prEN 16256-1 - http://drafts.bsigroup.com/Home/Details/736

prEN 16256-2 - http://drafts.bsigroup.com/Home/Details/737

prEN 16256-3 - http://drafts.bsigroup.com/Home/Details/738

prEN 16256-4 - http://drafts.bsigroup.com/Home/Details/739

prEN 16256-5 - http://drafts.bsigroup.com/Home/Details/740

 

Right at the moment I haven't got time to plough through them but if you pop on over to http://www.pyrosociety.org.uk/forum you may find some further info there.

[Jivemaster]

Firstly please don't use the term "Detonator" unless you really mean a detonator -the initiator in a high explosive system.

 

From the OP I think and assume (dangerous I know) that you really mean a pyrotechnic firing system. (Because Maplin don't sell HE components but do sell electrical bits). If you can do the basic maths of the design there is nothing to stop you making a fully working and safe firing system.

[Brian]

To be 'safe and legal' it needs to be safe.

 

Equipment for sale would need to meet, at the very least, one of the standards for the Low Voltage Directive, one of the standards for the EMC Directive and the General Product Safety Directive. There is no standard for pyro control systems. Oh and you'd need to have a WEEE scheme in place and also deal with RoHS. And be registered as a producer and....

 

However, kit for your own use doesn't need to meet any of those unless you consider that the 'placing on the market' clause in the Directives applies to equipment constructed for your own use if used for commercial purposes.

 

Still with me?

 

At the end of the day if an accident were to occur you may need to convince a court that your equipment was designed and constructed to industry standards and practice. And your insurer would certainly want to know that.

 

The closest thing to that 'standard and practice' is the ABTT CoP for pyrotechnics.

 

 

Oh, and I'll save you a lot of reading, the standards Kerry linked to contain not one word about control systems.

 

 

Brian (who has ploughed through them!)

[Shez]

To add a small spanner to the pot, I don't think you'll be met with smiley faces if you turn up with a home made pyro system at most venues. Certainly at those I frequent, any pyro kit with even the slightest hint of home brew about it will very quickly be shown the door. Whether it meets whatever relevant standards is irrelevant. Good thing this is only theoretical ;)

[bigclive]

Some considerable time ago I published the plans for a simple pyro controller with pod detection on my website (bigclive.com). Something home-brew like this is fine for personal use, but in a professional application I'd suggest using a known brand just for the liability aspect if anything goes wrong.

 

That said, most pro firework control systems are VERY home-made looking because of the specialist nature of the industry.

 

You can have hideous pyro accidents with any equipment. But at least with the professional controller you had a proper professional accident.

[dbuckley]

I have a dog-eared copy of the ABTT Code of Practice for Pyrotechnics and Smoke Effects, vintage 1979. It has chapter and verse on construction of pyro firing devices, flashpots, bomb tanks, dry ice machines and more. I guess it was the norm back then to construct one's own equipment, certainly I and most my peers built our own kit, and I can remember swooning when I first saw a LeMaitre firing box.

 

My, how times have changed...

[paulears]

You mean the box with a load of nails sticking out going to the fusewire, and a 'wand' connected to the mains isn't allowed any more?

 

I did this back in the 70s - bought a tub of powder, drew a set plan, stuck the nails in at each pod (well, pice of timber with a dent from a hammer and a couple of nails to wrap the fuse wire around) position. A bic biro with a bit of coathanger soldered to the incoming mains and some tape.

 

I'm rather pleased safety has improved on this system - although maybe 12V and a car battery would have been better at the time, even then!

[pritch]

You mean the box with a load of nails sticking out going to the fusewire, and a 'wand' connected to the mains isn't allowed any more?

 

Ah, we were a bit more advanced than that! I found a ###### great big transformer with a 13A plug attached to the primary when I was having a clear-out. I think it took it down to 120v or something, which I'm informed we used to use for pyro back in the day.

 

All I know is that the local rag and bone man seemed quite happy when we gave him permission to go skip-diving, and he found that one.