[This post has been superceded by changes to the forum rules in December 2010]
In this post I hope to clarify why we don't allow discussion about fuse modifications and related things in this forum.
Firstly I think it is worth saying that most experienced members of this forum do acknowledge that if you
could fuse up your fireworks safely, for example to fire in a sequence, it
could be safer than running around with a portfire or a taper. The reasons we don't allow discussion however are unrelated to this, read on.
Secondly, don't worry (or take it personally) if you have been referred to this post, you'd be surprised how many new members ask, often in their first post, "How do I fuse my fireworks together?"
Fusing Consumer Fireworks - The Legal and Safety Grey Areas
So here then are the problems:
- As we understand it, modification of a consumer firework (including the fuse) of any kind is illegal in the UK for the general public. That's the legal grey area. We're not experts in law so cannot say for sure, but that's how we understand things.
- If you were to modify a firework (its fuse) - where would you do this? Your kitchen table, bedroom or back garden? What if there is a spark? What if due to your inexperience you get it wrong and make your firework dangerous? Is your house licenced to allow you to modify fireworks (answer - no). That's the safety grey areas.
Another thing to bear in mind is this. Consumer fireworks are sold to be used in accordance with their safety labels. As a website that promotes firework safety, we cannot encourage anything other than this. Regardless of our personal opinions on the subject.
Finally do bear in mind liability. If you damage or injure with your fireworks and it was found that you had illegally modified a fuse, or used the firework in a manner other than instructed on the warning label, you could face civil or legal action. Not to mention any insurance cover could be void.
So with the best will in the world, we have to declare this subject "off limits" in this, a public facing and pro-safety forum.
Example topics that we cannot allow:
- How do I fuse fireworks together?
- Where can I buy fuse from?
- Any discussion about home made firing systems (as the implication is you will modify a firework)
Exceptions:
Professionals are allowed to discuss all issues relating to fusing, providing this is a legal activity in the context of a display, for example. All discussion on the subject should be made in the Professional forum.
Please note, we do not allow the discussion of fusing consumer fireworks, at home, by a professional firer. That is well outside the scope of a professional display and in any case is modification in an unlicenced and non-insured situation.
Electrical / Electronic Firing Systems For Consumers
The good news is there are now a few fully legal firing systems available for consumers. These work by clipping an ignitor on the outside of the fuse and hence no "modification" is required
Discussion about these systems and their use is 100% OK.
We have had discussions in the past about the process involved in igniting a fuse, or about home made systems that clip onto a fuse rather than cutting into it. These discussions were made on the basis that nothing illegal was being discussed. However, we feel the implication here is still someone at home trying to make their own firing system and therefore, we generally don't allow those types of discussion now.
There are always some grey areas of course, so this guide will be updated from time to time.
Consumer fireworks and fusing - Posting guide
