Visco fuse (also called cannon fuse, safety fuse): Typically 2–3 mm in diameter with a lacquered coating. Burns at about 20–30 seconds per foot (≈1 cm/sec or ~30 sec/ft) depending on manufacturer and conditions. It burns with a visible external flame and is water‑resistant. It is green in colour.
Pink fuse: Medium speed (~10 sec/ft) and less common in pro setups.
Quick match / quick fuse (grey fuse): Extremely fast, burning at 0.25–0.5 sec/ft (7.6cm/sec), used for igniting multiple shells virtually simultaneously. Typically only with proper licencing—it is not recommended to hand‑light quick match
Time fuse / Chinese timed fuse: Designed to burn at consistent delay rates (~1 cm/sec) for precision internal delays in aerial shells.
Flying fish fuse: A visco‑based fuse filled with a metallic spark composition, used as an effect fuse rather than just an initiator.
Choosing the Right Fuse for Your Display
Use slow visco for spacing out effects—e.g., stakes or cakes that are several seconds apart.
Quick match is great for finale sequences or rows of shots needing simultaneous ignition—but only if you have the proper electronic match and safety protocols.
Time fuse is embedded in shells for internal bursting delay.
Mix fuse speeds if your show requires varied pacing or specific cues.
Always test burn sample lengths (e.g., 1 ft) under your working conditions to confirm precise burn rate for choreography
How to Fuse Safely and Reliably
- Plan layout: Lay out each item in firing order with appropriate fuse lengths.
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Connect fuses: Strip or angle-cut tips to expose black powder. Align a sending fuse (e.g., quick match or visco) with the receiving fuse.
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Secure connections: Use zip ties to clamp, then wrap with masking or U‑Haul tape to hold alignment and direct flame transfer.
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Leave space, test: Keep secure spacing between connected effects; test small lengths to confirm burn performance before full layout.
Combining zip‑ties, wire and tape offers strength and reliability—reducing misfires and keeping timing tight.
⚠️ Safety & Legal Must-Knows (Queensland Context)
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In Queensland, you must hold a licence and have display approval from Resources Safety Queensland for any professional fireworks shows.
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Be familiar with your local regs—only licensed pyrotechnicians may fuse professional display setups.
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Always follow safety best practices: no-smoking zones, spectator distances (typically 40 m+), fire equipment on standby, no relighting of duds, etc.
As Queensland’s number‑one go‑to for professional weddings and festivals, your fuse practices need to reflect that same level of excellence and attention to detail.
If you have a specific show setup in mind—like linking 200 g cakes for a wedding finale or staging choreographed sequences across mortar racks—I’d be happy to help customise your fusing layout concept or or provide recommended practices in Australia.