DIY Electric Igniters

In this project we're making electric ignitors! This DIY electronic igniter is perfect for setting off fireworks from a safe distance. It’s a great way to launch explosives without having to use lighters or matches. All of the components fit inside the chipboard enclosure. You can cut of the design with scissors or a cutting machine!

We think this is a safe way to light off fireworks. It’s a great way to get young kids involved. they can light off fireworks at a safe and distance without the danger of burning their fingers. It’s also great for assistive tech so folk who might not have the dexterity in their hands can still set off fireworks.

This project is indented for adults, young children should be under parental supervision at all times. Explosives are be dangerous and should be taken with caution.

Circuit Playground Button Input

 

Our button was constructed out of chipboard and was inspired by the Nintendo Labo. It features a spring mechanism that allows the button to be held momentarily.

 

We made this into a downloadable template that you can print and cut out yourself. We think this works great with other projects like the Circuit Playground Express.

 

Inside the box are two 9V batteries, cooper tape and sets of wire. When the button is actuated, it closes a circuit and allows current to flow through the kanthal wire.

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hacks_spark-burn.jpg

Heat Resistance Wire

 

From Wikipedia, Kanthal is the trademark for a family of iron-chromium-aluminium (FeCrAl) alloys used in a wide range of resistance and high-temperature applications. The alloys are known for their ability to withstand high temperatures and having intermediate electric resistance. As such, it is frequently used in heating elements.

 

Reusable Igniter 

 

We hand coiled a piece of Kanthal wire, a ferritic metal, to heat up our fuses and ignite our fireworks. The wire is powered by two 9V batterie, which will provide enough power to brightly heat up our coil!

 

 

Parts

 

We'll need just a couple of parts to build our own ignition box. Check out the list below!

 

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1 x Kanthal Wire
Kanthal A1 - 250' - 30 Gauge Resistance Wire
2 x Chipboard
Medium Weight Sheets - 25 Per Pack. (12 x 12)
1 x Cricut Vinyl Cutter
Smart Cutting Machine
Angle shot of PKcell 9V battery.
Battery power for your portable project! These batteries are high quality at a good price and work fantastic with any of the kits or projects in the shop that use 9V.These...
$1.50
In Stock
Angled shot of  9V battery holder clip with 5.5mm/2.1mm plug.
I found these high-quality battery clips. They're molded plastic so they won't tear like cheap clips, and they cover the battery terminals to prevent shorts.Comes with a...
$2.95
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Top view shot of a red and black JST PH 2-Pin Cable to Female Connector - 100mm.
Red and black tinned wires with a 2-pin JST PH connector on the end. 4" / 100mm long. Matches up nicely with our Lipoly chargers!
$0.75
In Stock
Large roll of quarter-inch wide copper tape.
Copper tape can be an interesting addition to your toolbox. The tape itself is made of thin pure copper so its extremely flexible and can take on nearly any shape. You can easily...
Out of Stock
Group of Small Alligator Clip to Male Jumper Wires
When working with unusual non-header-friendly surfaces, these handy cables will be your best friends! No longer will you have long, cumbersome strands of alligator clips. These...
$3.95
In Stock
Top-down view of 6 pairs of short wire alligator clips.
Connect this to that without soldering using these handy mini alligator clip test leads. Approximately 4.5" overall cables with alligator clip on each end, color coded. You get 12...
Out of Stock

This guide was first published on Jul 04, 2018. It was last updated on Mar 08, 2024.

This page (Overview) was last updated on Mar 08, 2024.

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