Ben Carter
Roman candles are a traditional type of firework that shoots coloured fireballs into the sky. They are constructed with bentonite, a lifting charge, a pyrotechnic star, black powder, and a delay charge. The fuse of a Roman candle is at the top of the item, and the firework should always be pointed upwards when lit. Roman candles are easy to use, but it is important to prioritise safety when lighting them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Traditional firework |
| Shape | Tube-shaped |
| Composition | Cardboard tube, fuse, charges, clay or sawdust, black powder, "star" composition |
| Function | Shoots colored fireballs into the air |
| Colors | Manipulated by adding compounds; e.g., potassium perchlorate (KClO4) for green light, SrCO3 for red or pink |
| Safety Precautions | Do not hold in hand, do not aim at people, animals, or objects, light on a flat surface, wear protective gear, keep a safe distance |
| Stabilization Methods | Stake into the ground, use a stand or mortar tube, place in a glass jar or container, use a launch pad |
| Ignition | Light the fuse from the top, burning down to successive charges |
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What You'll Learn
How to make a firework candle
Making firework candles, also known as Roman candles, is a project for adults with some pyrotechnic experience. Roman candles are traditional tube-shaped fireworks that launch a series of exploding stars into the sky. They come in a variety of sizes and colours, with the larger candles producing a bigger explosion.
To make a firework candle, you will need a cardboard tube, black powder or clay, and "stars" which can be made from the coatings of sparklers, flash powder, black powder, or Pyrodex. The stars can be manipulated to be different colours by adding compounds that release visible light and other radiation when ignited. For example, to create a green star, you can use potassium perchlorate (KClO4) as an oxidizer, while SrCO3 can be added to produce a red or pink star.
- Run the fuse down the tube to the clay plug.
- Add a layer of black powder (about an inch). You can sprinkle the powder into the tube using a rolled sheet of paper.
- Add your "star" composition. Roll the mixture into balls that just fit inside the bore of your tube and allow them to dry.
- Drop a ball into the tube, on top of the black powder, and press tissue paper, sawdust, or a small amount of clay on top.
- Repeat layers of black powder, a star, and the delaying charge until the tube is filled.
- To light the firework candle, place it in a hole or secure it in sand or dirt to stabilize it and prevent it from tipping. Point the top of the candle straight up, light the fuse, and move to a safe distance.
Always follow local guidelines and safety practices when making and lighting firework candles.
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Safety precautions for firework candles
Fireworks are a great way to celebrate an occasion, but they can also be dangerous. Firework candles, in particular, can pose a safety risk if not handled properly. Here are some important safety precautions to follow when using firework candles:
- Always read and follow the directions and warning labels on fireworks. Fireworks should only be used by responsible adults with prior experience.
- Check your local laws and guidelines to ensure that fireworks, including firework candles, are legal in your area.
- Never light a firework candle in your hand or hold it. Firework candles should be buried up to half of their length in sand or dirt before ignition.
- Never aim a firework candle at a person, animal, or object. Point fireworks away from people, houses, and flammable materials, and always keep a safe distance.
- Do not light fireworks indoors or in a container.
- Never modify, disassemble, or attempt to relight a firework candle. If a firework fails to ignite, wait at least 20 minutes before cautiously approaching it.
- Wear protective gear, such as eye protection (goggles or safety glasses) and gloves, to shield yourself from sparks and burns.
- Sober judgement is crucial when handling fireworks. Never operate fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Keep fireworks away from children and pets. The National Safety Council recommends safer alternatives, such as glow sticks, confetti poppers, or coloured streamers.
- Be cautious when using fireworks during dry conditions or near dry vegetation, as they can quickly ignite and lead to uncontrollable blazes.
- Respect the power of fireworks and always practice responsible handling to minimize risks and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
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How to set up a firework candle
Setting up and lighting fireworks, including firework candles, can be dangerous. Always read the directions, warning labels, and safety instructions on the fireworks before use. Be aware of the laws where you live and check local guidelines to make sure the type of firework you are using is legal. Some types of fireworks are banned in certain countries and states.
Firework candles should always be set up on a flat, firm surface. Roman candles, for example, should be buried up to half of their length in sand, dirt, or soil before ignition. They should never be held in your hand or aimed at a person, animal, or object. The fuse of a Roman candle is at the top of the item and you should remove the covering tape from the fuse prior to ignition. You can shoot your candles off one at a time or string a few together.
If you are using sparkling candles, these should be inserted into a cake or pastry before being lit. Make sure there are no fire hazards or tall items or paper products nearby that could catch fire.
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Lighting a firework candle
Once you have selected a suitable location, prepare your firework candle by reading the instructions and warning labels on the product. Canadian-approved fireworks will have bilingual labels with setup and safety instructions. Roman candles, for example, should always be placed inside a secure tube or rack, never held by hand. The fuse of a Roman candle is at the top of the item, so remove any covering tape prior to ignition.
To light the candle, use long-stem grill lighters, torch lighters, or punk sticks, which allow you to ignite the firework from a safe distance. Avoid using matches or standard lighters, which bring your hand too close to the fuse. Light the fuse at arm's length, then quickly move away to a safe distance.
If you are interested in making your own firework candle, this is a project for adults with prior pyrotechnic experience. You will need to follow a recipe that includes ingredients such as black powder, flash powder, Pyrodex, and strontium compounds, depending on the colour and effect you want. The process involves layering these compounds inside a tube with tissue paper, sawdust, or clay, and a fuse.
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Different types of firework candles
Fireworks come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each offering a unique display of lights and sounds. Here are some of the most common types of firework candles:
Roman Candles
Roman candles are a traditional type of firework that consists of a long tube loaded with multiple stars that shoot out colourful fireballs, one at a time, often in rapid succession. They are handheld fireworks but should always be buried up to half of their length in sand or dirt before lighting. The fuse of a Roman candle is located at the top, and it is important to never hold, aim, or ignite them in your hand. Roman candles may be prohibited in some areas, so it is important to check local guidelines before using them.
Wheels
Wheels are broad, squat devices that spin at high speed, creating a colourful circular shower of sparks. They are attached to a support such as a fence, post, or tall ladder, and come in different sizes depending on the number of "drivers" or cartridges that produce the spinning effect. It is important to ensure that wheels have sufficient spinning clearance and are not affixed to trees or other flammable objects.
Fountains
Fountains are ground-based fireworks that emit a shower of sparks and coloured flames upward. They are characterised by a steady spray of effects and can vary in height and duration, creating a mesmerising visual display. Fountains often include special effects, such as whistles, and can have plastic bases or tubes that are buried in the ground. While the sparks produced by fountains are relatively tame, the burning tip can be extremely hot and pose a risk of burns.
Mortar Shells
Mortar shells are plastic-based fireworks that are meant to stand freely on a flat, firm surface. They can also be placed in a bucket of sand or angled using a board or flat platform. The 'brick method' is considered the safest way to ignite mortar shells, ensuring they remain stationary and do not tip over.
In addition to these common types, there are also sound shells, skyrockets, vertical cakes, and smoke bombs, each offering unique effects and visual displays. It is important to always follow safety instructions and local regulations when using fireworks.
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Frequently asked questions
Wear protective gear, including gloves and eye protection. Only light your candles when they're stabilized on the ground and away from flammable materials. Keep your distance by using an extended lighter or a punk to set off the candles.
A firework candle, also known as a Roman candle, is a traditional type of firework that ejects one or more exploding stars or shells. They come in a variety of sizes and are usually tube-shaped.
You can stabilise the candle by staking it directly into the ground, using a Roman candle stand or mortar tube, placing the end in a glass jar or container, or using a fireworks launch pad.
Point the top of the candle straight up and light the fuse. Then, run to safety and enjoy the show!
Yes, Roman candles may be prohibited in certain regions. Check your local guidelines to ensure that they are legal where you live.
