Firework Jargon – Visco

Visco refers to a type of fuse commonly used in fireworks to ignite and control the sequence of events once lit. For instance, in a firework cake, each shot is connected with Visco fusing, ensuring that the shots fire sequentially with a consistent delay. This means a 25-shot firework might last approximately 25 seconds, with one second of Visco fuse between each tube. Visco fuses typically burn at a rate of 2.5 seconds per inch. This precise burn time is critical in determining the overall timing of a firework, particularly for different firework categories.

• Category F2 fireworks (designed for gardens and small displays) usually have a fuse burn time of 3–8 seconds.
• Category F3 fireworks (intended for larger, more open areas) are designed with a burn time of 5–13 seconds.

While Visco is one of the most widely used fuses, there are other types of fusing that serve specific purposes:

• Quick Visco: A faster-burning version of the standard Visco fuse.
• Quick Match: A highly reactive fuse that burns almost instantaneously.
• Tape Match: A flat, adhesive-backed fuse often used for rapid ignition across multiple fireworks.
• Black Match: A more traditional, slow-burning fuse used for specific effects.

Understanding the role of Visco and its alternatives gives insight into how fireworks are meticulously timed and choreographed for spectacular displays. The next time you marvel at a firework show, remember that precision fusing is at the heart of the magic!