blasting cap
Definition
Noun: A blasting cap is a small, sensitive explosive device used to initiate the detonation of a larger, more stable main explosive charge. It contains a small quantity of a primary explosive that is easily ignited by heat, shock, or electrical current, providing the necessary energy to set off the secondary high explosive.
Usage
The term blasting cap is used specifically in contexts involving demolition, mining, quarrying, and military ordnance. It refers to the initiating component in an explosive train. - The demolition crew carefully inserted the blasting cap into the dynamite stick. - Safety protocols require storing blasting caps separately from other explosives.
Advanced Usage
- Electric blasting cap: A cap designed to be initiated by an electric current, allowing for precise, controlled detonation from a safe distance.
- They used an electric blasting cap to ensure all charges exploded simultaneously.
- Non-electric blasting cap: A cap initiated by a safety fuse or shock tube, often used where electrical hazards are present.
- In the gaseous mine, non-electric blasting caps were mandatory.
Variants and Related Words
- Detonator: A more general term that can include blasting caps as well as other devices used to initiate an explosion.
- Primer: In some contexts, a device that provides the initial stimulus to start a reaction, analogous to a blasting cap in function.
- Explosive train: The sequence of explosives, from the sensitive initiator (like a blasting cap) to the main charge.
Synonyms
- Initiator
- Detonating cap
- Fulminating cap (archaic)
Related Phrases
- To cap a charge: The action of attaching a blasting cap to an explosive.
- After capping the charge, the team retreated to the bunker.
- Cap-sensitive explosive: An explosive that can be reliably detonated by a standard blasting cap.
Noun
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a small tube filled with detonating substances; used to detonate high explosives
