A home fireworks show can add festivity and excitement to any gathering. Modern fireworks are an impressive blend of ancient art and modern technology, and today’s home fireworks displays can become true marvels. Knowing which fireworks to purchase, however, can be quite confusing. Technically, all consumer grade fireworks are labeled as 1.4G, or sometimes with their older name, Class C fireworks. Within this category, however, are a vast array of fireworks types and styles. Here is a brief guide to the available types of consumer grade fireworks.
Ground Effects
Ground effects include all fireworks that remain on the ground as they shoot off sparks, smoke, and color displays. They are generally considered among the safest fireworks, because they do not travel. Wheels, snakes, and tanks are among the most popular ground effects. Ground spinners get their name from their intense spinning action, shooting sparks in every direction.
The majority of ground effects are relatively small and self-contained, making them a good choice for families without a large, clear backyard or other safe launching space. Yet not all ground effects are small. Mines, or large tubes that shoot streams of sparks high into the air, are also classified as ground effects. Mines can be quite large and impressive, and are even used in many professional fireworks shows.
Sparklers
Sparklers are an unusual type of fireworks, because they are designed to be held in the hand. They are especially popular with children, who enjoy watching the sparks fall all around them. But be careful, as sparklers can burn at temperatures close to the melting temperature of gold! Never let children use sparklers unattended, tie back loose hair and clothing, and thoroughly douse sparklers in water before throwing them away.
Aerial Fireworks
Aerials are what most people think of when they picture fireworks. Designed to soar high in the air before exploding, aerials run the gamut from individual blasts to aerial repeaters or “cakes,” which contain a series of timed explosions lit from a single fuse. Bottle rockets, skyrockets, and Roman candles also fall into the category of aerial fireworks. Your choices of patterns, effects, colors, and sizes are seemingly limitless. If you are just starting out, you might be interested in purchasing an assortment, which contains a variety of effects in a single package. More advanced fireworks enthusiasts generally prefer putting together their own collections, carefully choosing effects that work well together to fit a theme.
Novelties
Fireworks novelties include a wide range of fun or unusual fireworks effects. Parachutes, which launch like a rocket before gently gliding back to Earth on a deployed chute, fit into this category. So do helicopters, also known as flying spinners, which launch a few feet into the air, spinning furiously before exploding or launching a shower of sparks. Small firecrackers also fall into this category.
Snaps, poppers, and the Christmas crackers popular in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries are also considered novelties. Though they are frequently sold with fireworks, they are not actually considered to be true fireworks in most jurisdictions. Unlike sparklers, these novelties primarily produce a loud bang and are normally considered safe. Of course, parental supervision is always advised, especially if you are unsure how a new effect works.
Novelties also include rare fireworks, some of which are quite powerful aerials. If you are looking for just the right effect for your next show, ask your fireworks dealer about any novelties that might be available.
Walking into a fireworks shop for the first time can be confusing, but there is no need to let this stop you from designing the fireworks display of your dreams. Most employees are highly knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to help you find just the right products. Look around, ask lots of questions, and watch the provided videos. Over time, you will get to know the various types of fireworks and become more and more confident in your own abilities to design a top notch fireworks show.
At Dynamite Fireworks, we don’t only sell top-quality, name-brand fireworks. We also provide the information you need to know to use them responsibly, legally, and safely. If you have any questions or concerns, give us a call at (219) 937-4090. We look forward to becoming your one-stop shop for all your fireworks needs!