We at PyroMaster LLC have over twenty years of experience with the firing pyrotechnics electrically. Our knowledge and success comes from learning that what works in a lab does not always work in the field. When working with electrical equipment and pyrotechnics with indoor and outdoor environments there are many elements which can cause failure. The following are suggestions for a safe and successful pyrotechnics display:

Macro Suggestions:

• Plan your work and work your plan
  • Plan your equipment layout in advance
  • Meet with your crew and review the plan
• Allow ample time for setup
  • A good goal is to have the entire show tested and ready before sundown. Multi-day show setups should have a goal by 12:00 noon day of show to be tested and ready
• Plan for wet conditions 
• Have focused people on the set up and testing of the firing system. 
• Have a shutdown plan incase of a catastrophic event 
• Plan your exit strategy for striking the show. Most Pyrotechnic firing systems are expensive, it is important to have focused people on accounting for and gathering all the equipment after the show.
• Clean and maintain your equipment after a show. It is much easier to fix the equipment back at the shop then at the shoot site.

Micro Suggestions:

• Check batteries before leaving for the show
• Check and test cables before laying them out
• Mark rails and cables for easy identification before trouble shooting
• Tie down E-match wires for a clean break at the mortar
• Check for wires dragging or capable of dragging over mortars
• Bundle up loose wires around the shooting mortars
• Allow for slack in your cables when designing cable layouts