Roman candles – what are they and how to use them?

Although most people associate fireworks with rockets or firecrackers, this product group is much larger. In recent years, Roman candles have been gaining an increasing number of fans. In some cases, they can successfully replace firework launchers and are much cheaper. Why is that, and what makes them special? Well, there are several answers to this question. Construction of Roman candles It is their construction that makes Roman candles stand out among other fireworks and makes them easy to recognize at first glance. They are made of a paper tube in which pyrotechnic effects are arranged one after another. At the end of the tube is a fuse used to initiate the shots. Thanks to this design, depending on how the product is mounted, we can control the direction in which the effects will fly. Among Roman candles there are many different models, and at first glance one might wonder how they differ. The main distinctions, apart from the effects themselves, are the diameter of the Roman candle (the tube) and the number of shots. The size and impressiveness of the shots are strongly influenced by their caliber. The larger the diameter of the Roman candle, the bigger and more beautiful the effects in the sky will be. The height to which the individual effects fly, on the other hand, is determined by the tube’s length. So if you care about the largest effects and the greatest flight height, choose Roman candles that are visually as large as possible. A Roman candle tube contains from 5 up to even 70 shots. The most spectacular are products with 5 or 8 shots in a 30 mm caliber. The more shots, the smaller the effects, down to those where colorful, glowing balls spill out of the Roman candle. Multi-shot Roman candles in small calibers are considered so-called silent fireworks—because they make almost no sound. How to light Roman candles? Fireworks are explosives, and Roman candles should be treated as such as well. Always read the operating instructions placed on them and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. When mounting Roman candles, remember a few important rules: a) make sure the product is mounted stably and won’t tip over after the first ignition b) when choosing the mounting location, check that nothing will obstruct the flight of the shots. Choose a spot away from tree branches, rooftops, and power lines c) use string, a piece of wire, or plastic zip ties to secure it Finally, the simplest part remains: lighting the fuse. Remember that in Roman candles, the fuse is always located at the top. When lighting, make sure to ignite it right at the very end. This will give you enough time to move to a safe distance from the firing shots. Can you hold Roman candles in your hands? Although the smallest Roman candles are often held in the hand, you should avoid doing so and always mount them to a post, rod, or in some other way. The smallest Roman candles have a diameter of about 7 mm, and at that size they don’t produce large or strong effects. They’re more like colorful balls, called “Harry Potter wands” by the youngest. Although these charges might seem safe, manufacturers strictly prohibit holding these products in your hands. With larger Roman candles, this is strictly forbidden because any, even the slightest, movement of the Roman candle changes the trajectory of the charge inside the tube. This can end up being very dangerous, as the effect may puncture the tube halfway and explode at face height. Only using Roman candles in accordance with the instructions will ensure a fully safe and very impressive experience.