1.1 Fireworks

[Salutecake]

So I saw this on Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fireworks_policy_in_the_United_States#Previous_US_ DOT_explosives_classifications

Just looking for clarification: I always thought 1.1 was like dynamite and such, I can see salutes in a bulk manufacturing process being classified as 1.1 then 1.3 in smaller quantities(?)

But the word Pyrotechnics in the description of 1.1 has me a bit puzzled.

Just wondering, and Wikipedia could be wrong.

[Mattp]

I believe shells over a certain size become 1.1 as well,, like 10” and up ,, I could be wrong though,, and bulk salutes,, I haven’t seen it in a while,, but they used to put one color shell in a salute case ,, I believe for the purpose of keeping it 1.3 because now it’s a mixed case

[Salutecake]

Yep, they still put that one color shell in with the salutes I believe, but I'm still puzzled about the 1.1 stuff? I recently talked to a guy that said he had some 1.1 cakes for sale and that he had a container coming in with more next week, and his last container would not be in until after the fourth.

I was thinking that his mention of 1.1 was like a reference to an old classification, like Like A, B or C fireworks, but now after looking up 1.1 I'm not so sure.

Thanks for the input!

[BMoore]

For U.S. DOT purposes I believe Mattp has it right. I'd be very surprised if this person is actually importing any 1.1 since that is generally either too cost prohibitive or flat out impossible. Most big 1.1 shells over 10" that you can buy are American made rather than imported and the bulk salute issue is avoided by adding color shells. I've never heard of a 1.1 cake under the U.S. definition. To give the guy the benefit of the doubt are you sure he didn't mean 1/1 instead of 1.1 as in 1 cake per case? I have heard people refer to larger cakes that way.

[jdels]

Are you sue he didn't mean 1/1 as in packaging? Usually big stuff, one to a box.


Yep, they still put that one color shell in with the salutes I believe, but I'm still puzzled about the 1.1 stuff? I recently talked to a guy that said he had some 1.1 cakes for sale and that he had a container coming in with more next week, and his last container would not be in until after the fourth.

I was thinking that his mention of 1.1 was like a reference to an old classification, like Like A, B or C fireworks, but now after looking up 1.1 I'm not so sure.

Thanks for the input!

[Arclight]

There are only a few ports that accept 1.1 shipments. I have a friend who imports cast boosters for commercial blasting. He tells me the cost to get a 1.1 shipment to the West Coast and then trucked out to the distributor is a lot of the final product price.
Anything 1.1 needs to be stored in a Type 1 or Type 2 magazine when not in use and the trucking regulations require full placarding for any amount as well as designated routes and stopping areas. Some tunnels and other infrastructure prohibit these shipments or require that they only go in at a certain time. They Eisenhower tunnel on I-70 is one of these. When they have bad weather, they make all of the placarded hazmat shipments go through at once with an escort.

The setbacks for a high explosives magazine are much greater than for a 1.4/Type 4 you would use with regular fireworks. See table 555.218 for more info:
https://www.atf.gov/explosives/555218-table-distances-storage-explosive-materials-high

In addition to high explosives like dynamite, bulk flash powder and other compounds can also be 1.1 for storage/transport. The movie industry usually buys flash powder in an A+B kit form and mixes it on site to avoid this.

[Salutecake]

The more I look into it and the more I read here I would bet he means1/1. I was sure he said 1.1 but I'm an old bastard and my hearing, I know is compromised, lol. I will probably see the gentleman before the 4th,so if I find out anything different I will report back.

thanks for the enlightenment!

[jdels]

1/1's can be quite good, usually scarce and always expensive.
Over the years Ive had:
Shrooms
Kong of the king
Escape
Monkey Business
Jade Dynasty
Crocodiles
Sky Overlord
And Probably a few others I'm forgetting.




The more I look into it and the more I read here I would bet he means1/1. I was sure he said 1.1 but I'm an old bastard and my hearing, I know is compromised, lol. I will probably see the gentleman before the 4th,so if I find out anything different I will report back.

thanks for the enlightenment!

[Engineer Cat]

and my hearing, I know is compromised, lol.



Your username explains the hearing loss. :)

I played in bands and owned a recording studio for years. My hearing has issues as well. I mean, I can hear you... after I ask you the third time what you said. LOL

[Salutecake]

Well Engineer Cat, you know how it goes then, and I am not putting blame on anyone, but, back in the day hearing protection(?) What was that? Then after years of shooting guns, lighting off fireworks, driving around in an old diesel truck with the windows down, operating machinery and equipment, genetics, and being cool or a hard ass for not wearing ear protection when it came about or even mandated, this is the price you pay, Of course being married for almost 45 years didn't help, lol.