RISI manufactures a line of Exploding Bridgewire (EBW) detonators for a variety of industrial applications.

This page is intended to help the user select the proper initiator for their particular application. The RISI line of EBW detonators can be divided into five categories. Click on the links below to view the specifications for each.

High Precision

RP-1
EBW Detonator
P/N 167-4314
RP-2
EBW Detonator
P/N 167-4379

 

 

General Purpose

RP-3
EBW Detonator
P/N 167-9225
RP-80
EBW Detonator
P/N 188-7042
RP-81
EBW Detonator
P/N 188-7405
RP-83
EBW Detonator
P/N 167-8676
RP-85
EBW Detonator
P/N 188-7080
RP-87
EBW Detonator
P/N 167-9643

 

 

Economy

RP-501
EBW Detonator
P/N 188-7359
RP-502
EBW Detonator
P/N 188-7410

 

 

Additional Products

SQ-80 EBW Ignitor
P/N 188-7382
BK-80
​P/N 188-7476
RP-880
​P/N 188-7354

RP-1 EBW Detonator​

P/N 167-4314​ ​-  Dow​nloa​d a​s PDF​                           
​​The RP-1 is a high precision Exploding Bridgewire Detonator manufactured by RISI which features close tolerance electrode spacing, precise bridgewire attachment, high quality loading sleeves and a rigidly controlled crystallization process of the PETN explosive and loading operation. Density is controlled through consistency of crystalline structure, precision weighing and class ‘A’ dies and tooling.

The result is a detonator with a transmission time simultaneity standard deviation of less than .025 microsecond. While some applications may not require this degree of timing or safety, users may want to take advantage of the high degree of reliability​.
 

                   

RP-1 Firing Parameters
Threshold Burst Current: 190 amps
Threshold Voltage: Approx. 500 volts
Threshold Voltage Std. Deviation:25 volts maximum
Function Time: 2.75 µsec. typical
Function Time Simultaneity
Standard Deviation:
0.025 µsec Max.

Caution: While EBW and EFI Initiators are inherently less susceptible to accidental detonation during handling and set-up than devices containing primary explosives, electrical and electronic firing systems are sensitive to transient electrical energies which could cause premature triggering or firing. The blasting area must be clear of personnel and equipment before the detonator leads are connected to any RISI Firing System. Only approved RISI Firing Systems should ever be used to initiate or detonate any explosive product manufactured and authorized for sale by RISI.​
 

​​RP-2 EBW Detonator​

P/N 167-4379​ - ​Download a​s PDF

The RP-2 is a high precision Exploding Bridgewire Detonator manufactured by RISI which features close tolerance electrode spacing, precise bridgewire attachment, high quality loading sleeves and a rigidly controlled crystallization process of the PETN explosive and loading operation. Density is controlled through consistency of crystalline structure, precision weighing and class ‘A’ dies and tooling.

The result is a detonator with a transmission line simultaniety standard deviation of less than .035 microsecond. While some applications may not require this degree of timing or safety, users may want to take advantage of the high degree of reliability present in this detonator.

 

 

RP-2 Firing Parameters
Threshold Burst Current: 220 amps
Threshold Voltage: Approx. 500 volts
Threshold Voltage Std. Deviation: 25 volts maximum
Function Time: 1.65 µsec. typical
Function Time Simultaneity
Standard Deviation:
0.035 µsec Max.

Caution: While EBW and EFI Initiators are inherently less susceptible to accidental detonation during handling and set-up than devices containing primary explosives, electrical and electronic firing systems are sensitive to transient electrical energies which could cause premature triggering or firing. The blasting area must be clear of personnel and equipment before the detonator leads are connected to any RISI Firing System. Only approved RISI Firing Systems should ever be used to initiate or detonate any explosive product manufactured and authorized for sale by RISI.​

​​RP-3 EBW Detonator​

P/N 167-9225​ - D​ownload​ as PDF

​The RP-3 EBW detonator is a miniature detonator containing less than 30 mg of PETN explosive. Although small this detonator will initiate most common military explosives. The RP-3 is used in situations which cannot tolerate blast or fragment damage but still requires the safety and reliability of an EBW detonator.

 

 

RP-3 Firing Parameters
Threshold Burst Current: 200 amps
Threshold Voltage: Approx. 500 volts
Threshold Voltage Std. Deviation: 25 volts maximum
Function Time: 1.5 µsec. typical
Function Time Simultaneity
Standard Deviation:
0.060 µsec Max.

Caution: While EBW and EFI Initiators are inherently less susceptible to accidental detonation during handling and set-up than devices containing primary explosives, electrical and electronic firing systems are sensitive to transient electrical energies which could cause premature triggering or firing. The blasting area must be clear of personnel and equipment before the detonator leads are connected to any RISI Firing System. Only approved RISI Firing Systems should ever be used to initiate or detonate any explosive product manufactured and authorized for sale by RISI.​
            

​​​RP-80 EBW Detonator​

P/N 188-7042​ - ​​D​ownlo​ad as PDF

The RP-80 detonator is a standard end lighting detonator. It is housed in an aluninum cup to provide sealing and strength to the explosive charge. It can be purchased without the cup as P/N 167- 9964. It is capable of detonating compressed TNT and other similar explosives. 

 

 

RP-80 Firing Parameters
Threshold Burst Current: 180 amps
Threshold Voltage: Approx. 500 volts
Threshold Voltage Std. Deviation: 75 volts maximum
Function Time: 2.65 µsec. typical
Function Time Simultaneity
Standard Deviation:
0.125 µsec Max.

Caution: While EBW and EFI Initiators are inherently less susceptible to accidental detonation during handling and set-up than devices containing primary explosives, electrical and electronic firing systems are sensitive to transient electrical energies which could cause premature triggering or firing. The blasting area must be clear of personnel and equipment before the detonator leads are connected to any RISI Firing System. Only approved RISI Firing Systems should ever be used to initiate or detonate any explosive product manufactured and authorized for sale by RISI.

​RP-81 EBW Detonator​

P/N 188-7405 - D​ownload as ​PDF

The RP-81 detonator has the equivalent output of a #8 blasting cap.


 

RP-81 Firing Parameters
Threshold Burst Current: 180 amps
Threshold Voltage: Approx. 500 volts
Threshold Voltage Std. Deviation: 75 volts maximum
Function Time: 3.38 µsec. typical
Function Time Simultaneity
Standard Deviation:
0.125 µsec Max.

Caution: While EBW and EFI Initiators are inherently less susceptible to accidental detonation during handling and set-up than devices containing primary explosives, electrical and electronic firing systems are sensitive to transient electrical energies which could cause premature triggering or firing. The blasting area must be clear of personnel and equipment before the detonator leads are connected to any RISI Firing System. Only approved RISI Firing Systems should ever be used to initiate or detonate any explosive product manufactured and authorized for sale by RISI.

​RP-83 EBW Detonator​

P/N 167-8676​ - D​ownload ​as PDF

The RP-83 is a stretched version of the RP-80 detonator and contains over 1 gram of high density explosive in the output. The RP-83 is capable of detonating all standard explosives and many blasting explosives.

 

 

RP-83 Firing Parameters
Threshold Burst Current: 180 amps
Threshold Voltage: Approx. 500 volts
Threshold Voltage Std. Deviation: 75 volts maximum
Function Time: 5.38 µsec. typical
Function Time Simultaneity
Standard Deviation:
0.125 µsec Max.

Caution: While EBW and EFI Initiators are inherently less susceptible to accidental detonation during handling and set-up than devices containing primary explosives, electrical and electronic firing systems are sensitive to transient electrical energies which could cause premature triggering or firing. The blasting area must be clear of personnel and equipment before the detonator leads are connected to any RISI Firing System. Only approved RISI Firing Systems should ever be 

​RP-85 EBW Detonator ​

P/N 188-7080​ - D​ownload as​ PDF

The RP-85 detonator has the same output as the RP-83, however it is sealed for under-water use. All RP-85 detonators are individually tested to 1000 psi water pressure.

 

 

RP-85 Firing Parameters
Threshold Burst Current: 180 amps
Threshold Voltage: Approx. 500 volts
Threshold Voltage Std. Deviation: 75 volts maximum
Function Time: 5.38 µsec. typical
Function Time Simultaneity
Standard Deviation:
0.125 µsec Max.

Caution:While EBW and EFI Initiators are inherently less susceptible to accidental detonation during handling and set-up than devices containing primary explosives, electrical and electronic firing systems are sensitive to transient electrical energies which could cause premature triggering or firing. The blasting area must be clear of personnel and equipment before the detonator leads are connected to any RISI Firing System. Only approved RISI Firing Systems should ever be used to initiate or detonate any explosive product manufactured and authorized for sale by RISI.

​RP-87 EBW Detonator​

P/N 167-9643​ - D​ownload​ as PDF

The RP-87 explosive is contained in a 0.006" thick stainless steel case which is crimped onto the plastic head. It is for use where small size is important. The RP-87 is similar to the MK 71 detonator in geometry and output except it contains no primary explosive.

 

 

RP-87 Firing Parameters
Threshold Burst Current: 210 amps
Threshold Voltage: Approx. 500 volts
Threshold Voltage Std. Deviation: 75 volts maximum
Function Time: 1.95 µsec. typical
Function Time Simultaneity
Standard Deviation:
0.125 µsec Max.

Caution: While EBW and EFI Initiators are inherently less susceptible to accidental detonation during handling and set-up than devices containing primary explosives, electrical and electronic firing systems are sensitive to transient electrical energies which could cause premature triggering or firing. The blasting area must be clear of personnel and equipment before the detonator leads are connected to any RISI Firing System. Only approved RISI Firing Systems should ever be used to initiate or detonate any explosive product manufactured and authorized for sale by RISI.

​​​RP-501 Economy EBW Detonator​

P/N 188-7359​ - D​ownl​oa​d as PDF​ - Product Alert, Click Here​​

The RP-501 is an EBW detonator for use in general purpose applications where the added safety of secondary explosives is desired and where cost is the paramount consideration. There is a distinct trade-off between price and performance; therfore, the user should carefully examine the performance specification of this detonator before selecting it for an application. For the purpose of performance comparison, refer to the RP-1 and RP-2 detonators which are also shown in this catalog. The RP-501 is a standard, end lighting detonator capable of detonating compressed TNT and COMP B.

 

1. Plastic m​olded head 
2. Bridgewire (Gold) 
3. Aluminum cup 0.007" thick 
4. Initiating explosive: 169​ Mg PETN 
5. Output explosive: 269 mg HMX with Binder or RDX with Binder 
NOTE: Dent test is identical for RDX vs. HMX 

 
RP-501 Firing Parameters
Threshold Burst Current: 180 amps
Threshold Voltage: Approx. 500 volts

Caution: While EBW and EFI Initiators are inherently less susceptible to accidental detonation during handling and set-up than devices containing primary explosives, electrical and electronic firing systems are sensitive to transient electrical energies which could cause premature triggering or firing. The blasting area must be clear of personnel and equipment before the detonator leads are connected to any RISI Firing System. Only approved RISI Firing Systems should ever be used to initiate or detonate any explosive product manufactured and authorized for sale by RISI.​

​RP-502 Economy EBW Detonator​

P/N 188-7410​ - D​ownload a​s PDF - Product Alert, Click Here​​​​

The RP-502 is an EBW detonator similar to the RP-501 except it can be fabricated with any required lead length up to 100 Ft. The RP-502 has an explosive output equivalent to a # 8 blasting cap.
Note: The wire lead can be up to 100 Ft. in length. Customer to specify length.  ​

 
 

 
RP-502 Firing Parameters
Threshold Burst Current: 180 amps
Threshold Voltage: Approx. 500 volts

Caution: While EBW and EFI Initiators are inherently less susceptible to accidental detonation during handling and set-up than devices containing primary explosives, electrical and electronic firing systems are sensitive to transient electrical energies which could cause premature triggering or firing. The blasting area must be clear of personnel and equipment before the detonator leads are connected to any RISI Firing System. Only approved RISI Firing Systems should ever be used to initiate or detonate any explosive product manufactured and authorized for sale by RISI.

​​​SQ-80 EBW Ignitor​

 SAFETY ALERT-​ PLEASE CLICK HERE​

The SQ-80 Ignitor is a thermite filled Exploding Bridgewire ignitor possessing all the safety characteristics of an Exploding Bridgewire Detonator. Threshold firing requirements are the same as for the RP-80 EBW detonator. The SQ-80 is capable of igniting standard propellants and pyrotechnics at distances exceeding 5 inches.

SQ-80 Ignitor Firing Parameters
Threshold Burst Current: 190 amps
Threshold Voltage: Approx. 500 volts
Threshold Voltage Std. Deviation: 50 volts maximum

Caution: While EBW and EFI Initiators are inherently less susceptible to accidental detonation during handling and set-up than devices containing primary explosives, electrical and electronic firing systems are sensitive to transient electrical energies which could cause premature triggering or firing. The blasting area must be clear of personnel and equipment before the detonator leads are connected to any RISI Firing System. Only approved RISI Firing Systems should ever be used to initiate or detonate any explosive product manufactured and authorized for sale by RISI.

 BK 80

​​​BK-80 EBW Ignitor​

P/N 188-7476

The BK-80 Ignitor is a 100% BKNO3 filled Exploding Bridgewire ignitor that is immune to Human Body ESD- 25 kV, 500 pf, 500 ohm. Threshold firing requirements are the same as for the RP-80 EBW detonator. The BK-80 is capable of igniting standard propellants and pyrotechnics at distances exceeding 5 inches.

 



SQ-80 Ignitor Firing Parameters
Threshold Burst Current: 190 amps
Threshold Voltage: Approx. 500 volts
Threshold Voltage Std. Deviation: 50 volts maximum

Caution: While EBW and EFI Initiators are inherently less susceptible to accidental detonation during handling and set-up than devices containing primary explosives, electrical and electronic firing systems are sensitive to transient electrical energies which could cause premature triggering or firing. The blasting area must be clear of personnel and equipment before the detonator leads are connected to any RISI Firing System. Only approved RISI Firing Systems should ever be used to initiate or detonate any explosive product manufactured and authorized for sale by RISI.

​RP-880​

P/N 188-7354​ - D​ownloa​d as PDF

The RP-880 Fluid Desensitized, RDX, EBW Detonator is purposely designed to misfire when immersed in a fluid and fire properly when fired in air. Misfiring or firing refers to the output portion of the detonator. The RDX provides a higher operating temperature capability as compared with the RP-88 Fluid Desensi-tized, PETN, EBW Detonator.​

 


PARTS DESCRIPTION
1. Output pellet: 454 mg of RDX with binder
2. Cup: Aluminum, anodized gold, 0.007 inch thick
3. Sleeve: Brass
4. Disc
5. Pellet: 123 mg of RDX with binder
6. Initial pressing: 82 mg of RDX
7. Bridged head
PERFORMANCE

* Threshold burst current .......... 450 amps

* Threshold voltage .................. 800 volts (approx.)

* Transit time ............................ 10.5 µ sec. (approx.)
Note: Performance values are based on a firing circuit with the following parameters:
C = 1.0 µ farad, L = 0.65 µ henry, R = 0.16 ohm

Caution: While EBW and EFI Initiators are inherently less susceptible to accidental detonation during handling and set-up than devices containing primary explosives, electrical and electronic firing systems are sensitive to transient electrical energies which could cause premature triggering or firing. The blasting area must be clear of personnel and equipment before the detonator leads are connected to any RISI Firing System. Only approved RISI Firing Systems should ever be used to initiate or detonate any explosive product manufactured and authorized for sale by RISI.

EBW Pressure Initiator​

D​ownloa​d as PDF

  • EB​​W = Exploding Bridge Wire
  • 100% BKNO3
  • Dimensions and output performance are the same as mil-spec hotwire initiators.
  • Inherently safer compared to hotwire devices.
  • Can replace TBIs (Thru-Bulkhead Initiators)
  • Designed to meet requirements of MIL-DTL-23659, Class B device.
  • Meets energetic materials requirements of MIL-STD-1901 for in-line high voltage devices, using only listed/approved propellant and containing no primary or secondary HIGH explosives. There is no ZPP, lead azide/styphnate or PETN in these devices.
  • Applications include:
    • Pressure initiator for in-line/high voltage systems for flight and other critical applications
    • Substitute for EFIs in systems where the igniters cannot be close enough to the FireSet or distributed systems with one FireSet/electronic sequencer and multiple initiators & detonators. EFIs & EBWs may be mixed in such a system.
    • Tested to greater than 22,000 PSI post shot pressure
    • Safer test substitute for hot wire initiators
  • DOT Shipping Classification: UN0255, 1.4B in approved packaging.  ​

Thread sizes .375-24 x .300” long, (also 7/16-28, ½-20, 9/16-18, 5/8-18 thread & others)
Connection options Two bare pins; high voltage parallel wire or coax; bayonet or triple start 38999 type connectors
Construction Hermetic: 304L stainless housing, glass to metal compression seals, welded stainless closure
Temperature -65°F to +180°F
Output closure Welded stainless, petaling (FOD free) or plain closure
Leakage 1.0 x 10-6 std. cc/sec Helium at 1 atm. pressure
Peak Pressure 500-1500 psi in 10cc volume (other pressures available)
Post fire pressure capability >22,000 psi. after passing 10-8 std. cc/sec He
ESD 25kV, 500pf, 500 ohm
FireSet Requirements High Voltage Capacitive Discharge Firing Unit- Various


Caution: While EBW and EFI Initiators are inherently less susceptible to accidental detonation during handling and set-up than devices containing primary explosives, electrical and electronic firing systems are sensitive to transient electrical energies which could cause premature triggering or firing. The blasting area must be clear of personnel and equipment before the detonator leads are connected to any RISI Firing System. Only approved RISI Firing Systems should ever be used to initiate or detonate any explosive product manufactured and authorized for sale by RISI.