A detonator is used to trigger bombs, shaped charges and other forms of explosive device. Detonators are often attached to a timer to ensure that the explosion takes place at the desired time, or when the person laying the explosives has reached a safe distance from the blast. Detonators can be chemical, mechanical, or electrical. Many detonators' primary (sensitive to heat and shock) explosive is a material called ASA compound. This compound is formed from Lead Azide, Lead Styphnate and Aluminium and is pressed into place above the base charge usually TNT or tetryl. Other materials such as DDNP di-nitro di-azophenol are also used as the primary charge to reduce the amount of lead emitted into the atmosphere by mining and quarrying operations.

In a nuclear weapon a nuclear fission bomb is used as detonator to start nuclear fusion reactions.

See also

• Explosive material
• Fuse (explosives)
• Nuclear weapon design.