USE OF DETONATING CORD

TM 9-1300-277

5-14. DETONATING CORD CONNECTIONS

5-12. USE OF DETONATING CORD

Detonating cord is used to initiate explosive

Detonating cord clips (fig. 5-15) or square knot

pulled tight are used to splice the ends of detonating

charges as a component of an electric or nonelectric

cord. The tongues of the clips are bent firmly over both

firing system. If the nonelectric firing system is being

strands and the connection is made secure by bending

used with more than one charge, detonating cord is

the trough end of the clip back over the tongue.

required to assure simultaneous firing. of the charges.

Detonating cord is useable underground or underwater.

The preferred method

connecting

the

The initiation of the detonating cord is accomplished by

detonating cord is as follows:

a blasting cap above ground or water.

5-13.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR DETONATING

a. Deleted.

CORD

b. Overlap the newly cut free ends by 18 inches.

In addition to the general safety requirements,

the following precautions will be strictly adhered to when

c. Secure the cords together with detonating cord

using detonating cord.

clips at least 6 inches from each end of the free ends

and at least 6 inches from each other.

a. Avoid kinks and sharp bends.

b. Handle with special care to avoid breaking

NOTE

covering or explosive train.

The 6-inch overlap of each free end

c. Lay lines out as straight as possible but not

is to keep any moisture absorbed,

stretched taut. Detonating cord forms a spiral as it is

after the splice is made, from

unwound from spool and must be' straightened out

affecting the overlap area between

carefully before firing to avoid misfire.

the two clips.

d. Do not remove any part of outer covering.

e. When making branch line connections, ensure

If a knot is used, at least a 15 centimeter (6 inch-

that detonating cords touch only at connections.

lengths) should be left free at both sides (fig. 5-16).

f. The angle formed by branch line and cap end of

When fabric is used to cover the detonating cord, the

main line will not be less than 90 degrees from the

fabric must not be removed. The knot may be placed in

direction in which the blast is coming. At a smaller

water or in the ground but the cord must be detonated

angle, branch line may be blown off main line without

from a dry end.

being detonated.

Figure 5-15. Connections using M1 detonating cord clip.

Change 3

5-13