Their main charge is approximately double that of the commercial No 8 blasting cap. Both military and commercial blasting caps are extremely sensitive and may explode unless handled carefully. They must not be tampered with and must be protected from shock and extreme heat. Electric blasting caps. Use electric blasting caps when a source of electricity, such as a blasting machine or a battery, is available.
Military caps are instantaneous.
Electric caps have lead wires of various lengths for connection into a circuit. The lead wires most commonly used are 12 feet long. For ignition, electric caps require one and one-half amperes of electricity passing through their wires. Nonelectric blasting caps. These caps may be initiated by time blasting fuse, firing device, and detonating cord.