How to Make an Electric Match

Last Updated: August 10, 2021

If you've ever seen a professional fireworks show, you know the excitement that it brings. These shows use electric matches to achieve perfect synchronization to the music. For consumer fireworks, making this intricate of a show would be impossible without electric matches; however, pre-made electric matches are a 1.3G item. Fortunately, making your own is easy and legal.

Steps

1
Cut two lengths of wire around 4 to 8 inches (10.2 to 20.3 cm).
2
Strip about ³⁄₄ inch (1.9 cm) from each end.

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3
Twist the two wires together in the center.
4
Take two matches from the matchbook and tape them together with the match heads even. Make sure the tape is just below the match heads.
5
Tape the matches to the wires with the heads between the two stripped ends and just slightly below the end of the two wires.
6
Insert a 6 inch (15.2 cm) strand of steel wool between the two match heads.
7
Wrap one end of the steel wool tightly around one of the wires until little or no steel wool is left to wrap. Do the same with the other side.
8
Cut off any excess steel wool.
9
Cut a ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm) piece of a drinking straw and put it over the match heads.
10
Tape the bottom of the straw to the matches and wires.
- These can be fired with an alkaline 9v battery or using an adapter plug.
11
Attach both ends to battery. Finished

Community Q&A

Question

Where does the flame come out?

Community Answer

The flame should come out at the top, but be very careful.
Question

I tried it and it didn't work, although the battery got very hot! What am I doing wrong?

Community Answer

The wire strand you are using is probably too big. It's not getting hot enough to ignite the matches, it's shorting out the battery instead.
Question

How many times can I use it?

Community Answer

If you replace the matches and the steel wool after each use, it should last quite a while.

Warnings

It is very easy to get deep cuts using steel wool. Always cut steel wool with scissors and use work gloves.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 7 Not Helpful 1
DO NOT FIRE USING HOUSE CURRENT!!!!!!! It is too dangerous.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 11 Not Helpful 4
Use these matches and fireworks responsibly.

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Helpful 9 Not Helpful 4