Abstract: An apparatus, method and system to electrically ignite small explosive cartridges in boulders, bedrock, concrete etc. to split or shape them. A propellant or explosive charge is electrically ignited directly by an inert electrical igniter inserted therein that melts at high temperature a bridge wire(s) or ribbon(s) with AC or DC electrical current. The bridge melts normally at over 2,000 degrees F. which will ignite the propellant or explosive. With sufficient voltage and amperage such as 110 volt AC wall current ionization takes place along the pathway of the melting bridge, which melts at approximately 2,000 degrees F., and a large electrical arc forms at approximately 5,000 degrees F. that more reliably ignites the propellant or explosive with increased blast power. A reusable blasting rod includes an external groove for a blasting wire, a counterweight for better tamping, which has a cradle for heavy objects to utilize the Newton Kinetic effect.

Abstract: A apparatus, method and system to electrically ignite small explosive cartridges in boulders, bedrock, concrete and other materials so as to split the material into smaller pieces or to shape it. To ignite the propellant or other explosive charge electrically by melting at high temperature a bridge wire(s) or bridge ribbon(s) with electrical current which can be AC or DC. The bridge melts normally at over 2,000 degrees F. which will ignite the propellant or explosive. With sufficient voltage and amperage such as standard 110 volt AC wall current ionization takes place along the pathway of the melted bridge and a large electrical arc forms that ignites the propellant or explosive with even higher certainty as electrical arc temperatures are often over 5,000 degrees F. When the propellant or explosive is ignited at higher temperature there are known beneficial effects for increased blast power.