Abstract: An electrically initiated igniter having good resistance to accidental looltage triggering is disclosed. The igniter comprises a layer of pyrotechnic mixture packed between two initiating electrodes, advantage being taken of the dielectric properties of a selected component of the mixture to provide a high d.c. resistance between the electrodes, which d.c. resistance so limits the current flow through the layer, resulting from an applied electrical stimulus, as to prevent firing of the mixture at all applied voltages which are less than that at which dielectric breakdown of the layer occurs. When fired, the combustion proceeds without shattering and the igniter is particularly suitable for igniting materials requiring non-brisant initiation.