Can detonating cord be lit with a match?

• A. Yes, it can be lit with a match
• B. No, it cannot be lit with a match
• C. It can be lit with a match in certain conditions
• D. Only if it’s wet

Answer: (B)

Detonating cord is designed to be a highly secure and stable means of detonating explosives. It is composed of a core of high explosives encased in a protective covering, which makes it insensitive to most standard ignition sources, such as matches or open flames.

The construction of detonating cord means that it cannot be ignited easily in normal atmospheric conditions, making it extremely safe to handle during routine operations. Using a match would not provide the necessary conditions to initiate the explosive reaction; rather, appropriate firing devices or detonators specifically designed for that purpose must be used.

The other potential choices suggest scenarios that either misrepresent the nature of detonating cord or imply that under specific conditions it could ignite from a match, which is not consistent with its designed safety standards.