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Nichrome Wire to Make Your Own Igniters

Nichrome wire

Nichrome is a metal with high electrical resistance. When current is past through it, it heats up quickly. This makes it ideal for making igniters for model rocket engines.

We carry two sizes. The 28-guage wire is the thicker of the two. The 32-guage wire is very thin and is ideal for bridge-wires when attached to larger diameter wires.

10 feet minimum quantity.

Note: We do not supply the pyrogen for the igniter tips, nor do we have any formulas for the mixture.

 Nichrome Wire

Nichrome Wire Order Chart
P/N Description Diameter (in.) Resistance
ohm/ft		 Price/foot Place Order
24036 28 AWG 0.0126 4.040 $0.43
24035 32 AWG 0.0079 10.871 $0.43

How To Use Nichrome Wire

In small black powder propellant motors, it is possible that nichrome wire can be used "bare". Simply bend a small piece in half and crimp it hard at the bend point to deform it. This makes a thinner spot in the wire which increases its resistance. (it will heat up even faster at that point). It is then used like an ordinary igniter.

To increase the reliability, a pyrogen tip is added at the tip. This ignites first and then starts the propellant in the motor burning. Making pyrogen for the tip requires a permit from the government. Please see how to get Level 1 certification for information on applying for a government permit.

Related Products and Information:

Q. Which launch controller is recommended for the nichrome wire igniters?

A. We offer two different controllers that can be used for these igniters.. The Aerotech Interlock and the Pratt Hobbies GO-BOX Controller.
Interlock Launch Controller Estes e-launch controller

Actual Customer Comment:
"I would like to inform you that I am getting much use out of RockSim and that as the summer nears my children and I will be enjoying the hobby very much and will be building a scratch built 2 egg payload 2 stage (possibly 2˝ using parallel and series staging) which is currently being designed.  I am so happy with the service I have received I have reported as much to Rocketry Planet and recommended anyone consider your company when enjoying low and mid powered rocketry. I will be placing future orders with your company and will be doing write-ups on the rockets my family makes using your products (and mentions them by name and part number).  I will be more than happy to forward the postings to you, although I wouldn't expect to see anything in the right away as, like you just did, I am moving soon. Thank you for your excellent service and I look forward to doing more business with you." -- Damon Ott

This page last updated on: 7/22/11 1px Site Map 1px Contact Us 1px Website Issues?