Are Quiet Fireworks Really Possible? Exploring Low-Noise Displays
Fireworks have been a staple of celebrations and events for centuries, but one of the main drawbacks of traditional fireworks is their loud noise. Fireworks displays can create deafening bangs that can be harmful to people's hearing, especially children, pets, and those with noise sensitivity. The loud noise can also disturb wildlife, triggering birds and animals to fly away or hide in fear. In recent years, low-noise fireworks have emerged as a solution to these issues and are growing in popularity.
Traditional fireworks are made with gunpowder and other explosive materials, which create loud bangs when they explode. On the other hand, low-noise fireworks use alternative compounds that produce less noise while still creating impressive visual effects. While no fireworks can be completely silent, these quieter options can reduce noise levels by up to 90%, making them a more peaceful alternative to traditional displays.
Several types of low-noise fireworks can be used in different types of displays. One popular option is roman candles, which are tubes that emit a series of coloured balls of light that explode in the sky. While roman candles produce less noise than traditional fireworks.
Cakes and barrages are other options, featuring a series of tubes that fire a variety of aerial effects. The noise levels of cakes and barrages can vary, depending on the type of effects used.
When it comes to low-noise fireworks displays, the most important thing is to choose the right products. Not all fireworks are made with low-noise compounds, so it's essential to seek out products that are specifically designed to be quieter.
In the UK, fireworks are subject to strict regulations, and all fireworks must meet certain noise levels. Firework retailers must display these levels on their products, making it easier for customers to find low-noise options. Some of the quietest fireworks are categorized as F2 and F3, which are mid-range fireworks suitable for home displays.
For those planning a quiet firework display, it's also essential to consider the noise levels of each individual firework. Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB), with some of the quietest fireworks producing around 85dB. However, the noise levels of some fireworks can exceed 120dB, which is roughly equivalent to the sound of a jet engine at takeoff. This level of noise can be extremely harmful to hearing, so it's vital to choose low-noise fireworks that produce less than 90dB.
In addition to using low-noise fireworks, other steps can be taken to reduce the noise of fireworks displays.
For example, choosing the right location can make a big difference. Large open spaces can help to dissipate sound waves, while areas with high buildings or trees can amplify noise. It's also important to choose fireworks that are appropriate for the size of the space. Small backyards may not be suitable for larger fireworks, which can create more noise.
The popularity of low-noise fireworks is growing, and they are becoming increasingly available in the UK. Many companies now offer extensive ranges of low-noise fireworks, including selection boxes that are specifically designed to be quieter. These boxes contain a variety of low-noise fireworks, including fountains, candles, and smaller rockets. They can create stunning visual effects without loud noises, making them perfect for smaller outdoor events and family celebrations.
In conclusion, it is possible to have quieter fireworks. While silent fireworks do not exist, there are many options available that produce less noise than traditional fireworks. This allows for a safer and more enjoyable experience for all, including young children, pets, and those who may be sensitive to loud noises.
With a variety of low-noise fireworks available, there is no need to compromise on quality or visual effects. As always, safety should be a top priority when using fireworks, and it is important to follow all safety guidelines and regulations in your area.
Comments
If you are planning a low noise display out of season, then here are a few pointers,
As a general rule, here is no such thing as a totally silent firework. Even if your fireworks don’t produce or emit bangs crackles or whistles, you will still get a small amount of sound in the form of the following -
Shot tubes, roman candles, roman candle cakes, barrages, single ignition fireworks and compound cake fireworks without any aural effects will still produce a thump or loudish pop as the effect is launched out of the tube, this is the launch charge ejecting the effect into the sky, and increases in loudness with the size of the bore inside the firework (there is nothing you can practicably do about this),
Low noise aerial bursts from low noise aerial fireworks such as glittering bouquets or horsetails often produce a low noise pop type sound, agains a low noise bombette sound (this is normal),
Fountain start mines without aural effects, always produce a burst type pop / thump as the top is blown off and the contents are ejected into the air and ignited, the same applies to instant ignition tube style mines (if you can get them), but these tend to be much louder in volume, often having a bigger bore size,
Fountains without aural effects will produce a variety of pretty visual effects and may include flitter, chrysanthemum type sparks which often produce a gentle crackling sound, roaring flaming balls or coloured stars erupting out of a fountain, coloured flames that produce a roar (i.e. bengal fountains), whooshes from strobe fountains, high showers of sparks with a whoosh or bit of a roar on cone fountains. These are generally not particularly excessive nor particularly loud in the decibel stakes for loudness,
1.4g rockets without aural effects are generally not quite so noisy with more of a phut or a slightly sharp pop, again this is the black powder ejection charge throwing the stars out, and aren’t as loud as flash burst rocket reports that echo for miles around, and again are nowhere near the sound levels of 1.3g rockets,
Wheels without crackles and whistles produce a little bit of a whoosh or roar on powerful wheels, or a gentle swishing sound on pinwheels or triangle wheels, as they spin round but this isn’t particularly excessive either.
Beware, because some fireworks that include crackles or whistles, are described as “low noise” in their descriptions, these noises can be upsetting to some animals, particularly those with sensitivity to high pitched sounds like screeches and whistles, in fact it’s a good idea to check out videoclips of manufacturer’s products online before you buy to see what they look and sound like in reality, unless you can get away with a little bit of noise.