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As a very general rule, primary explosives are considered to be those compounds that are more sensitive than PETN . As a practical measure, primary explosives are sufficiently sensitive that they can be reliably initiated with a blow from a hammer; however, PETN can usually be initiated in this manner, so this is only a very broad guideline. Additionally, several compounds, such as Nitrogen Triiodide , are so sensitive that they cannot even be handled without detonating.

A number of primary explosives are commonly used in Blasting Cap s to translate a signal (electrical, shock, or in the case of laser detonation systems, light) into an action, i.e.: an explosion. A small quantity- usually milligrams- is sufficient to initiate a larger charge of material that is usually safer to handle.

Primary explosives include: