UN 0275 — Cartridges, power device
Placard: Explosive 1.3C. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0275 Cartridges, power device are propellant-filled metallic or composite cartridges used in industrial power tools, automotive safety systems, and actuating devices. Classified as Explosive 1.3C, these cartridges present a serious fire and fragment projection hazard but are not expected to mass detonate.
Hazard overview: UN 0275 cartridges can deflagrate under fire conditions, generating intense heat and projecting fragments that may initiate adjacent materials. Individual cartridge deflagration rather than mass explosion is the primary concern, but bulk storage increases the risk of cascading ignition.
Response guidance: Isolate the incident area a minimum of 500 meters in all directions and expand evacuation to 800 meters if fire is actively threatening stored cartridges. Apply dry chemical, CO2, or water spray from a safe standoff distance and never direct streams or impact forces onto cartridge casings.
UN 0275 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0275
- Fire and burning hazard — not mass explosion.
- Intense heat and possible fragment projection.
- May deflagrate and initiate other materials.
- Smoke and toxic combustion products.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
UN 0275 cartridges are typically cylindrical metallic or composite casings of various sizes containing a solid propellant charge designed for single-use actuation in industrial or safety devices.
| Also known as | Power device cartridgesActuating cartridgesExplosive power cartridgesIndustrial power loads |
| Appearance | Metallic or composite cartridge casings containing propellant charges. Typically cylindrical, various sizes, designed for industrial or automotive power tools and safety devices. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive device) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (explosive device) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid device) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but moisture may degrade propellant reliability |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0275
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Responders must wear Level B protection with SCBA, a full face shield, and blast-resistant clothing while maintaining maximum safe standoff distance to mitigate fragment projection risk.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0275 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper.
- Isolate area; stage upwind — fire and fragment hazard.
- Request Hazmat + law enforcement.
- Control ignition sources; deny entry.
- Consult current ERG Guide 112 and follow SOP/SOG.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 0275 — Cartridges, power deviceUse for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.