UN 0290 — Cord, detonating, metal clad
Placard: Explosive 1.1D. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0290, Cord detonating metal clad (commonly known as det cord), is a flexible high-explosive device consisting of a PETN core encased in a copper or aluminum sheath. It is used in commercial blasting and demolition operations and is classified as a Division 1.1D explosive with mass detonation potential.
Hazard overview: The entire load can detonate simultaneously, producing severe blast overpressure and high-velocity metal fragmentation from the sheath material. The cord is sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, meaning fire exposure, impact, or rough handling can trigger mass detonation without warning.
Response guidance: Isolate a minimum of 500 meters (1,600 feet) in all directions immediately and evacuate up to 1,600 meters (1 mile) if the material is on fire or involved in a fire scenario. Do not attempt to fight the fire directly — withdraw all personnel and use unmanned monitor nozzles only if absolutely necessary from maximum standoff distance.
UN 0290 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0290
- Mass explosion hazard — entire load may detonate simultaneously.
- Severe blast overpressure and fragmentation.
- Sensitive to heat, shock, and friction.
- Secondary fire and debris hazard.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
UN 0290 appears as a metallic-sheathed, rope- or wire-like flexible cord at room temperature, with a high-explosive PETN core encased in copper or aluminum tubing.
| Also known as | Detonating cordDet cordMetal-clad detonating cordPrimacord (metal clad)Explosive cordDetonating fuse metal covered |
| Appearance | Flexible cord containing a high explosive core (typically PETN) encased in a metal sheath, usually copper or aluminum. Appears as a metallic-covered rope or wire-like device. Room temperature solid. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (explosive decomposes before melting) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid explosive) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but moisture may affect explosive reliability |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0290
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
SCBA is mandatory for any required entry; structural firefighting gear offers only limited protection, and withdrawal with full evacuation is the primary protective strategy.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0290 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper.
- Establish large isolation zone — minimum 500 meters in all directions.
- Stage upwind, uphill; limit personnel to essential responders only.
- Request Hazmat + law enforcement + additional resources immediately.
- Do not fight fire — evacuate and isolate; let burn if no life safety risk.
- Protect exposures only if safe and directed by command.
- Consult current ERG Guide 112 and follow SOP/SOG.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 0290 — Cord, detonating, metal cladUse 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.