IEEE Recommended Practice for
Determining Safe Distances from
Radio Frequency Transmitting
Antennas When Using Electric
Blasting Caps During Explosive
Operations
This document is concerned with the fact that an electric blasting cap (initiator) might explode unexpectedly
when a nearby radio transmitter is turned on. A cap can absorb electrical energy from a free-space
electromagnetic field of the type produced by radio and radar transmitters. This document provides
recommendations for limiting the amount of electrical energy absorbed and recommended methods for
determining safe distances from radio and radar transmitting antennas when one is using electric blasting caps.
Safety is determined by comparing the RF power pickup to the blasting caps no-fire power level. This
criterion is valid over the frequency range 3 kHz to 300 GHz that is commonly discussed in connection with
RF safety. Radio frequency transmitters that a blaster might encounter occupy only a small portion of this
frequency range. Specifically, this document explains how to determine safe distances from RF transmitters
with spectrum bands from 10 kHz to 12 GHz, including VHF and UHF television antennas, FM and AM radio
transmitting antennas, radar, navigation beacons, and portable communication devices.
This document excludes criteria for the use of electro-explosive devices (EEDs) with electrically conductive
enclosures or weapons containers, and it does not include sufficient information on hazards deriving from
electrostatics or from electromagnetic fields generated by other sources of energy, such as electrical storms,
electromechanical equipment, electrical power plants, or power transmission lines. This document does not
apply to the use of non-electric detonators.