Underwater FireBreak™ Wire Cutter
Underwater FireBreak™ Wire Cutter
Underwater FireBreak™ is a low-cost, disposable, explosively driven wire cutter for maritime EOD operations that cuts command wires, multi-core cables, fibre optic links, and detonating cords without initiating them. The waterproof plastic body, replacing the land FireBreak™'s pressed cardboard, is designed for underwater use only. Each unit is powered by a standard military or commercial detonator; the detonator specification determines the maximum operating depth, and no specialist ammunition is required. Dive teams regularly use Underwater FireBreak alongside the VCLMS™ to isolate charges during maritime mine EOD operations. Covered in our EOD, IEDD & Maritime EOD training.
Cuts without causing initiation on command wires, multi-core cables, fibre optic links, and detonating cords
Ceramic blade only, non-sparking and non-metallic for maritime and mine EOD environments; meets NM-A standard
Depth rated to the detonator specification — no inherent depth limit in the tool; check the detonator manufacturer’s rating when planning dives
Active safety design. When both conductors of a twisted-twin command wire must be cut simultaneously, Underwater FireBreak is designed not to create a short-circuit that could initiate the IED
Standard detonator or pyrotechnic squib, no specialist ammunition required
Pack of five units, 20g each, fully disposable - nothing to recover after firing
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Explosive Load and Performance
The Underwater FireBreak’s main body is made of plastic instead of pressed cardboard and is, therefore, not designed for use above water. The standard fitting includes a ceramic blade, which can be used with most military or commercial detonators.
A small, lightweight tool, operators can carry many at a time. It is a one-shot, disposable product; there is no need to recover reusable components such as a disruptor barrel. Underwater FireBreak is recoilless, and minimal training is required for effective use.
As it has no captive blade, operators can place it against a wire without disturbance. The detonator specifications determine the depth at which it can be used.
Deployment to Target
Typically positioned to cut just one conductor of twisted-twin command wire, if both conductors have to be cut together, Underwater FireBreak has been designed not to provide a connection that will cause a detonator to function.
Specifications
| Dimensions (L x W) | 122 x 25 mm |
| Weight | 20g |
| NEQ | <1-1g |
| Blades | Ceramic |
| Pack contents | Five units |
| Colour | Grey/yellow |
| NSN | - |
| Part no. | FB1903 |
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