Once it is initiated, the shock tube transfers a signal to a detonating output charge.
It was invented by Per Anders Persson of Nitro Nobel AB, patented,[2] and sold by them under the registered trademark Nonel,[3] beginning in 1973.
[2] Another early product contained an enclosed combusting, non-detonating fiber.
[5] Being non-electrical and non-metallic, shock tubes are less sensitive to static electricity and radio frequency energy and thus have replaced many uses of electric detonators and are safer to handle and store than detonating cord.
[5] One manufacturer estimates that over 2 billion feet (610,000 km) of shock tube are used each year worldwide, in commercial blasting, military demolition, theatrical special effects, automobile airbags, aircraft ejection seats, IED initiation and professional fireworks.