Detonation cord is used for transmission and timing between charges. As a transmission medium, it can act as a downline between the initiator (trigger) and the blast area, and as a trunkline connecting several different explosive charges. As a timing mechanism, detonation cord detonates at a very reliable rate (aboout 7000 - 8000 m/s), enabling engineers to control the pattern in which charges are detonated. This is particularly useful for demolitions, when structural elements need to be destroyed in specific order to control the collapse of a building.
Detonation cord can not trigger most commercial explosive compounds (PETN or TNT). An explosive booster is required to bridge between the cord and the charge.
Also known as Primacord, Detacord, and generically as detcord.