A detonator activates an explosive, causing it to explode. The device consists of an electrically activated blasting cap and some sort of device that delivers an electrical charge to set off the blasting cap. Connecting a detonator to an explosive requires a Demolitions check (DC 15). Failure means that the explosive fails to go off as planned. Failure by 10 or more means the explosive goes off as the detonator is being installed.

This device consists of two parts: the detonator itself, and an activation device. The activation device is an electronic item about the size of a deck of cards, with an antenna, a safety, and an activation switch. By PL 6, the controller can be reduced to size of a die. When the switch is toggled, the activation device sends a signal to the detonator by radio, setting it off. The device as a range of 500 feet at PL5, and a mile at PL 6 and above.