eli5: Why can’t you separate the detonator from the explosive?

Question

In film and TV there’s always tension built up as the hero makes a decision on which which wire to cut; the blue. No, the red .. No .. orange ..

Why can’t you simply make a bomb safe by separating the detonator from the explosive?

In: 0

Answer 1

Detonators have to be placed near the explosive device in order for it to work correctly. If they were separated, then the explosion would not be as powerful.