Fog cannon is using a special liquid to release a fog. Depending on liquid tank size, device power, and fog releasing time (customizable by user or integrator), a full liquid tank is providing liquid capacity for one or (typically) many usages, anywhere between 30 sec to even 20 minutes or more, between the need of a liquid refill.

A fog cannon is being triggered automatically by an alarm system, or most often remotely by a customer or central monitoring station operator when needed (included in Angelcam's real-time security plan)

A fog cannon creates a smoke barrier within seconds, and after a while, it fills a room with dense fog.

Burglars typically get startled and leave the scene immediately.

In the rare case, they don't leave instantly, a smoke is preventing the intruder from seeing anything, so they are leaving just then.

Visibility stays obscured anywhere between 20 minutes and several hours, depending on fog cannon power, fog production time, room size, and air ventilation (opening windows or even using fans).

The fog cannon can be triggered again to increase fog density if needed.

Typically fog generated has pleasant citrus or other scents to not be mismatched with fire smoke.

Smoke is breathable, safe, and harmless. The smoke produced by most devices leaves no residue.

Another pre-recorded message, this time more loud and vigorous, is being automatically replayed.

A customer and central station operator have been alerted. A trained security operator is using a variety of on-site cameras to keep watch on the person.

The operator is speaking to a person live, using personal identification details, e.g. "Hey you, in the red hoodie, ..." to emphasize to a person it's being tracked.

The operator sees a burglar trying to break in.

The operator triggers a fog alarm and alerts the police.

The burglar left the site.

Smoke vs fog: Devices using smoke (pyroelectric) patrons create instant real smog, while fluid-based devices are continuously generating fog. The only advantages of devices using smoke patrons are a lower price, zero electricity consumption in stand-by mode, and very low electricity consumption when triggered. On the other side, limited power makes them suitable only for small rooms, they require new (not cheap) smoke patron after each usage, and most importantly, there is a visible amount of dust everywhere nearby. For this reason, we are focused on fluid-based devices in this post.
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💡 Our advice: Go with the fluid-based device, unless you are having a site (e.g. boat) with not enough electricity.
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Electricity consumption: Most fog cannons need some time (typically about 60-120 minutes) to heat up while consuming about 150 - 300W. After heat up they require 30 - 50 W on average. Only a few brands & models are using technology consuming close to nothing while in standby mode and consuming about 400W or more ONLY during fog creation.
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💡 Our advice: For most customers, both systems will do a great job. For battery-powered systems (RV, boat, off-grid houses) go with a device that requires no power in stand-by-mode. The technology used in these devices has also another advantage we love: fog releasing time is flexible - it's just up to you or the operator how long will be fog triggered: it's possible to release a fog e.g. just for a few seconds, what's useful for testing, demonstration or warning purposes. Then - only if needed, it's possible to continue for a longer period of time.
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Integration options: Most devices have only a local integration option to an alarm system by default, so they can't be triggered remotely by a customer or operator. You can definitely request your installer to do a local integration with your alarm system and trigger the fog cannon automatically, yet if you want to have your fog cannon under control to I) prevent launching during false alarm and II) control fog releasing time remotely (to save costs for

💡 Our advice: Go with fog cannon with remote control feature, that allows you or the operator to trigger (and ideally stop as well) a fog cannon remotely. Angelcam real-time security customers can control almost any fog cannon remotely by using Chester.
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Fog releasing volume vs space/room size: While comparing different models, check how much fluid it can transform into a fog. 10ml per minute is enough for very small spaces, e.g. cars, boats, caravans, and small rooms. Max. recommended space size is always coming within product specification, yet sometimes it's more marketing than reality.
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💡 Our advice: In most cases, it's not necessary to fill the whole space within a few seconds, as for deterring the burglar it's enough to create a fog barrier between him and valuable items or even persons on-site.
I) If you are optimizing for the maximum level of security, go with the model recommended for your space size, or even with one product line higher.
II) If you are optimizing for the price, consider even the cheapest model available - especially if the room/space you are protecting has just one entry point. It will still provide much better protection than having no fog cannon, as the startle effect for a burglar will be still provided. Just install a fog cannon against the door or other expected entry point, heading directly to a potential burglar's face. There's a very good chance he'll immediately turn and run, without waiting whether fog will reach every corner or not and when.
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In both cases, consider checking product reviews or demonstration videos before purchase to know what you are buying.

Test/demo button on the device

No warm-up time

Much smaller size than typical, making it easier to hide

Standby current only 1.5mA = works for cars, boats, RVs, and off-grid locations as well

< 1 sec latency

Continuous output (8 minutes or more)

Cheap spare fluid (yet the chance the one coming with the purchase will be enough for you for years)

Compatible with Chester = can be remotely switched on/off via Angelcam apps and API