And no – you can’t avoid it by being gentle. Because eventually the limit will be exceeded and the alarm will activate.
An activated alarm can ruin an event, set off sprinkler systems or automatically call out the fire department. The last of these items will see the smoke or haze machine user issued a fine of over $1000 directly from the fire brigade.
Fire alarms typically work by detecting particles in the air, such as smoke or fire debris, and triggering an alarm when certain thresholds are exceeded. Other smoke detectors can detect smoke via a heat detector. Although these are technically safe to use with a haze or smoke machine there are no guarantees that they won’t be activated. Even when a venue tells us they have heat detectors we always air on the side of caution simply because the risk of setting off a fire alarm and ruining an event is too high.
Smoke and haze machines work by producing small particles that are pushed into the air to reflect light. This is how we see beams of light in the air to create amazing light shows. It is also the reason we see beams of light in dusty rooms or outside on cold misty nights. It is these particles that are detected by fire alarm systems.
We only recommend the use of smoke or haze machines when:
The venue does not have an active smoke detector system.
The venue has a certified smoke isolation system built into the fire alarm system which can be activated to isolate the areas where smoke or haze will be used.
All fire wardens, staff and venue management are informed that smoke and haze effects will be in use in the designated area. This means that any fire will need to be identified and reported by staff without the aid of fire alarm systems
Positioning and ventilation: Properly position the smoke or haze machine for best use without affecting other areas of the venue. By allowing proper ventilation at the end of the event you can ensure room isolation is switched off and returned to normal quickly
Use a professional-grade machine and fluid: Higher-quality smoke or haze machines often have built-in features that give the user more control of the output of smoke and haze.
It is crucial to prioritize safety and comply with any regulations or guidelines provided by the relevant authorities or building management when using smoke or haze machines. Yes it is annoying when function centres and venues aren’t set up with the proper alarm systems for their purpose. But we know that haze and smoke machines will set of fire alarms. Unfortunately, the risk of ruining an event or receiving a ludicrously large bill from the fire department far outweighs any benefit of a decent lighting show.
Will a smoke or haze machine set off fire alarms?
Will a smoke or haze machine set off fire alarms
Yes – Definitely.
And no – you can’t avoid it by being gentle. Because eventually the limit will be exceeded and the alarm will activate.
An activated alarm can ruin an event, set off sprinkler systems or automatically call out the fire department. The last of these items will see the smoke or haze machine user issued a fine of over $1000 directly from the fire brigade.
Fire alarms typically work by detecting particles in the air, such as smoke or fire debris, and triggering an alarm when certain thresholds are exceeded. Other smoke detectors can detect smoke via a heat detector. Although these are technically safe to use with a haze or smoke machine there are no guarantees that they won’t be activated. Even when a venue tells us they have heat detectors we always air on the side of caution simply because the risk of setting off a fire alarm and ruining an event is too high.
Smoke and haze machines work by producing small particles that are pushed into the air to reflect light. This is how we see beams of light in the air to create amazing light shows. It is also the reason we see beams of light in dusty rooms or outside on cold misty nights. It is these particles that are detected by fire alarm systems.
We only recommend the use of smoke or haze machines when:
It is crucial to prioritize safety and comply with any regulations or guidelines provided by the relevant authorities or building management when using smoke or haze machines. Yes it is annoying when function centres and venues aren’t set up with the proper alarm systems for their purpose. But we know that haze and smoke machines will set of fire alarms. Unfortunately, the risk of ruining an event or receiving a ludicrously large bill from the fire department far outweighs any benefit of a decent lighting show.