Difference between Fog and Haze Machines

Smoke machine vs. haze machine comparison

 

 

Smoke machines and haze machines are mainly used for the same purpose - to enhance lighting effects. Whilst this is the only use of haze machines, a smoke machine might also be used as an effect itself, such as a spooky halloween effect. Haze machines are meant to be a subtle effect, whereas smoke machines are very noticeable when used.

The smoke from a smoke machine is forced directly out of the heater element nozzle, which quickly throws the smoke out in front of the machine, with an impressively loud whoosh from bigger machines. Haze machines have a fan permanently running and the haze is released into the fan chamber and smoothly blown out from the machine. This is a much quieter and less noticeable effect.

Fire alarms

Another reason to use a haze machine can be to reduce the risk of setting off fire alarms. The reason a haze machine is less likely to set of a fire alarm than a smoke machine is to do with particle size. The particles that a haze machine produces are smaller than the particles that a smoke machine produces. This is why haze is less visible in the air and is less visible to smoke detectors.

It's worth pointing out that there are no guarantees that a haze machine is safe to use with fire alarms. You should always discuss with the venue what their policy is on using haze or smoke.

Smoke and haze fluid

Smoke machines and haze machines use different fluid and it is important to make sure that the correct fluid is used. Using the wrong fluid can be compared to using the wrong fuel in a car. Just like putting petrol in a diesel engine - putting smoke fluid in a haze machine is a bad idea. It won't work properly, it will damage the machine and it can even release dangerous gases.

Smoke and haze fluids both come in low density and high density versions. The lower density fluids aren't as thick in the air and disperse quickly. High density fluids produce a thicker mist and stay in the air for longer. As a general rule, you would need to use more low density fluid, more frequently to produce a similar effect to high density fluid.

The table below explains the difference between the smoke machines (also known as fog machines) and the haze machines that we have for hire.

	Standard smoke machine	High output smoke machine	Haze machine
Smoke alarm sensitivity	Can set off some alarms	Can set off some alarms	Less likely to set off alarms
Mist visibility	More visible	More visible	Less visible
Lighting enhancement	Very good	Very good	Very good
Venue suitability	Small to medium size	Medium to large size	Medium to large size
Output rate	8,000 cubic feet per minute	20,000 cubic feet per minute	10,000 cubic feet per minute
Fluid included	1.3 litres	3.3 litres	1.3 litres
Fluid type	Low density smoke fluid	High density smoke fluid	High density haze fluid
Controller type	Manual control only	Manual or timer	Manual or timer

Please note: Haze machines can leave an oily residue on surfaces if used excessively.

 

Guangzhou Wincode Optronics Co. Ltd locates in Guangdong Province,the center of China's lighting industry, is a High and New Tech enterprise has been engaged in R&D production, sales and engineering services of high-end stage lights, LED outdoor lighting products since its foundation, adheres to "professional, focus and dedication" business philosophy.

The stage lighting equipments including moving head lights, LED par, LED profile&panel light, LED projector, and  LED urban lighting products covering LED wall-washing , linear LED, LED flood ligh, underwater light and control system. Our products conform to 3C, CE, ROHS, IS9001, both domestic  and international standards, Most of them are high-tech products that can ensure and provide customers with industrial top quality and strong technical support. LED series is extensively applied in large-scale shows, bar night fields, Livehouse, building exterior lighting, bridge landscape, cultural and tourism projects and other scenarios.

Completely fullfill different projects of demanding needs and choices for lighting effects. Wincode Optronics dedicates to light up the world with diverse intelligent products, scientific management and efficient production . We believe that "Quality is the life of the enterprise, innovation is the blood of the enterprise, service is the soul of the enterprise," according to the concept of "innovation development, going to the world,"   Customers at home and abroad are highly valued ,hand in hand we will explore and create a brilliant future!