TNSG
Active Intrusion Protection

Fog Cannons

A security fog system responds to a confirmed break-in by rapidly reducing visibility inside the protected area. It gives an intruder far less opportunity to navigate the space, locate valuables or continue the theft.
Rapid Visibility Reduction
Verified Intrusion Response
Flexible System Integration
(866) 445-7061
Active Security Response

Change What Happens After Entry

Most security technologies detect, record or report an intrusion. Security fog adds a different layer: it changes the environment inside the protected space, limiting what an intruder can see and how effectively they can continue moving toward valuables.

TNSG designs the monitoring layer around those decisions, including operator coverage, AI analytics, communication reliability and the response options available at the property.

01

Visibility Barrier

Dense fog quickly removes clear sightlines, making it difficult to navigate the protected area or identify targeted valuables.

02

Immediate Disruption

Without clear routes, doors, aisles and storage areas become much harder to locate and move through quickly inside.

03

Asset Concealment

Reduced visibility hides merchandise, equipment and other valuables from view during the short period when theft usually occurs.

04

Route Disruption

The monitoring platform must communicate properly with alarms, speakers, gates or other devices used during verification or response.

05

Damage Limitation

By interrupting access to valuables early, security fog can reduce the opportunity for theft and additional property damage.

06

Layered Deterrence

The visible fog response adds an active deterrent after detection, complementing alarms, cameras and other connected security measures.

System Operation

From Detection to Controlled Fog

A fog cannon heats purpose-made security fog fluid and releases a dense visible aerosol when the required activation conditions are met. The objective is not simply to produce as much fog as possible, but to achieve the required visibility reduction in the right area quickly enough to interrupt an intrusion.

Armed State

The fog protection remains ready while the connected security system is armed and the protected zone is being monitored.

Intrusion Signal

A detector, alarm zone or other defined input identifies activity that meets the first condition for an intrusion event.

Event Verification

A separate confirming input or programmed alarm logic can verify the event before fog is released, reducing unnecessary activations.

Fog Discharge

The unit rapidly converts heated fluid into dense security fog and directs it into the area defined during system design.

What Determines the Right Setup

A professional fog cannon installation starts with the protected space, not simply the model name or advertised output. TNSG considers volume, layout, likely intrusion routes and airflow before determining equipment capacity, placement and activation settings.

Protected Volume

Room dimensions and ceiling height determine the fog volume required to reach the intended visibility level within time.

Room Geometry

Walls, shelving, partitions, corridors and open connections affect how fog travels and whether one discharge point is enough.

Threat Path

Placement should interrupt the intruder’s likely route toward valuable stock, equipment, safes or other protected areas as early.

Air Movement

Ventilation, extraction fans, open doors and pressure differences can move fog away from the area that needs protection.

Why Output Ratings Matter

Fog cannon capacity should be compared at a stated visibility level, not by a single output number alone. For example, current PROTECT specifications rate the M80 at 150 m³ in 11 seconds and the M90 at 200 m³ in 12 seconds at approximately one metre visibility, illustrating why room volume and required deployment time both matter.

Placement also needs to respect normal movement and escape routes. A security fog system should interfere with the expected intrusion path without creating an unsafe layout for legitimate occupants.

System Integration

One Response Layer in a Larger System

A fog cannon does not replace intrusion detection, cameras or professional monitoring. It works best when those systems establish what happened and trigger the appropriate response, while the fog layer immediately makes theft more difficult inside the protected zone.

Alarm Logic

Alarm signals provide arming and activation logic, allowing fog deployment to follow intrusion conditions rather than operating independently.

Video Context

Cameras can verify activity before deployment and preserve event context, although dense fog can reduce image quality afterward.

Monitoring Response

The monitoring workflow can report alarms, fog activation and faults while dispatch procedures continue through the response process.

Fire Coordination

Where fire detection is present, the design must consider detector type, interfaces and procedures to prevent unwanted interactions.

What to Know Before Installing Security Fog

The effectiveness of a security fog system depends on more than how quickly a machine can produce fog. These questions cover the technical details that matter when you are evaluating equipment, integration, maintenance and suitability for your property.

Security fog is not smoke created by combustion. Professional systems heat a purpose-made fog fluid and release the resulting visible aerosol into the protected space. For example, PROTECT identifies its fog fluid as a water-and-glycol mixture. The exact formulation and safety documentation should always be checked for the equipment being installed rather than assuming every fog fluid is identical.

Potentially, depending on the type of fire detection installed. Because some smoke detectors respond to airborne particles, security fog may be interpreted as smoke by certain detector technologies. A property with a fire alarm therefore needs the fog system and fire detection reviewed together during design. Fire protection should never simply be disabled to accommodate a fog cannon.

Security fog systems are specifically designed for use around normal interior contents, and manufacturers such as PROTECT state that their fog does not normally leave residue when used as intended. However, ventilation after a discharge is important because prolonged concentration can allow water-based particles to condense on horizontal surfaces. This is particularly relevant for sites containing sensitive equipment, specialized inventory or controlled environments.

That depends on room volume, ventilation, open doors, HVAC operation and other airflow conditions. PROTECT states that its fog can remain for up to approximately one hour in an unventilated space and recommends ventilating after activation. The purpose is rapid intervention during the intrusion, not keeping a property fogged for as long as possible.

Service requirements depend on the manufacturer, but fog protection should be included in the regular maintenance schedule for the security system. PROTECT recommends an annual service that checks the nozzle, tamper protection, battery condition, fault history, verification sensor and fog fluid. Its current guidance also gives installed fog fluid a two-year service life, so fluid condition and age should be documented rather than checked only after a discharge.

Professional fog cannons can include internal backup power, but the exact capability depends on the model and system design. Backup may maintain electronics, alarm communication and readiness for a defined period after mains power fails. The important specification is therefore not simply whether a unit “has a battery,” but what functions remain available and for how long under backup power.

Yes. Larger warehouses, multi-room businesses and sites with separated high-value zones may require multiple units rather than one oversized discharge point. The units can be assigned to different alarm zones or coordinated through supported control interfaces, depending on the equipment. Proper design considers where fog needs to travel and which zones should activate, rather than automatically releasing every unit for every alarm.

Certain systems support concealed installation, which can be useful in retail, offices, showrooms and residential interiors where visible equipment is undesirable. Some manufacturers provide dedicated nozzles or extensions that allow the discharge point to enter the protected room while the main unit remains concealed. Installation limits are model-specific, so service access, operating temperature, nozzle clearance and the intended fog path still need to be maintained.

Related Security Technologies

Security technologies are often more effective when they work together. Depending on the property and the risks involved, this solution may be combined with other systems.

CCTV Installation

Plan camera coverage around entrances, blind spots and the details you need to capture.

Live Video Monitoring

Add real-time oversight to help verify suspicious activity and support a faster response.

Access Control

Manage who can enter specific doors or areas and update permissions as needs change.

Automatic Door Operators

Automate entry points for easier controlled access and integration with access control systems.

Fog Cannons

Rapidly reduce visibility after an intrusion is detected, making protected areas harder to navigate.

Long-Range CCTV

Extend reliable video coverage across large, remote or difficult-to-connect properties and perimeters.

Alarm Monitoring

Detect and report security events when no one is on site to notice them.

Network Infrastructure

Build the cabling and network foundation that connected security equipment depends on.

Security Window Film

Reinforce vulnerable glass to help delay forced entry and hold shattered glass together.

A Broader Approach to Security

A single technology may address one part of a security challenge, but effective protection often depends on how different systems, property conditions and operational needs work together. Explore our comprehensive security services for a broader approach to planning, improving or evaluating your property.

Commercial Security Systems

Integrated security planning for businesses and commercial properties, combining the technologies required for protection, monitoring, access and day-to-day management.

Residential Security Systems

Complete home security solutions designed around the property, household needs and appropriate technologies for detection, monitoring, access and everyday protection.

Commercial Security Audit

A structured review of existing security conditions, system performance and potential vulnerabilities to identify practical priorities for improvement or future planning.

Contact TNSG

Tell Us About Your Security Needs

Tell us about the property, your current concerns and what you would like to improve. Our team will review the details and help determine the most appropriate next step, whether you need a new system, an upgrade or a professional assessment.

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(866) 445-7061

For technical support with an existing TNSG system, please visit our Help Center.

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