How to choose a fog generator: 7 decisive criteria

1. The volume to protect — m³, not m²

The most common mistake is sizing by floor area. Fog fills a volume, so ceiling height matters as much as footprint. A 100 m² shop with a 2.7 m ceiling and a 100 m² warehouse with a 6 m ceiling differ by more than a factor of two in volume — and need entirely different solutions.

2. Discharge rate

The critical question is: how many seconds until the target volume becomes unusable? In a burglary the first 20–30 seconds decide the outcome. A slow system gives the attacker time to reach the target and withdraw. Discharge rate is the single most important technical parameter in the choice.

3. How the space is partitioned

An open-plan area can be covered by a single unit. The same floor area, partitioned into corridors, separate rooms and a back store, stops fog spreading freely. In that case several smaller units outperform one large one. The more partitions, the more units.

4. Ventilation and sealing

A ventilation system that keeps running, or a door left open, substantially shortens the hold time. When planning the installation we also consider measures such as automatically shutting down ventilation when the alarm activates.

5. Cartridge capacity and re-triggering

A fog generator is not single-shot; cartridge capacity covers several discharges. But capacity varies by model. At high-risk sites it matters that the system still offers protection after a first discharge. Cartridge replacement intervals should be part of your maintenance plan.

6. Alarm integration and verification

The system must talk to your existing alarm panel. Wiring the trigger to a verified alarm condition minimises the risk of accidental discharge. It also matters operationally that the panel can see the fog status — armed, isolated, discharged.

7. Installation, maintenance and support

A fog generator is not fit-and-forget. It needs periodic testing, cartridge checks and battery maintenance. Whether your supplier can service the unit inside Türkiye, hold spares and train your staff matters as much in the long run as the model itself.

Six of these seven criteria are specific to your site. That is why we do not recommend a model over the phone: any recommendation made without seeing the space is guesswork. The survey is free.