PMI HEAT PROTECTION
PMI heat protection. Built for creative freedom.
Focus on bringing the scene to life. From SmokeGENIE to SmokeNINJA PRO V2, PMI heat protection has evolved around one goal: give creators more confidence to create.
Return to PMI fog machine safetyWhy we built our own protection
Before launching the first SmokeGENIE, we tested handheld fog machines that depended heavily on the operator. We encountered burnt-smelling output without warning—and a machine catching fire after running dry inside a prop.
Working with special-effects crews, theatre and production teams made the problem clear: watching the machine was taking attention away from the scene. We built our own heat-protection system to change that experience, so creators could focus on bringing their ideas to life.
Built in from the beginning. Refined with every generation.
PMI spent more than a year developing heat protection before introducing SmokeGENIE in 2021. We continued refining the system, advancing from shutdown after coil damage to POP’s intervention before overheating.
2021 · SmokeGENIE
Launched with damage-triggered shutdown.
2023 · SmokeNINJA
Launched with damage-triggered shutdown.
2024 · SmokeNINJA PRO
Introduced POP: protection that recognises the warning pattern and interrupts heating before coil overheating. SmokeNINJA PRO V2 continues this technology.
What is PMI POP?
POP stands for Predicting Overheating Patterns. In SmokeNINJA PRO and SmokeNINJA PRO V2, PMI’s third-generation heat protection recognises the warning pattern before coil overheating and interrupts heating early. It protects the chamber before overheating damage develops, while avoiding unnecessary stops during normal operation.
DETECT
Monitors heating behaviour for the warning pattern that precedes coil overheating.
PREDICT
Recognises the warning when the tank is empty, liquid delivery is interrupted or the heating unit is damaged.
PROTECT
Interrupts heating before the overheating condition develops.
Early intervention reduces repeated heat damage and protects chamber life. Protection that keeps your focus on the next shot.
More control. Less distraction.
SmokeNINJA PRO’s liquid blocker minimises spitting. Its real-time status bar shows remaining output time, cooldown and an empty tank. See the machine’s status at a glance and plan your next shot with confidence.
SmokeNINJA PRO manuals and tutorialsSmokeNINJA PRO V2 supportThe difference is when protection acts.
What does the system monitor—and when does it stop heating? These five approaches show why the protective response matters.
No heater-overheat protection
A developing heater fault does not automatically interrupt heating. Stopping the machine depends on the operator. A power switch or low-battery warning does not provide heater-overheat protection.
Board-temperature-only monitoring
Measures the control board’s local temperature. It does not directly monitor the heating coil’s condition. Heater protection depends on recognising what is happening at the heat source.
Emergency cutoff
Stops operation when the sensed temperature reaches a defined limit, limiting further heat build-up. Its sensing point, threshold and response time determine when it acts.
Damage-triggered shutdown
Detects coil damage and stops the machine to limit further escalation. The shutdown follows the damage; repeated overheating events add wear to the chamber.
PMI POP: protection before overheating
Recognises the warning pattern and interrupts heating before coil overheating. POP acts early to protect the chamber. Available in SmokeNINJA PRO and SmokeNINJA PRO V2.
Safe liquid is only half the equation.
Great fog starts with the right formula—and the right heating system. Too little heat can leave liquid droplets at the outlet. Excessive heat can break down the liquid, damage the chamber and create burnt-smelling output.
PMI brings together heat protection, tested Cloud formula and practical operating guidance. POP in SmokeNINJA PRO and SmokeNINJA PRO V2 recognises the warning pattern and interrupts heating before coil overheating.
Cloud formula. Independently tested.
SGS formula testing
SmokeGENIE Cloud formula met the requirements of four safety tests documented by SGS.
Acute oral toxicity
Non-toxic classification
Acute inhalation toxicity
Non-toxic classification
Skin irritation
Non-irritating
Eye irritation
Non-irritating
Guidance for professional theatre.
SmokeGENIE with Cloud Fluid and SmokeNINJA with Cloud Fluid are listed in the theatrical time-and-distance guidelines linked by Actors’ Equity Association. The guidance provides machine settings, release durations and distances for production planning.
View theatrical-use guidanceFind the PMI setup for your next production.
Choose the machine, chamber and formula for the effect you want to create. Explore PMI’s safety technology or talk to our team about your next production.