SmokeGENIE • SmokeNINJA • SmokeNINJA PRO
Smoke machines and fire alarms
Know which systems can react to fog, then follow the venue-approval flowchart before your shoot.
Will a smoke machine set off a fire alarm?
Yes. Fog from smoke machines, including SmokeGENIE and SmokeNINJA, can trigger ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors. Conventional heat detectors and heat-operated sprinkler heads respond to heat, not fog particles.
What type of system is installed?
A venue may have both. Ask its fire-safety team to confirm the system.
What should you do in a venue with IONIZATION / PHOTOELECTRIC smoke alarms?
Can you get approval from the venue?
↓
YES
Ask the venue's fire-safety team which systems are installed. Continue along the YES path below.
Follow the YES path ↓
NO → Consider Vanishing Formula
PMI Vanishing Formula creates localised fog that clears quickly. Use it with SmokeNINJA PRO or SmokeNINJA PRO V2, a dedicated VF Chamber and the Amplifier Nozzle. Confirm the venue permits this setup; VF can still trigger smoke detectors.
Vanishing Formula information ↓2. ARE YOU ALLOWED TO REMOVE THE BATTERY OR SWITCH IT OFF?
2. ARE YOU ALLOWED TO REMOVE THE BATTERY OR SWITCH IT OFF?
Confirm the system with the venue’s fire-safety team.
NO
Ionization, photoelectric, or a mix of smoke and heat systems: tell the venue team which machine and formula you plan to use. Have them confirm the permitted precautions and any test before use.
Follow the agreed plan ↓YES
VENUE TEAM ONLY
Only the venue’s authorised fire-safety team can confirm the permitted arrangement for the shoot. Do not remove batteries or switch off alarms yourself. Have the venue confirm normal protection is restored afterwards.
Follow the agreed plan ↓3. CAN YOU COVER THE DETECTOR WITH A BAG/SHIELD?
3. CAN YOU COVER THE DETECTOR WITH A BAG/SHIELD?
3. CAN YOU COVER THE DETECTOR WITH A BAG/SHIELD?
ALARM!
Ask the venue how its alarm system is monitored and whether false-alarm charges apply. Some monitored systems notify emergency services when an alarm activates.
After the effect
SmokeGENIE and SmokeNINJA fog can also trigger smoke detectors. Follow the venue’s precautions for fog machines and hazers.
If an alarm sounds, stop the effect and follow the venue's emergency procedure.
VANISHING FORMULA
Vanishing Formula: localised fog that clears quickly
Create rich fog around products, miniatures and portraits. Vanishing Formula disperses rapidly as it mixes with surrounding air, with no haze build-up under normal ventilation.
On compatible surfaces, temporary moisture evaporates without lasting residue. Allow approximately 45 minutes at room temperature; airflow affects drying time. Check the material whitelist before use.
Which smoke machines support Vanishing Formula?
Use SmokeNINJA PRO or SmokeNINJA PRO V2 with a dedicated VF Chamber and the Amplifier Nozzle. The nozzle is required for output-temperature and texture control. Keep Vanishing Formula separate from Cloud Formula and use the correct chamber for each.
The standalone VF Kit includes a 100 ml bottle, VF Chamber and Amplifier Nozzle. A fog machine is not included. Already have the hardware? Choose the 100 ml refill.
The original SmokeNINJA and SmokeGENIE do not support Vanishing Formula.
Explore the VF KitShop VF refill
Measure from the smoke output to the photoelectric sensor.
How far should Vanishing Formula be from a smoke detector?
PMI specifies at least 2.5 m (about 8 ft) between the Vanishing Formula fog outlet and a photoelectric smoke detector. Never aim the output at a detector.
Vanishing Formula can still trigger smoke detectors. The 2.5 m distance is product guidance, not a guarantee against alarms. Confirm the setup and any test with the venue’s fire-safety team.
Read PMI’s VF product guidanceBack to the approval flowchart ↑Vanishing Formula setup and support
Check the VF instructions and material allowlist before use. PMI can help with product questions; the venue’s fire-safety lead confirms the arrangements for the location.
Use the material whitelist to check the intended surface before your shoot.