Protecting stock, cash, equipment and staff calls for security that can respond to an intrusion, not only detect it. For commercial and retail businesses, a fog cannon adds an active layer of protection by releasing dense, non-toxic security fog within seconds, obscuring visibility and making it much harder for an intruder to locate or remove their intended targets.

Since the New Zealand Government introduced its Fog Cannon Subsidy Scheme for eligible small retailers in 2023, the technology has attracted greater attention as a way to strengthen commercial security. How effective are fog cannons in practice, and where do they fit within a wider security strategy?

This guide explains how fog cannons work, the situations they are best suited to, and how they can complement alarms, cameras and professional monitoring. Drawing on its experience designing, installing and maintaining fog cannon systems for commercial and retail sites across New Zealand, Matrix Security explains what businesses should consider when assessing their security needs.

From the technology itself to installation costs, the sections below cover:

How does a fog cannon work?

A fog cannon is designed to disrupt an intrusion by rapidly filling a protected area with dense security fog. Once activated, it releases a burst of fog that reduces visibility, making it difficult for an intruder to identify stock, locate valuables or navigate the space.

Fog cannons can be integrated with an intruder alarm, allowing the system to respond when an intrusion is detected. The process typically involves four stages:

  1. An intrusion is detected. A connected alarm system identifies activity that triggers the configured response.
  2. The fog cannon activates. The unit releases a rapid burst of security fog into the protected area.
  3. Visibility is significantly reduced. The dense fog makes it difficult to see merchandise, cash, equipment and other potential targets.
  4. The theft is disrupted. With visibility restricted, an intruder has less opportunity to locate and remove items, and where the alarm is monitored, a response can be arranged in the meantime.

The effectiveness of a fog cannon depends on factors such as the size and layout of the protected area, the positioning and capacity of the unit, and how it is integrated with the wider security system. A professional assessment helps determine the most suitable configuration for each premises.

Do fog cannons stop burglaries?

Fog cannons are designed to interrupt a burglary once an intruder enters a protected area. By rapidly obscuring visibility, they make it harder to identify and access valuables, potentially reducing the opportunity for theft while a response is arranged at a monitored site.

However, no single security measure can guarantee that a burglary will be prevented or stopped. A fog cannon is most effective as part of a layered security strategy that combines physical security, intrusion detection, surveillance and an appropriate response.

The New Zealand Government recognised the potential role of fog cannons in retail crime prevention when it expanded the Fog Cannon Subsidy Scheme in May 2023. According to the expansion announcement, 582 installations had been completed and 1,664 applications approved at that point. An additional $11 million was allocated to extend the programme, which was intended to help eligible retailers improve security and reduce the risk of people being harmed. That investment reflects the scale of the issue, with New Zealand Police reporting that retail crime costs New Zealand retailers $2.6 billion each year.

For businesses, the key consideration is how a fog cannon can reduce the opportunity for theft while supporting the people and systems responsible for responding to an incident. When combined with suitable alarms, cameras and professional monitoring, it provides another way to protect valuable assets.

Where do fog cannons work best?

Fog cannons can be suitable for a range of commercial and retail environments, particularly where valuable goods are stored or displayed and a break-in could result in significant losses. The right solution depends on the premises, the nature of the business and the risks that need to be addressed. Fog cannons may be worth considering for businesses with:

  • High-value stock or equipment: Retailers holding jewellery, cigarettes, smartphones or other easily removed valuables may benefit from extra protection.
  • After-hours security risks: Businesses that leave merchandise, cash or equipment on site overnight can use fog cannons as part of their intrusion response.
  • Multiple access points: Premises with several entrances or connected areas may benefit from a security assessment to determine which spaces need protection and where units should be positioned.

For larger sites or businesses with several locations, a fog cannon can form part of a wider commercial security plan. This allows the business to consider fog protection alongside access control, alarms, surveillance and response services, rather than treating each security measure as a separate investment.

Can a fog cannon work with your alarm, cameras and monitoring?

A fog cannon is one part of a wider security system. Its role is to restrict visibility, while alarms, surveillance and monitoring help detect activity, assess what is happening and coordinate an appropriate response.

Matrix Security designs fog cannon systems to integrate with existing security infrastructure where compatible, helping businesses build a coordinated approach to protecting their premises. Its fog cannon installation and maintenance service covers system design, installation, integration and ongoing servicing.

Intruder alarms

An intruder alarm detects activity through connected sensors and initiates the programmed response when its conditions are met. When a fog cannon is configured to work with the alarm, an activation can trigger the release of security fog, helping disrupt an intrusion even when the premises are unattended.

Security cameras and video verification

Cameras provide visibility of activity around the premises and can help establish what is happening when an alarm is triggered. Depending on the equipment installed, video verification and remote monitoring can provide additional information to support decisions about the appropriate response. Matrix Security’s video surveillance solutions can be tailored to the site, with options for integrated security and monitoring.

Professional alarm monitoring and response

When a monitored alarm is activated, Matrix Security’s team verifies the event and follows the business’s agreed response plan, which sets out who to contact and what action to take. Depending on that plan and the circumstances, this may involve contacting designated people or requesting a mobile patrol or on-site security officer.

Matrix Security operates its own 24/7 Monitoring Intelligence Centre, which is NZSA graded C1, and provides alarm monitoring and response services. Businesses considering additional physical security can also choose between security guards or mobile patrols, depending on whether the site needs a constant presence or regular checks.

The benefit of an integrated approach is that each component has a defined purpose. The fog cannon disrupts visibility, the alarm detects activity, cameras can help verify an event, and monitoring and response services support the next steps.

Are fog cannons safe, and what standards apply?

Matrix Security fog cannons use non-toxic, residue-free security fog that is safe for people, stock and equipment. This matters in a working environment where staff and customers share the space with valuable goods.

In June 2023, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) announced new requirements for providers under the New Zealand Government’s Fog Cannon Subsidy Scheme. Every fog cannon installed through the scheme had to meet the relevant international, EU or UK standard requirements and be supplied with at least one pendant, a wearable trigger that allows it to be activated remotely. Providers and their installers were also required to hold a current Security Consultant or Security Technician licence under the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010. Although these were scheme-specific conditions, they remain a useful benchmark when comparing providers, particularly which standards the proposed equipment meets and what licences the installer holds.

What affects the cost of a fog cannon?

The cost of a fog cannon system depends on the premises and the level of protection required. A unit for a small retail space may have different requirements from a system designed for a larger commercial site or multiple protected areas. When assessing a potential installation, the main considerations include:

  • The size and layout of the premises: The protected area influences the type, capacity and positioning of the equipment.
  • The number of units required: Larger or more complex sites may need multiple units to provide the intended coverage.
  • Integration with existing security: Connecting the fog cannon with compatible alarms, cameras and other systems can affect the overall installation requirements.
  • Ongoing servicing: Routine checks, nozzle cleaning, canister refills and firmware updates help keep the system ready for use.

Matrix Security assesses each site before recommending a suitable configuration, allowing the proposed system to reflect the business’s needs and existing infrastructure, with installation and ongoing maintenance considered as part of the overall investment. For eligible small retailers, the New Zealand Government’s 2023 Fog Cannon Subsidy Scheme offered up to $4,000 towards a fog cannon installation.

Frequently asked questions

How does a fog cannon work?

A fog cannon releases a rapid burst of security fog when activated, quickly reducing visibility in the protected area. The extent and speed of coverage depend on the unit, its configuration and the space being protected.

Is the fog safe for stock and equipment?

Yes, Matrix Security fog cannons use non-toxic, residue-free fog that is safe for stock and equipment. Businesses with sensitive equipment or specialist stock can ask for the specifications and operating guidance for the particular unit before installation.

Is there a fog cannon subsidy in NZ?

The New Zealand Government introduced a subsidy of up to $4,000 for eligible small retailers in 2023. Check with MBIE for the latest funding information, as availability may have changed since the scheme began.

What maintenance does a fog cannon need?

A fog cannon needs regular servicing to remain ready for use. Matrix Security provides routine checks, nozzle cleaning, canister refills and firmware updates as part of its fog cannon installation and maintenance service.

Can a fog cannon connect to my existing alarm?

Yes, fog cannons can be integrated with compatible intruder alarm systems. The available options depend on the equipment already installed and the requirements of the premises, and Matrix Security can assess the existing setup and recommend the right approach.

Book a free security appraisal for your premises

Every business has different security requirements, from the type of stock it holds to the layout of its premises and the hours it operates. A professional security appraisal can help identify where a fog cannon may add value, how it could integrate with existing systems and what additional measures may be appropriate.

Matrix Security offers a free security appraisal for commercial and retail premises looking to review their security needs. Its team can assess the premises and discuss suitable options for fog cannon design, installation, integration and ongoing maintenance. To discuss fog cannon protection for your commercial or retail premises, contact Matrix Security on 09 525 8532 or arrange an appraisal through its website.