Rosco Fog FAQ's

Diminished output?

Diminished output is usually a sign that the heat exchanger is beginning to clog. If the machine starts to clog, sometimes it can be broken free by cleaning the machine using compressed air. This method is outlined in the owner's manual that accompanied the machine.

CAUTION: DO NOT USE ANY FOREIGN MATERIALS EXCEPT COMPRESSED AIR TO TRY TO CLEAN THE MACHINE. ROSCO FOG MACHINES OPERATE AT HIGH TEMPERATURES AND CAN BURN OTHER MATERIALS MAKING THEM UNHEALTHFUL TO BREATHE.

Regular maintenance: After every operation, the siphon hose should be removed from the reservoir. The machine should then be turned on and haze produced. When there is no more haze coming out of the machine, it can be turned off.

After every operation, only after the machine has cooled, it should be wiped with a clean damp cloth or paper towel. This practice prevents the build up of dirt and dust which may enter the machine and damage sensitive internal components. Do not use solvents for cleaning. Soap and water are effective.

Cleaning with compressed air (Model 1600 only): The Compressed Air Input is located on the back of the machine. The compressed air is connected to the machine via an 1/8" female legris quick disconnect fitting (included with machine), 1/8" nylon tube, and an 1/8" MPT to 10/32" FPT reducer, for air guns.

Screw the reducer into your blo-gun. Connect the 1/8" tube to the reducer and the Air input fitting on the back of the unit. Use low pressure to start and increase as needed.

NOTE: Maximum air pressure should not exceed 35 PSI. Only "clean" filtered air should be introduced in to the heat exchanger. This cleaning process must only take place when the power to the machine is turned off and the unit has no fog fluid remaining in the heat exchanger. This can easily be checked, make sure that the fluid supply tube is detached, turn the power to the machine on, the fog "on" switch should be in the "on" position. If the machine produces fog allow it to run dry, if no fog is produced turn the power to the machine off and allow to cool before beginning the cleaning procedure.

CAUTION: DO NOT USE COMPRESSED AIR TO CLEAN MACHINE UNTIL HEAT EXCHANGER IS COMPLETELY EMPTY OF FLUID.

What is Rosco Fog Fluid made of?

Rosco Fog Fluid is composed of a series of glycols of low molecular weight mixed with de-ionized water. The components are all listed on the USFDA Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS) list and are used extensively in food, food packaging products and cosmetics among many other products. For a copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet, please contact your local Rosco dealer or Rosco directly.

What is the difference between Rosco Fog Fluid and Rosco Stage & Studio Fluid?

Rosco Fog Fluid was developed to give a long lasting fog effect. Rosco Stage & Studio Fluid uses the same components in a different configuration for a lighter, faster dissipating fog. Stage & Studio is also ideal for use with the Rosco Chiller Module to achieve a low lying fog effect.

How much output will I get?

Unfortunately there is no standard for fog machine output. The same amount of fog can fill both 5000 cubic feet and 10,000 cubic feet, it just is less dense in the larger area. Rosco instead defines its fog machines by "throughput" or how much fluid a machine consumes. The more fluid used, the higher the output. Please refer to the technical specifications for fluid consumption. If you have a specific effect you want to achieve, please contact your local Rosco dealer or Rosco direct.

How can I duct the fog?

Rosco offers a 4" diameter ducting hose (6" for the Model 4500) to duct the fog. A Hose Adaptor is also available to attach the hose to the front of the fog machine. In addition to aiding in the attachment of the hose, the Hose Adaptor leaves a necessary air space at the face of the machine so the fog can mix with fresh air. Never use a hose smaller than 4" or attach any hose directly to the face of the machine. In both cases, most of the fog will recondense and turn back to fluid.

Colored fog?

The engineers at Rosco have researched this problem extensively. There are no chemicals or compounds that can achieve colored fog. Any additions to the formula either decompose and/or clog the machine. However, the aerosol that is generated by a Rosco fog machine does reflect and refract light so that colored light easily creates the effect of colored fog.

Low lying fog?

The aerosol from a Rosco fog machine is neutrally buoyant and tends to follow air currents. If the fog (not the fluid) is chilled, it will be heavier than air and lie low to the ground. To achieve this effect, Rosco offers the Chiller Module as an accessory for Rosco fog machines. By running the fog over regular ice or dry ice (dry ice works best), it is chilled below ambient temperature. For ideal low lying fog, use Rosco Stage & Studio fluid.

How can I get haze without using mineral oil?

Rosco now offers the Hazemaker, a haze machine that uses a glycol fluid similar to the Rosco Fog Fluid we have been selling for almost two decades. The Hazemaker uses compressed air instead of heat to achieve a long lasting haze effect to help see the beams of light. For more information on the Hazemaker and Rosco New Hazemaker Fluid, please see your local Rosco dealer or contact Rosco directly.