STAIRVILLE GF-3000 Ground Fog Machine User Manual
- June 16, 2024
- STAIRVILLE
Table of Contents
STAIRVILLE GF-3000 Ground Fog Machine
General information
This document contains important instructions for the safe operation of the
product. Read and follow the safety instructions and all other instructions.
Keep the document for future refer‐ence. Make sure that it is available to all
those using the product. If you sell the product to another user, be sure that
they also receive this document.
Our products and documentation are subject to a process of continuous
development. They are therefore subject to change. Please refer to the latest
version of the documentation, which is ready for download under
www.thomann.de
Symbols and signal words
In this section you will find an overview of the meaning of symbols and
signal words that are used in this document.
| Signal word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| DANGER! | This combination of symbol and signal word indicates an |
immediate dangerous situation that will result in death or serious injury if
it is not avoided.
WARNING!| This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a
possible dangerous situation that can result in death or serious injury if it
is not avoided.
NOTICE!| This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a possible
dangerous situation that can result in material and environmental damage if it
is not avoided.
|
Warning signs| Type of danger
| Warning – corrosive substances.
| Warning – high-voltage.
| Warning – extreme cold.| Signal word| Meaning
---|---
DANGER!| This combination of symbol and signal word indicates an
immediate dangerous situation that will result in death or serious injury if
it is not avoided.
WARNING!| This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a
possible dangerous situation that can result in death or serious injury if it
is not avoided.
NOTICE!| This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a pos‐
sible dangerous situation that can result in material and environmental damage
if it is not avoided.
|
Warning signs| Type of danger
| Warning – corrosive substances.
| Warning – high-voltage.
| Warning – extreme cold.
Safety instructions
Intended use
This device is intended for generating artificial fog by evaporation of dry
ice in hot water. The device is designed for professional use and is not
suitable for use in households. Use the device only as described in this user
manual. Any other use or use under other operating conditions is considered to
be improper and may result in personal injury or property damage. No liability
will be assumed for damages resulting from improper use.
This device may be used only by persons with sufficient physical, sensorial, and intellectual abilities and having corresponding knowledge and experience. Other persons may use this device only if they are supervised or instructed by a person who is responsible for their safety.
Safety
-
DANGER! Risk of injury and choking hazard for children!
Children can suffocate on packaging material and small parts. Children can injure themselves when handling the device. Never allow children to play with the packaging material and the device. Always store packaging material out of the reach of babies and small children. Always dispose of packaging material properly when it is not in use. Never allow children to use the device without supervision. Keep small parts away from children and make sure that the device does not shed any small parts (such knobs) that children could play with. -
DANGER! Danger to life due to electric current!
Within the device, there are areas where high voltages may be present. Never remove any covers. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Do not use the device when covers, safety equipment or optical components are missing or damaged. -
DANGER! Danger to life due to electric current!
A short circuit could lead to a fire hazard and risk of death. Do not modify the mains cable or the plug! In case of isolation damage, disconnect immediately the power supply and arrange repair. If in doubt, seek advice from a qualified electrician. -
WARNING! Danger of frostbite when handling dry ice!
Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide (CO2) at a temperature of -87.5°C. Direct skin contact causes severe frostbite. Never touch dry ice with bare hands. When handling dry ice, always wear suitable protective gloves and protective goggles. Prior to breaking up large blocks of dry ice, cover them with a towel or a cloth bag. -
WARNING! Risk of suffocation if dry ice is stored incorrectly!
If dry ice is stored incorrectly, this can result in high concentrations of gaseous carbon monoxide. Even low concentrations can lead to circulatory insufficiency, headache, unconsciousness, nausea or vomiting. There is a risk of choking. Always keep dry ice containers in a well ventilated area. Ensure that children do not have access to locations where dry ice is stored. -
WARNING! Slip hazard due to dripping condensation!
Condensation can drip down around the device. People can slip and injure themselves on pools of condensate. Check regularly that floors and other accessible surfaces around the device can be walked on without a risk of slipping. If necessary, remove any pools of condensate. -
NOTICE! Risk of fire due to covered vents and neighbouring heat sources!
If the vents of the device are covered or the device is operated in the immediate vicinity of other heat sources, the device can over‐heat and burst into flames. Never cover the device or the vents. Do not install the device in the immediate vicinity of other heat sources. Never operate the device in the immediate vicinity of naked flames. -
NOTICE! Damage to the device if operated in unsuitable ambient conditions!
The device can be damaged if it is operated in unsuitable ambient conditions. Only operate the device indoors within the ambient conditions specified in the “Technical specifications” chapter of this user manual. Avoid operating it in environments with direct sunlight, heavy dirt and strong vibrations. Avoid operating it in environments with strong temperature fluctuations. If temperature fluctuations cannot be avoided (for example after transport in low outside temperatures), do not switch on the device immediately. Never subject the device to liquids or moisture. Never move the device to another location while it is in operation. In environments with increased dirt levels (for example due to dust, smoke, nicotine or mist): Have the device cleaned by qualified specialists at regular intervals to prevent damage due to overheating and other malfunctions. -
NOTICE! Damage to the device due to high voltages!
The device can be damaged if it is operated with the incorrect voltage or if high voltage peaks occur. In the worst case, excess voltages can also cause a risk of injury and fires. Make sure that the voltage specification on the device matches the local power grid before plugging in the device. Only operate the device from professionally installed mains sockets that are protected by a residual current circuit breaker (FI). As a precaution, disconnect the device from the power grid when storms are approaching or it the device will not be used for a longer period. -
NOTICE! Possible staining due to plasticiser in rubber feet!
The plasticiser contained in the rubber feet of this product may react with the coating of the floor and cause permanent dark stains after some time. If necessary, use a suitable mat or felt slide to prevent direct contact between the device’s rubber feet and the floor.
Features
This fog machine is suitable for use in clubs, bars, discotheques and on stages Special features of the device:
- High efficiency heating element
- Large water tank
- Robust housing
Installation
Unpack and check carefully there is no transportation damage before using the
unit. Keep the equipment packaging. To fully protect the product against
vibration, dust and moisture during transportation or storage use the original
packaging or your own packaging material suitable for transport or storage,
respectively.
Place the device on a flat, non-flammable and solid surface in a well-
ventilated area.
Connections and controls
| 1 | Carrying handles |
|---|---|
| 2 | Lid clip |
| 3 | [READY] |
the required operating temperature.
4| [HEATING] | Red indicator light. Lights when the device is heating up.
5| Mains cable for power supply
6| Connecting cable to the heating element
7| Fog nozzle
8| Heating element
9| Lever for raising and lowering the ice bin
Operation
Starting up the device
WARNING! Danger of frostbite when handling dry ice!
Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide (CO2) at a temperature of -87.5°C. Direct
skin contact causes severe frostbite.
Never touch dry ice with bare hands. When handling dry ice, always wear
suitable protective gloves and protective goggles.
Prior to breaking up large blocks of dry ice, cover them with a towel or a
cloth bag.
NOTICE! Risk of undetected fires in the absence of supervision!
There is a general risk of fire when operating the device. If the appliance is
left unattended, fires can go undetected and cause great damage.
Never operate the device unattended.
NOTICE! Damage to the device due calcareous or dirty water.
Too hard of water or dirty water can damage the device.
Use only very soft water or, if in doubt, distilled water.
-
Make sure that the device is disconnected from the mains.
Open the lid clip (2) and open the lid. -
Lift the ice bin with the lever (9) and lock the lever in the highest position (marked with [0]).
-
Fill the container with just over 5.5 litres of cold water. The water level must be approx. 1 cm below the ice bin when the lever (9) is in the highest position ([0]).
-
Connect the device to the power grid.
The red indicator light (4) comes on to indicate that the device is heating up. If the red indicator light does not light up, check the water level and top up the water if necessary. -
Carefully fill the ice bin with dry ice. It holds 2.2 kg.
If there are ice particles on the edge of the container, wipe the edge clean with a cloth. -
Fold down the lid and close the lid clip.
-
Wait until the green indicator light (3) comes on. The water has now reached the required temperature for fog generation. If the water cools down too much during oper‐ation, the heating is switched back on and the red indicator light (4) comes on.
Use the lever (8) to slowly lower the ice bin down to the middle position ([1]) so that the dry ice comes into contact with the hot water. This causes the solid carbon dioxide to evaporate immediately and release clouds of steam that emerge from the fog nozzle (7). When the fog output decreases, you can carefully lower the ice bin a little further. -
You can refill the device when the water and dry ice are used up.
Operation
Operation with an empty container can lead to overheating and permanently
damage the pump. When operating the device, always ensure that there is
sufficient water in the container to avoid running it without fluid.
Decommissioning the device
Disconnect the device from the mains. Do not transport the device before it
has cooled down completely. To avoid leaking water during transport, you
should transport the device only with an empty container.
Technical specifications
| Heater power | 3000 W |
|---|---|
| Warm-up time | approx. 15 min |
| Water container capacity | 8.2 l |
| Dry ice bin capacity | 2.2 kg |
| Fog blast, max. | approx. 220 m³/min |
| Power consumption | 2400 W |
| Supply voltage | 203 V 50 Hz |
| International Protection Rating | IP20 |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 415 mm × 360 mm × 350 mm |
| Weight | 7.55 kg |
| Ambient conditions | Temperature range |
| Relative humidity | –25%…25 % (non-condensing) |
Further information
| DMX control | no |
|---|---|
| Timer remote control included | no |
| Radio remote control included | no |
| Battery operation | no |
| With suspension bracket | no |
| Blast direction | Ground |
| On/Off remote control included | no |
| Light effect included | no |
Troubleshooting
In the following we list a few common problems that may occur during operation. We give you some suggestions for easy troubleshooting:
| Symptom | Remedy |
|---|
Although the device is connected to the mains, none of the indicator lights
come on.| 1. Check the mains connection and the main fuse.
2. Check the water level. Fill in so much water, that the water level sensor
in the supply tank is completely under water.
No fog output| 1. When the red indicator light is lit, the unit is still
heating up. Wait until the green indicator light lights up.
2. Check the fluid level in the supply tank.
3. Check the fluid level in the dry ice bin.
If the procedures recommended above do not succeed, please contact our Service Center. You can find the contact information at www.thomann.de.
Cleaning
Components
Clean the externally accessible parts of the device regularly. The frequency
of cleaning depends on the operating environment: wet, smoky or particularly
dirty surroundings can cause more dirt to accumulate on the device parts.
- Clean with a soft dry cloth.
- Stubborn stains may be removed with a slightly damp cloth.
- Never use cleaners containing alcohol or thinner.
Descaling
WARNING! Possible cauterisation when using descaling agents!
- Descaling agents contain caustic substances that can damage eyes and skin on direct contact.
- Follow the instructions for use of the descaling agent and the warnings therein.
- Wear protective gloves when using descaling agent.
- Never ingest descaling agent. Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
- In case of accidental ingestion of or skin or eye contact with descaling agent: In case of ingestion, immediately seek medical ingestion and show them the pack‐aging or the label. In case of contact with skin, immediately rinse your skin. Thoroughly rinse the eyes with water upon contact. Get medical attention.
The device should be descaled regularly. This shortens the heating time and reduces energy consumption. The frequency depends on the hardness of the water used. For descaling we recommend commercially available liquid descaling agent for domestic use.
-
Make sure that the device is disconnected from the mains.
Open the lid clip (2) and open the lid. -
Fill the container with just over 5.5 litres of cold water. The water level must be approx. 1 cm below the ice bin.
-
Connect the device to the power grid.
The red indicator light (4) comes on to indicate that the device is heating up. -
Fold down the lid and close the lid clip.
-
Wait until the green indicator light (3) comes on. The water has now reached the required temperature.
-
Disconnect the device from the mains (pull the mains plug).
-
Open the lid clip (2) and open the lid.
Fill one portion of the descaling agent (dosage according to manufacturer’s instructions) into the container. -
Fold down the lid and close the lid clip.
-
Use the lever (8) to lower the ice bin down to the lowest position ([2]).
-
Wait about 60 minutes.
-
Open the lid clip (2) and open the lid.
Pour the mixture out of the container. -
Rinse the container at least twice with clear water.
Protecting the environment
Disposal of the packing material
Environmentally friendly materials have been chosen for the packaging.
These materials can be sent for normal recycling. Ensure that plastic bags,
packaging, etc. are disposed of in the proper manner.
Do not dispose of these materials with your normal household waste, but make
sure that they are collected for recycling. Please follow the instructions and
markings on the packaging.
Disposal of your old device
This product is subject to the European Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment Directive (WEEE) as amended.
Do not dispose of your old device with your normal household waste; instead,
deliver it for controlled disposal by an approved waste disposal firm or
through your local waste facility. When disposing of the device, comply with
the rules and regulations that apply in your country. If in doubt, consult
your local waste management facility. Proper disposal protects the environment
as well as the health of your fellow human beings.
Also note that waste avoidance is a valuable contribution to environmental
protection. Repairing a device or passing it on to another user is an
ecologically valuable alternative to disposal.
You can return your old device to Thomann GmbH at no charge. Check the current
conditions on www.thomann.de
If your old device contains personal data, delete those data before disposing
of it.