What Cold Spark Powder Is

Cold spark powder is a titanium composite granular material — a blend of titanium and zirconium alloys — that produces brilliant, white-hot-looking spark effects when heated by a cold spark machine's internal element. Despite their dramatic appearance, the sparks are significantly cooler than traditional pyrotechnics. They contain no explosive content and are not conventional fireworks. The result is a dazzling spark fountain effect that resembles pyrotechnics but operates with substantially less heat, no open flame, and minimal smoke.

The machine's heating element brings the granules to their ignition point, which launches them upward. As they travel through the air, they burn out and cool rapidly. Spark height is controlled by the machine — your machine's power output, settings, and controls determine how high the sparks travel, not the powder formula.

Outdoor Formula vs. Indoor Formula

SurgeFX offers two cold spark powder formulations — Indoor and Outdoor — and the key difference is burn intensity and fallout:

• Indoor Formula (sold separately) — Less intense burn. Produces a cleaner combustion with minimal fallout. Designed for enclosed spaces where unburnt powder landing on guests, equipment, furniture, fabrics, and flooring is unacceptable.
• Outdoor Formula (this product) — More intense burn. Produces brighter, more dramatic spark effects, but generates more fallout from unburnt powder. This excess fallout is acceptable outdoors where it disperses into open air and settles on ground surfaces, but is not appropriate for indoor use where it would land on people, equipment, and interior surfaces.

Who It's For

Professional event operators, production companies, DJs, and venue operators running outdoor cold spark effects — outdoor weddings, festival stages, concert productions, grand openings, sporting events, and other open-air applications where maximum spark intensity and visual impact are desired.

Spark Height

Spark height is determined by the machine, not the powder. Your cold spark machine's power output, DMX settings, and on-board controls determine how high the sparks travel. The outdoor formula does not inherently produce taller sparks than the indoor formula — the difference is burn intensity and fallout, not height. Refer to your machine's documentation for its height range specifications.

Run Time

Each 7 oz (200g) bag provides approximately 10–15 minutes of continuous spark effect. Actual run time depends on your machine's output setting — running at maximum intensity uses granules faster than running at reduced settings. For a typical event where sparks are used in bursts during key moments (entrance, first dance, finale), one bag can cover multiple cue points across a multi-hour event.

Visual Effect

The outdoor formula produces a brighter, more intense spark fountain than the indoor formula — a dense column of brilliant white/gold sparks shooting upward and cascading back down. The more aggressive burn creates greater visual impact, particularly suited for open-air settings where the effect needs to read from a distance, compete with ambient light, or create a dramatic visual centerpiece. The effect is most dramatic at night or in low-light conditions. Pairing cold sparks with haze or fog amplifies the visual — spark trails illuminate the suspended particles and create glowing columns of light.

Spark Characteristics

• Color: Bright white/gold — the natural combustion color of titanium. Cannot be changed or colored.
• Smoke: Minimal. A small amount of residual smoke may be visible during operation but dissipates quickly in open air.
• Odor: Minimal to none.
• Sound: A crackling hiss — much quieter than traditional pyrotechnics.
• Fallout: The outdoor formula produces more unburnt powder fallout than the indoor formula. In outdoor settings, this disperses naturally. Metallic dust and particles will settle on surfaces near the machine and should be cleaned up after use.

Product Specifications

Regulatory Considerations

Cold spark powder is not conventional fireworks — it contains no explosive content. However, cold spark effects may still require permits, fire marshal approval, venue authorization, insurance riders, or other regulatory compliance depending on your jurisdiction and venue. Regulations vary by state, county, municipality, and individual venue. The operator is responsible for determining and complying with all applicable requirements. Always check with your local fire authority and venue management before using cold spark effects at any event.

Handling

The granules cannot self-ignite — the titanium composite is a blended material (not pure titanium) and is vacuum-sealed in foil packaging, both of which prevent spontaneous combustion. They require a cold spark machine's internal heating element to reach their ignition point and cannot be lit with an open flame, a match, or a lighter. Despite this, treat the material as a professional consumable — handle responsibly, store properly, and keep away from children.

How to Use

1. Power off your cold spark machine and disconnect from power before loading.
2. Open the vacuum-sealed bag and pour the granules into the machine's hopper/loading chamber. Do not overfill — follow your machine's manual for recommended fill levels.
3. Close the hopper, reconnect power, and allow the machine to preheat (typically 3–5 minutes depending on the machine model).
4. Verify your clearance zone — ensure all people, flammable materials, and overhead obstructions are outside your machine's recommended safe distance.
5. Trigger the spark effect via DMX, remote, or on-board controls.
6. When the bag is consumed (machine output slows or stops), power off and repeat the loading process with a new bag if needed.

Machine Compatibility

The SurgeFX Cold Spark Powder — Outdoor Formula is compatible with most cold spark machines, including SurgeFX models (Mini Spark Pro, Spark 360 Duo, Rota Spark 750, Solaris Jet) and other standard cold spark machines that use titanium composite granules. We recommend using SurgeFX-approved consumables to ensure optimal performance and maintain your machine's warranty.

Storage

• Store in a cool, dry location — room temperature, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and moisture.
• Keep bags sealed in original vacuum packaging until ready to use. The vacuum seal prevents oxidation.
• Once opened, use the entire bag. If you have leftover granules, seal them in an airtight container and use within a few weeks.
• Do not store near water, moisture, or high-humidity environments.
• Do not store near flammable materials, open flames, or heat sources.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Shelf Life

Unopened, vacuum-sealed bags have a long shelf life — typically 1–2 years or more when stored properly in a cool, dry environment. Once opened, use promptly. Granules exposed to air for extended periods may oxidize and produce inconsistent spark effects.

Cleanup

The outdoor formula produces more unburnt powder fallout than the indoor formula. After use, metallic dust and unburnt particles will settle on surfaces near the machine. In outdoor settings, this typically disperses naturally across ground surfaces. Sweep or wipe up any visible residue. For events on decks, patios, or hard surfaces, consider laying a protective mat or covering around the machine base for easier cleanup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Indoor and Outdoor formula?
Burn intensity and fallout. The Outdoor Formula burns more intensely, producing brighter, more dramatic spark effects — but it also produces more fallout from unburnt powder. That fallout is acceptable in open-air environments where it disperses naturally, but not appropriate indoors where it would land on guests, equipment, and surfaces. The Indoor Formula burns less intensely with a cleaner combustion and minimal fallout, making it suitable for enclosed venues. Spark height is controlled by the machine, not the powder formula.

Can I use the Outdoor Formula indoors?
No. The outdoor formula produces excess unburnt powder fallout that is not appropriate for indoor use. For enclosed venues, use the Indoor Formula.

Does the powder control the spark height?
No. Spark height is determined by your machine's power output, settings, and controls. The powder formula affects burn intensity and fallout characteristics — not height. Refer to your machine's documentation for its height range.

Is this fireworks?
No. Cold spark powder contains no explosive content and is not conventional fireworks. It's a titanium composite that produces a visual spark effect through a controlled heating process inside the machine. It cannot be lit with a match or flame. However, permits, fire marshal approval, or venue authorization may still be required depending on your location and venue. The operator is responsible for all regulatory compliance.

Are the sparks safe?
Cold sparks are significantly cooler than traditional pyrotechnics. However, this is still a professional combustion-based special effect and must be treated accordingly. Always maintain your machine manufacturer's recommended clearance distances, never allow people to stand directly in the spark path, and follow all safety guidelines. This product is not a toy.

Do I need a permit to use cold sparks?
It depends on your jurisdiction and venue. Regulations vary by state, county, municipality, and individual venue. Some locations may require fire marshal approval, event permits, insurance riders, or venue authorization. The operator is responsible for determining and complying with all applicable requirements. Always check with your local fire authority and venue management before use.

How many bags do I need for my event?
For key-moment bursts (entrance, ceremony, sendoff) — 1–2 bags per machine is typically sufficient. For continuous use (festival stage, concert) — plan 1 bag per 10–15 minutes of run time per machine. Multiply by number of machines.

Does the powder produce smoke?
Minimal. A small amount of residual smoke may be visible during operation but dissipates quickly in open air.

Is there cleanup involved?
Yes. The outdoor formula produces more unburnt powder fallout than the indoor formula. Fine metallic dust and particles will settle near the machine after use. Sweep or wipe up residue. For hard surface areas, a protective mat around the machine base makes cleanup easier.

Can I use this powder in any brand of cold spark machine?
The SurgeFX Outdoor Formula is compatible with most cold spark machines that use standard titanium composite granules. We recommend using SurgeFX-approved consumables with SurgeFX machines to ensure optimal performance and maintain your warranty.