30V vs 240V Foam Cannon Safety Comparison

The Safety Difference Most Event Organisers Don’t Realise (Until It Matters)

Foam cannons are made for one thing: creating a high-energy, hands-in-the-air moment that people talk about for weeks.

But here’s the part that often gets overlooked when you’re comparing machines: what voltage is running through the equipment while it’s operating in a wet, splash-heavy environment.

Because foam isn’t dry, fun runs aren’t dry. Kids aren’t dry. And if you’re running events in Australia, you already know how quickly “a bit of water” can become… everywhere.

That’s why the Monty the Monstar Foam Cannon is 30V (low voltage), and why that is a major point of difference compared to many competitor foam cannons that run on 240V mains voltage.

This article breaks down the practical differences, and why (if you’re choosing equipment for schools, clubs, and community events) 30V is the safer, smarter option.

The simple version:

240V is mains power; 30V is low voltage

• 240V foam machines run on the same voltage as your power points at home.
• 30V foam machines run on extra-low voltage output (low voltage supply), which dramatically reduces the risk profile in wet conditions.

If your brain just went, “Okay… but does that really matter?”, it should. Because voltage isn’t just a number. It’s the difference between annoying and catastrophic when something goes wrong.

And in events, the question isn’t “Will something go wrong?”
It’s “What happens if it does?”

1) Electrical shock risk

The biggest difference, and the biggest liability

240V machines (mains voltage)

A 240V system is capable of delivering a dangerous electric shock. This is especially the case if:

·       a cable is damaged

·       water finds its way into the wrong area

·       a connection point is exposed

·       someone handles plugs or cords with wet hands

·       the machine is used near wet grass, puddles, wash-down areas, or damp ground

With 240V, the safety approach relies heavily on perfect conditions and perfect compliance:

·       strict grounding/earthing

·       RCDs (safety switches)

·       weatherproof outdoor power points

·       careful cable management

·       dry handling and separation from spray zones

The issue is obvious: foam events are not controlled lab environments.

30V machines (extra-low voltage output)

A 30V system is significantly safer because the voltage is far below the level typically associated with severe electrical harm from accidental contact.

That means:

·       drastically reduced risk of harmful electric shock

·       a much better fit for splash-heavy environments

·       greater peace of mind when operating around kids and crowds

Key takeaway:
If you’re choosing between 30V and 240V in a wet, high-energy event environment, 30V is the safer platform by design, not by wishful thinking.

2) Build material matters

Plastic vs metal changes the risk profile

This is the part many buyers miss.

Metal-bodied foam machines (common in 240V units)

Metal is conductive. In plain English: it can carry electricity. Our Foam Machine is PVC/PVC with all components having a maximum 30VDC. With an integrated “Emergency Stop” feature, this means it is compliant with workplace safety protocols.

So if there’s a fault (damaged insulation, water ingress, internal wiring issue), a metal body can become an additional risk point—especially in wet conditions.

That’s why metal-bodied, mains-powered equipment tends to rely heavily on:

·       proper earthing/grounding

·       RCD protection

·       strict setup discipline

·       keeping the unit and connections out of splash zones

Again: that’s a lot to manage in the real world of fun runs, volunteers, and excited kids.

Monty’s all-plastic body (non-conductive)

Plastic is non-conductive. It doesn’t behave like metal in electrical fault scenarios.

So when you combine:

• low voltage (30V)
• with a non-conductive plastic exterior
  …you get a foam machine that is simply better aligned with wet, public, school-style environments.

Put it this way:
When you’re running foam, you’re already accepting that water will be everywhere. Monty is designed for that reality.

3) Water + electricity

Foam cannons live in the danger zone

Foam cannons, by their nature, create:

·       spray

·       splashes

·       drips

·       wet ground

·       wet hands

·       wet everything

With 240V, water exposure raises the stakes:

·       moisture can cause short circuits

·       water ingress can turn a fault into a serious hazard

·       risk increases if enclosures aren’t properly rated, sealed, and maintained

·       outdoor conditions (wind-blown spray, grass, humidity, rain risk) amplify the problem

With 30V, the system is inherently more forgiving:

·       low-voltage supply is far safer around splashes

·       even if moisture gets where it shouldn’t, the risk of harmful current is far lower

Practical reality:
In events, people don’t behave like technicians. They behave like excited humans. The safer choice is the one that stays safer even when conditions aren’t perfect.

4) Circuit protection and compliance

What you’re responsible for

240V: more rules, more risk, more things to get wrong

Because it’s mains voltage, 240V equipment typically demands:

·       heavier duty wiring and insulation

·       strict compliance with electrical safety standards (e.g., AS/NZS requirements)

·       reliance on safety switches/RCDs and appropriate outdoor-rated power sources

·       greater care in setup, operation, and storage

·       higher consequences if anything is damaged or improperly used

It may also increase the likelihood that you’ll need qualified support for certain electrical considerations depending on how and where it’s being used.

30V: simpler, safer, more event-friendly

Low-voltage systems:

·       typically use simpler connectors and safer power delivery

·       lower the severity of faults

·       are easier to manage for schools and community event teams

·       reduce your “single point of failure” risk

In other words: 30V doesn’t just work. It works with less stress.

5) Maintenance and faults

The risk isn’t only during the event

Every foam cannon gets:

·       moved in and out of storage

·       transported

·       packed, unpacked

·       bumped

·       set up in a hurry

·       handled by volunteers

Over time, cords wear. Connectors loosen. Things get knocked.

With 240V, a damaged cable or internal fault can become a serious hazard quickly, and servicing should be treated with a higher level of caution.

With 30V, faults are still important—but the chance of severe injury is greatly reduced.

Ask yourself this: If a volunteer spots a nicked cable 10 minutes before the event starts… which voltage would you rather be dealing with?

6) Human contact severity

Schools don’t get a second chance

In a school or club setting, you’re not just choosing “a machine.”

You’re choosing what you’re comfortable operating around:

·       children

·       teenagers

·       families

·       volunteers

·       wet ground

·       high excitement

·       imperfect setups

With 240V, even brief contact with a live conductor can be dangerous without protection devices functioning correctly.

With 30V, the system sits far below the same danger thresholds—making it the more responsible choice for mass-participation environments.

7) Environmental suitability

Outdoor events aren’t predictable

Outdoor foam setups introduce:

·       wind drift

·       sudden showers

·       damp grass

·       muddy patches

·       water nearby (hoses, wash-down, refill zones)

With 240V, you’re constantly managing the environment to protect the equipment.

With 30V, you’re choosing equipment that’s better suited to the environment in the first place.

That shift matters, because it reduces cognitive load on your team. And when you reduce cognitive load, you reduce mistakes.

So why do some foam cannons still run 240V?

Usually because it’s a common power standard and can simplify certain internal designs.

But “common” doesn’t mean “best” for your use case.

If you’re running foam at:

·       school fun runs

·       OSHC events

·       sporting clubs

·       community festivals

·       fundraising events

…then your use case is wet + crowded + energetic + volunteer-run.

That’s exactly where low-voltage design shines.

The Monty the Monstar Foam Cannon

Safer by design (30V) and event-ready

The Monty the Monstar Foam Cannon is built around a simple idea:

You should be able to create a huge foam moment without bringing mains-voltage risk into a wet event zone.

That’s why it runs at 30V.

And it’s why it’s built with an all-plastic, non-conductive exterior. A smarter match for splash-heavy events than metal-bodied units.

It’s a major point of difference, and it’s the kind of decision you’ll feel good about later—because it aligns with what schools and community organisers value most:

·       safer operation

·       reduced risk in wet conditions

·       easier event management

·       confidence when volunteers are running the show

If you’re weighing up options, don’t just compare foam output. Compare what you’re comfortable standing behind.

A quick decision filter

Use this before you buy

If you answer “yes” to any of these, you should strongly prefer a 30V foam cannon:

·       Will this be used around kids?

·       Will the ground likely get wet?

·       Will volunteers be doing setup/pack-down?

·       Will it be used outdoors?

·       Will there be splashes/spray nearby (because… foam)?

·       Do I want to reduce the chance of a high-consequence failure?

If you’re nodding, you already know what the safer choice is.

Choose the option that lets you relax

A foam cannon should create excitement, not anxiety. When you choose 30V, you’re choosing:

·       a safer electrical profile in wet environments

·       a better fit for schools and community events

·       a smarter risk decision

·       a stronger story when parents, staff, and organisers ask, “Is it safe?”

And if you’re buying equipment for a school or club, that story matters.

If you’re ready to add foam to your next fun run or event, the Monty the Monstar 30V Foam Cannon is the safer, more sensible option, without sacrificing the impact.

Comparison Table

Foam + water + crowds = choose low voltage. Monty’s 30V design dramatically reduces the risk profile compared to 240V mains-powered foam machines.

Feature	30V Foam Cannon (Monty the Monstar)	240V Foam Machines (Typical Competitors)
Housing / build material	All-plastic body (PVC/PVC non-conductive exterior with all components having a maximum 30VDC) — better suited to wet, splash-heavy event zones	Metal body (common) — conductive material that increases risk if a fault occurs and the casing becomes energised
Water + electricity risk (real-world events)	Foam is wet — and Monty’s low voltage + non-conductive plastic casing is a smarter combo for schools, crowds, and outdoor use	Foam is wet — and mains voltage + metal casing can be a higher-risk combination in splash zones, relying heavily on perfect setup, RCDs, and fault-free equipment
Power type	Extra-low voltage output (30V)	Mains voltage (240V)
Electrical shock risk	Very low risk of harmful shock (better suited to people-heavy environments)	Higher risk of severe shock if faults occur—especially in wet areas
Best for wet / splash zones	Yes — inherently safer around moisture and foam spray	Risk increases significantly when water/splash is present
Handling around kids & crowds	Safer by design for schools, clubs, and community events	Requires stricter controls and higher vigilance
If water gets where it shouldn’t	Lower likelihood of serious harm	Potentially dangerous depending on fault/path to ground
Safety device reliance	Still recommended, but safety doesn’t depend on perfect conditions	Often relies heavily on RCDs/safety switches + correct grounding + dry handling
Outdoor setup complexity	Generally simpler, lower risk profile	More precautions required (weatherproofing, cable management, separation from spray)
Cables, plugs & connectors	Typically lower-risk connections	Mains plugs/cables increase consequence of wear, damage, or misuse
Maintenance / faults	Faults are less likely to cause serious injury	Faults (cord damage, water ingress) can create severe hazards; servicing should be cautious
Compliance & oversight	Generally less severe due to inherent low-voltage safety	Stricter compliance expectations and safety practices needed
Volunteer-friendly operation	High — designed for practical event teams	Lower — demands more training/controls to manage risk
Peace of mind	High — safer choice for wet, energetic events	Depends on strict setup discipline and protective measures