• Free Ground Shipping on all Orders over $99
  • Welcome

Call Us 407.925.2298

How to Load and Fire an Electric Confetti Cannon

Multicolor colorbar

Step-by-Step Setup and Firing for Perfectly Timed Effects

At R&B Confetti, we believe every cue should create a moment of magic — timed, powerful, and unforgettable. Electric Confetti Cannons make that precision possible. Powered by 110V electricity and CO2 cartridges, these professional-grade launchers are built for exact timing, repeatable effects, and synchronized bursts across multiple units. Perfect for concerts, theatrical productions, and live broadcasts, electric cannons deliver consistent impact with a simple trigger or cue. This guide walks you through safe setup, connection, and firing techniques to ensure every launch lands exactly on beat.

💫 Precision Power. Flawless Timing. Instant Impact.

How does an electric confetti cannon fire?

An electric confetti cannon connects to a 110V controller or switch, which sends an electrical power to open a solenoid valve. That signal releases a burst of CO2 from the attached cartridge, propelling confetti or streamers through the barrel at high speed. Multiple cannons can be linked together and fired simultaneously or in sequence for perfectly synchronized effects. Because the firing mechanism is electric, there’s no manual trigger — just clean, consistent, on-cue launches every time.

What You'll Need

Icon Item Description
Cannon Electric Confetti Cannon (base + barrel) — Launches confetti or streamers with precise, on-cue bursts
🔌 Power 110 V power source (on/off switchable outlet) — Provides safe electrical trigger control
🧪 Cartridge Threaded CO2 cartridge (one per shot) — Propellant that fires the load; handle and store safely
🎉 Load Pre-sleeved confetti / streamers — Pre-measured for consistent, professional-grade shots
🧷 Seal Compression caps + black compression tape — Secures sleeve + CO2 chamber before firing

Blue color bar

Safety Guidelines for Electric Confetti Cannons

General Safety Precautions

Never aim directly at people or fragile objects.

Maintain safe distance from faces, lights, and overhead obstructions.

Always keep the barrel angled upward at 45° for safe and dramatic effects.

Cannon-Specific Safety

Use only grounded 110v outlets with proper control.

Keep power cords clear of foot traffic and secure on stage.

CO2 cartridges become extremely cold after firing — avoid direct skin contact.

Who Should Operate a Stage Confetti Cannon?

Should be operated by trained crew or a responsible adult.

Best results when fired from a stable surface such as a stage deck or riser.

Blue color bar

Step-by-Step: How to Load the Barrel

1️⃣ Cut the sleeve open

Cutting the sleeve open

2️⃣ Slide into barrel

Slide the open sleeve into the barrel.

3️⃣ Pull plastic sleeve out

Pull the plastic sleeve out while sliding the confetti or streamers into the barrel.

4️⃣ Place compression cap 

Place compression cap onto the barrel.

5️⃣ Tape Compression Cap

Use compression tape to secure compression cap onto barrel.

6️⃣ Rub tape to seal

Use thumb to rub compression tape to get a good seal.

Step-by-Step: Electric Confetti Cannon Setup

1️⃣ Load CO2 cartridge

Hand threading a CO₂ cartridge into the closed piercing unit of an electric confetti cannon.

Ensure the valve on the piercing unit is closed. Thread a CO₂ cartridge fully into the piercing unit until tight — it must be completely seated for the tip to pierce correctly.

2️⃣ Attach piercing unit

Piercing unit being attached to the cannon base using quick disconnect fittings.

Attach the piercing unit to the cannon base using the quick disconnect fittings. Pull and twist upward to confirm the connection is locked.

3️⃣ Open piercing unit valve

Operator slowly opening the valve on the piercing unit to charge the cannon with CO₂.

Slowly turn the valve on the piercing unit to the open position. A faint whoosh means the unit is now charged with CO₂.

4️⃣ Attach the barrel

Loaded barrel being connected to the cannon base with quick disconnect fittings.

Connect the pre-loaded barrel to the base via the quick disconnect fittings. Pull and twist upward to verify the barrel is secure.

5️⃣ Adjust the barrel

Barrel of electric confetti cannon adjusted to a 45-degree upward angle for firing.

Adjust the barrel angle to 45° upward or to the desired firing direction for the best visual effect.

6️⃣ Attach safety cable

Safety cable clipped from cannon base to barrel for safe operation.

Clip the safety cable from the base unit to the barrel to ensure stability and safe operation.

Blue color bar

Firing Electric Confetti Cannon

Positioning & Aiming

  • Hold or stabilize the cannon at a 45° upward angle.
  • For confetti: Aim 10–15 feet from audience/stage edge.
  • For streamers: Increase to 20–30 feet for full extension.

Triggering Mechanism

  • Controlled by 110v power — the cannon fires the instant it receives power.
  • Use any 110v outlet controllable with an on/off switch for synchronized bursts.

What to Expect

  • A sharp “pop” as CO2 releases.
  • Confetti bursts 35+ feet high and drifts down in a colorful snowfall.
  • Streamers soar up to 65+ feet in dramatic arcs.

⚠️ Safety Tip: Do not touch the CO2 cartridge immediately after firing — it becomes extremely cold.

Blue color bar

Pro Tips for Getting the Best Shot

Confetti Bursts: Position 10–15 feet from audience for maximum flutter indoors.

Streamer Launches: Use outdoors or in large venues — stand back 20–30 feet for dramatic reach.

Dual Cannons: Fire from opposite sides for wide coverage.

Cross Shots: Angle cannons to crisscross streamers overhead.

Timed Cues: Sync with music drops, countdowns, or reveals for maximum impact.

Blue color bar

Troubleshooting

No Fire: Check that power is on and cartridge is fully threaded.

Weak Launch: Reseal compression cap, replace cartridge.

Uneven Effect: Loosen confetti packing for smoother release.

⚠️ Fallback: If cannon won’t fire, unload safely, replace cartridge, and reload. Never attempt to double-fire a spent cartridge.

Blue color bar

Quick FAQs: Electric Confetti Cannons

Bring the Burst to Every Event

With an electric confetti cannon, your celebration is powered by precision, safety, and pure spectacle. From the instant pop to the magical fall of confetti, every launch creates an unforgettable memory.

✨ Whether you’re running a theater production, corporate launch, or concert, the right cannon turns any cue into the highlight of the night.