A water mist fire suppression system is a fire protection system that disperses a high pressure water mist to control, suppress or extinguish a fire. In certain applications fire mist systems are preferable to fire sprinklers as they discharge less water and therefore water damage to property is minimised.
The effectiveness of a water mist system is based on a combination of three key factors which suppress fire:
The system comprises automatic nozzles attached to a piping system containing water and connected to a water supply. When activated, the water mist system discharges a cone of spray containing small water droplets that fills the protected zone with water mist.
The water mist system can be programmed to activate the instant a fire detector is triggered and can be effective across a large or small area. Due to the reduced amount of water these systems are also more environmentally friendly and pose no toxic threat if inhaled.
Water mist fire systems can be effective across a diverse range of fire classes including class A, B and C and are often preferred for environments like hotels as the transgression of water can be limited solely to one room. This ensures the rest of the hotel is not disturbed and can continue to operate normally once the initial fire risk has been given the all clear.
Water mist systems should be part of an overall package of fire safety measures in a commercial building and should not be considered in isolation. For example, there would generally be a fire alarm system with carefully located fire detection devices installed. Other passive fire protection measures might also be installed such as manual call points, fire extinguishers, and fire blankets. The exact type of fire alarm system will be specified as part of a fire risk assessment.
This is a code of practice for fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings. The code provides recommendations for the planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in and around buildings other than dwellings. It does not recommend whether or not a fire alarm system should be installed in any given premises. To comply with this Standard and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, a fire safety risk assessment must be carried out by a competent person.
When installing water mist systems Tecserv works in close partnership with Water Mist Fire Technology Ltd to ensure you are provided with the best possible solution.
Tecserv UK Ltd act as consultants to the insurance industry and to those responsible for Britain’s heritage buildings, including English Heritage and The National Trust so your protection is in safe hands.
Please note Tecserv only operate within the United Kingdom – any work outside of this region cannot be considered.
