How Do Mist Fire Suppression Systems Work?

Among the range of fire suppression systems available on the market today, the technology and effectiveness of these fire protection models are becoming increasingly sought-after for businesses and homes around the world. 

One of the most popular today is the water mist fire suppression system, as it has been shown to be highly effective in extinguishing flames from creating an emergency.

However, to understand this fire suppression method in more detail, in this guide, we’re going to cover how mist fire suppression systems work and what situations they can be suitable for (if you’re looking to enhance your health and safety precautions). Carry on reading to learn more!

What Are Mist Fire Suppression Systems?

Regarding what are mist fire suppression systems, this application uses tiny water droplets (using less water) to extinguish and manage an onrush of flames. Most of these systems are atomised at high pressure - meaning that these techniques can attack both elements of the fire triangle to mitigate fires. 

Depending on what high-pressure water mist system provider you choose to go with, you will receive alternative spray and sprinkler heads to suit the requirements of your facility. To meet the conditions of becoming a ‘water mist fire suppression system’ the heads must produce droplets smaller than 1000 microns to be considered in this branch of fire protection systems. 

This fire protection method is known for having an exceptionally high heat capacity, implying that it can deal with an assortment of fire outbreaks due to its capability of being able to change the energy of the temperature. 

They are often stored within centrifugal pumps, water storage tanks or nitrogen cylinders. Depending on your specifications and measurements - your fire suppression experts will be able to guide you through the process of what you require.

How Do Mist Fire Suppression Systems Work When Extinguishing Fires?

Among the processes of extinguishing or controlling fire from spreading further, mist fire suppression systems have a particular process that they follow in order to work effectively. Let’s run through the step-by-step procedure below so you can gauge how quickly this automatic fire suppression system will work:



1. The fire is first detected through heat detection triggers in the system
2. The highly-pressurised water droplets are released into the atmosphere
3. The small droplets, this will reduce the oxygen levels of the fire
4. The droplets will also remove the heating element of the fire
5. Both heat and oxygen will be absorbed by the fire-suppressant agent and smothered
6. The fire will be then either controlled or put out completely

During this quick, step-by-step process, no human intervention will be required as the automatic triggers will force the fire-suppressing agent to do its job. Thus, everyone involved in the incident can evacuate the building in an immediate fashion.

Time and time again these systems have been proven to work in multiple scenarios without the need for fire blankets, fire extinguishers, etc. Consequently, if you’re looking for a fire suppression system that will save you from endangering your family, friends and staff - investing in an automatic water mist fire suppression system should be considered.

What Applications Do They Suit?

In relation to what applications mist systems suit, there are a specific bunch of applications that this system will thrive in. Not to say it won’t do good work in other scenarios, but the list below mentions the few applications that mist fire suppression systems specialise in:

• Power generators
• Cable tunnels
• Plant rooms
• Machinery spaces
• Food processing equipment 

Although you may be thinking that these water mist models should be a ‘no-go’ when it comes to electrical and expensive equipment - they typically do their best work within these environments. 

So, why do they suit sensitive equipment? Well, these mist systems offer smaller droplets than a traditional sprinkler system, meaning that it has no way of affecting your equipment. Whereas, a fire sprinkler system has bigger droplets, hence they can get into your sensitive equipment and potentially damage the performance.

Advantages of Using Water Mist Systems

Utilising fire suppression systems to automatically detect and extinguish fire will always be more effective than humans using fire extinguishers and other fire protection methods. However, if you’re specifically looking at investing in a water mist system, you will need to know exactly the advantages it can provide for your property in the event of a fire. 

• Automatically detects and extinguishes fire
• Uses less water during the fire extinguishing process (higher efficiency)
• Installation is typically a simple procedure due to the small pipework required
• No water damage to your property and equipment after extinguishing the fire
• The need to buy large water tanks will be less frequent due to the efficiency (cost-effective)
• Attacks both elements of the fire triangle for an effective job
• Flexible design options (customisable pipe routing and cylinder arrangements for all applications)

Health and safety are paramount within your organisation or home, regardless of the number of staff and equipment you have. Each individual should feel comfortable coming to work every day without thinking that certain safety protocols are not being followed. A quick side note is that all systems should be rigorously tested when fire safety becomes a top priority. 

Installing a water mist system in one of the specific applications above instead of using a fire blanket or fire extinguisher could potentially save lives and here at MEP Fire, we believe that domestic and residential fire suppression systems should be implemented in all properties.

Should You Choose a Water Mist Fire Suppression System?

As we mentioned above, there are clear applications that this fire suppression system suits. However, this doesn’t mean that with the right planning and installation, it can’t work in other environments. 

These water mist systems are extremely versatile and with the combination of the correct advice, installation team, servicing and maintenance, etc - this could be the optimal solution for your fire suppression needs.

Nevertheless, we would always recommend you speak to a team of professionals before you bite the bullet and get a water mist fire suppression system installed in your workplace. 

Here at MEP Fire, we have unrivalled experience in giving advice and fitting water mist systems, therefore, if you want to see if your business qualifies for this installation - speak to us today and we’ll be more than happy to help!