Comparing Mist Systems & Sprinklers
Domestic & Residential Mist Systems
What is the difference between a Water Mist and Sprinkler System?
Fig A typical combined domestic and sprinkler system
RAD Firesprinklers have been installing sprinkler systems for many years in residential and domestic premises. These systems help to mitigate problems with Building Regulations AD part B compliance in various situations. Conventional sprinkler systems require a large volume of water in order to extinguish a fire and within the Thames Water area, this has to be a 50mm combined supply (refer to Fig A) This size of feed is required in order to deliver around 100 – 120 litres of water at around 2.5 bar for a typical 3-4 bedroom house. This type of supply is expensive to install and the only alternative to this would be to accommodate a large volume of stored water somewhere.
The introduction of high-pressure mist systems has alleviated the problem by utilizing far less water to tackle a fire.
High-pressure Mist System Installation
Fig B. typical RAD-mist installation within a small dwelling
This fundamental difference has proved to be very useful in some situations where it hasn’t been possible to replace the existing mains water supply (for a retro-fit project) or where it would prove too expensive to provide an up-graded water supply for a small new build project and there hasn’t been sufficient space to accommodate a large quantity of stored water.
The RAD-mist system illustrated in fig B is connected directly to the incoming mains water supply which for small properties can be 25 mm. The unit requires its own dedicated electrical supply and there is a flow switch within the unit to trigger the smoke alarm in the case of an activation.
Our team of engineers at RAD Fire Sprinklers has been designing and installing sprinkler systems for customers within London and the South East for many years and we are very pleased to have added high-pressure mist to our range of products. We have worked on many different types of properties over the years, from high-rise blocks of apartments to individual houses. With a mist fire sprinkler system, you can extinguish a fire with a minimum quantity of water, helping to keep both the property and the people within it safe.
When it comes to a mist sprinkler system installation, we ensure a professional and efficient service is provided. We work closely with our customers to ensure their needs and expectations are met. All installation work is carried out by fully trained and experienced engineers to ensure a professional service is provided. If you’re interested in a high pressure mist fire suppression system or you’d like to arrange an installation, then don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Why Choose Us For Mist Sprinkler Systems?
We install both conventional and mist sprinkler systems for clients throughout London and the South East of England and this has provided us with the experience to advise our customers regarding the best system for their individual project Having installed mist system for may years, we have become well-known for the service we provide. Some of the reasons we think you should choose us for mist systems are:
- Years of industry experience
- Well-known for the service we provide
- Number sprinkler system types to choose from
- Impartial advise because we install all types of system
- On hand to provide expert advice and guidance
Contact RAD Fire Sprinklers For Mist Systems
When it comes to mist sprinkler systems be sure to get in touch with RAD Fire Sprinklers. We have years of experience installing fire suppression systems in London and the Southeast of England. A water mist sprinkler system will help to protect your property and both the people in it. Our expert team of engineers can provide advice and guidance to ensure the best type of system is fitted in your property. If you’re thinking about having a mist fire sprinkler system installed within your property in London, then be sure to get in touch with RAD Fire Sprinklers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Mist Systems
Although low-pressure mist systems have been utilized for some time in residential applications, a more recent development in the industry has been high-pressure water mist systems connected directly to a standard mains water supply. These innovative systems operate at around 8-12 times the pressure of a low-pressure mist system and they use less water. Although a low-pressure mist system could never be connected to a town main due to the pressure requirement, a high-pressure RAD-mist system is designed to directly pump water from a standard domestic water connection without exceeding the maximum quantity of water permitted by Water Regulations.
It has been known for a long time that water droplets evaporate when applied to a fire and the resulting steam reduces the concentration of oxygen close to the fire which in turn interrupts the chain reaction necessary for a fire to establish itself. This is the process for any sprinkler system.
However, a mist sprinkler system will improve on this basic process by producing a finer spray (or mist) than a standard fire sprinkler nozzle. A fine mist is a very effective way of ensuring that water evaporates quicker thus slowing down the combustion process even more effectively than a conventional fire sprinkler system. In order to achieve a finer spray, mist systems operate at a higher pressure than standard conventional sprinkler systems and in most situations can be as effective if not more effective than a conventional residential fire sprinkler system despite the reduced quantity of water used.
The publication of BS8458 in 2015 which is the residential British Standard for a mist fire sprinkler system produced by the British Research Establishment (BRE) was welcomed by the residential fire sprinkler industry because it produced specific test criteria against which water mist suppression systems and components can be measured. The reason for this delay is partly due to the fact that a fire sprinkler mist system has traditionally been very ‘project specific’ which has made it difficult to produce a broad set of guidelines for their use.
Conventional fire sprinkler systems have been in use for over 100 years whereas high-pressure water mist sprinkler system for residential use was only developed within the last decade. Unlike conventional fire sprinkler systems, they do not have the same proof of performance or legacy of 100 years of test data in an extensive range of fire hazards to refer to.
A number of residential water mist sprinkler systems have been installed throughout the UK however, it is fair to say that far more conventional fire sprinkler systems have been installed in the same period using components that have been subjected to extremely rigorous testing procedures over many years in a multitude of different design scenarios.
Water mist fire suppression systems were originally developed as an alternative to Halon based fire suppression systems for storage areas and machinery enclosures in ships and various commercial applications.
Such systems performed very well in specific situations where there were no design variables like opening windows or varying fire loadings and where doors would generally be kept closed etc. These systems have subsequently been utilized in land-based commercial situations like engine rooms, local asset management of electronic equipment, commercial kitchens, turbine systems, etc.
Fire mist protection systems have been around for a number of years. The system works by pressurizing water and forcing small amounts of water through a very small orifice; which is usually the size of a human hair. The smaller the water particle, the faster it vaporizes. Once sprayed the atomized water hits the hot air and the evaporation process will leave a cool mist in the air.
High pressure mist systems are easier to install because the pipework is smaller and also flexible making these systems very suitable to being installed retrospectively.
The length of time it takes to install a mist system will depend on a number of factors such as the type of building, the number of installation staff and how extensive the mist system is. When you choose RAD Fire Sprinklers, we’ll give you an estimated time for completion.
Call 01892 680090 and talk to an engineer for more information.
