Automatic fire suppression systems in the home are becoming more and more common place and given their universal support from both the Chief Fire Officers Association and Fire Authorities alike, a considerable number of new build and major refurbishment housing projects throughout the U.K. are now installing domestic sprinkler systems as a standard design specification. Note (Domestic sprinkler systems are now mandatory across Wales in new build homes).
One area which is receiving considerable interest from architects and designers is that of retrofit systems and in particular, the low cost, low volume water mist suppression systems that can be simply connected to a properties existing domestic cold water supply.
One such system, whilst not being specifically recommended, endorsed or promoted by the Fire and Rescue Service is the ‘Automist’ fire suppression unit.
Discussion around some of the myths and lack of knowledge and understanding of such systems led to an agreement to fit the James Dyson Award winning system in the kitchen area at Douglas Fire Station.
The under tap model, which fits neatly between the existing tap unit and the sink was selected and was installed by a local contractor with very minimal disruption in under two hours. A domestic heat detector which acts as the system initiator was also installed together with the pump unit which was fitted in the cupboard beneath sink.
The system only operates if the temperature in the kitchen reaches 57 degrees Centigrade (normal ambient temperature being approximately 21 degrees) whereupon the heat detector will send a signal to the pump which will in turn operate the system. The system then discharges a high pressure water mist which is capable of covering an open space of up to 32m2. The system only discharges at a rate of 5 to 6 litres of water per minute for up to 30 minutes continuously or until it’s manually stopped at the pump.
The Automist, along with other active fire suppression systems such as domestic sprinklers are the ideal choice in case of fire in the home as they actually fight and control a fire in its early incipient stages.
As with fire sprinklers the system will not be accidentally operated by smoking, burnt toast, or steam for example. The temperature has to reach at least 57 degrees Centigrade before it operates.
There are three versions of the system; under tap, worktop, or wall mounted (pictures attached). All three versions use an electrical pump which is in turn connected to the domestic cold water supply using a standard washing machine connection.
Once completed, the system is so unobtrusive that most people who have seen the device were unaware that it had been installed until it was pointed out to them.
If you would like further information, the fire suppression system can be viewed in action by typing Automist on YouTube or if you would like to see the system as installed, please contact John Murtagh on 647309.
