“The installation of water mist fire protection systems is a highly specialised activity that must be undertaken by a competent and approved installation company” said Lee Haines, Sales Director at Fireworks Fire Protection Ltd., UK. He added: “It is imperative that the installer is an authorised partner or distributor of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). This approval demonstrates that the installer has direct access to the OEM’s technical support, system components, and up to date design requirements.”
Approved installers are required to have completed OEM led training and certification. This training ensures that engineers fully understand system design principles, hydraulic calculations, component selection, commissioning requirements and ongoing maintenance obligations. Certification provides assurance that the system will be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s tested and approved methodology.
Prior to any system being offered for installation, the OEM must have undertaken comprehensive fire testing at an ISO accredited fire test laboratory. These full-scale fire tests form the basis of the system’s performance claims and are essential in demonstrating compliance with recognised standards. The test programme results are captured within a Design, Installation, Operation and Maintenance (DIOM) manual.
The DIOM defines the exact conditions under which the system has been proven to perform, including nozzle spacing, discharge characteristics, ceiling heights and the presence of obstructions such as beams, ductwork or services. Installers must strictly follow the DIOM to ensure that real‑world installations replicate the tested configuration.
Correct installation by an approved and trained contractor is therefore critical to system effectiveness, regulatory compliance and life safety.
More on water mist applications, standards, training and research on 7th and 8th October in Prague at the 25th International Water Mist Conference which is organised by the International Water Mist Association (IWMA). For more details visit: www.iwma.net/iwmc.
International Water Mist Association
Poststrasse 33 (HBC)
20354 Hamburg
Germany
+49 (0) 174 3013878
This feature appeared in issue 70 of Fire Middle East magazine.
