Skip to main content

Fire suppression

Water mist fire protection

Effective protection that spares the property it protects.
Water mist fire protection sprays very fine droplets that absorb the heat energy of the fire and limit the spread of smoke. 
This technology, an alternative to sprinklers or gas-based fire suppression systems, combines effectiveness, water efficiency, and protection of sensitive equipment.
Three objectives can be achieved depending on the risk, the environment, and the test protocols used:

  • Fire control;
  • Putting out the fire;
  • Putting out the fire.

Developed and integrated by Réseau DEF, it adapts to all environments, from industrial sites to historic buildings.

Brouillard eau extinction solution
  • Low-water protection
  • High-efficiency mist
  • Controlled fire suppression
Extinction brouillard eau

How does water mist work?

Water mist is created by spraying water at low, medium, or high pressure (between 3 and 140 bars), which is transformed into microdroplets ranging from 50 to 1,000 microns in size, depending on the water mist class.  
Their heat transfer surface area, which is much larger than that of traditional systems, allows for simultaneous action on three physical factors:

  1. Refroidissement Cooling: the microdroplets absorb heat from the fire and lower the room temperature very quickly. They also partially block the transfer of radiant heat to adjacent combustible materials. Inerting: the steam generated locally reduces the oxygen concentration, halting combustion. Smoke suppression: water particles trap soot and hot gases, improving visibility and reducing toxicity.
  2. Inertage 

Activation can be automatic (linked to fire detection) or manual, depending on the site’s security needs.

Assess the risks
Brouillard

A flexible architecture

A network of stainless steel pipes supplies the sprinklers installed as close as possible to the hazard, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions or fire test protocols. The system is sized in accordance with the NF EN 14972-1 standard, based on the type of fire, the volume to be protected, and the risk category. Each project undergoes a hydraulic study and coverage tests before being put into service.

Talk to an expert
solution brouillard eau

A rapid and controlled release

The system can be triggered automatically without needing to be controlled by the fire alarm system. This is the case when automatic sprinklers with heat-sensitive bulbs are installed.

The water mist system can also be integrated into the fire alarm system; in this case, the Electrical Control and Timing Device (DECT) activates the system as soon as the fire detection system confirms an alarm.

The pressurised spray unfolds in a matter of seconds, limiting the spread of the fire while protecting adjacent areas.

Need help?

Why choose water mist fire suppression?

This process is particularly well-suited for sensitive environments where traditional systems would be destructive or unsuitable.

Risk covered Operational benefit
Reduce water consumption
Water damage and secondary damage
Up to 90% less water than a conventional sprinkler
Minimise the impact on equipment
Property damage (IT, archives, production)
Less residual moisture and a faster return to normal operations
Cover various types of fires
Class A, B, C, and F fires and electrical hazards
A versatile solution suited for complex environments
Improve occupant safety
Toxic fumes, reduced visibility
Reduced smoke and improved visibility for evacuation
Addressing environmental challenges
Use of chemical agents or pollutants
Additive-free solution that is gentle on equipment and sensitive environments
:

Technology governed by recognised standards

Objectif : guarantee the performance of the systems while keeping them compliant with insurer and regulatory requirements.
Water mist systems are based on international standards and recognised technical guidelines that govern their design, installation, and maintenance.

  • TEST12

    European standard for water mist

    NF EN 14972
    This standard provides guidelines for the design, installation, fire testing, and maintenance of fixed water mist systems, ensuring their effectiveness and reliability.

    NF EN 14972
  • TEST12

    International reference framework

    NFPA 750
    A recognised international standard, it defines the design, testing, and maintenance requirements for water mist systems, using an approach based on actual performance during a fire.

  • TEST12

    Test protocols and insurance certifications

    CEA 4001 & FM Global 5560
    These standards define full-scale tests used to validate the effectiveness of systems based on specific risks and the environments being protected.

    CEA 4001 & FM Global 5560
  • TEST12

    French insurance industry standards

    APSAD R2 – Water mist
    The APSAD R2 standard sets out the rules for the installation, maintenance, and reliability of systems and is widely recognised by insurers and certification bodies.

    APSAD R2

key figures

Measurable performance that makes a difference in the field.

Water mist has established itself as an effective fire suppression solution, capable of quickly bringing a fire under control while minimising the impact on facilities and operations.

  • 90 %
  • less water
  • 95 %
  • fires brought under control
  • < 2 min
  • to significantly lower the temperature
  • 60 %
  • less property damage

Your sectors

Technology tailored to each of your constraints

Every sector has its own constraints, risk levels and regulatory requirements. DEF designs fire safety solutions that adapt to any environment, ensuring performance, compliance and business continuity.

Profog

Discover our solution

As a water mist specialist within Réseau DEF, Profog designs and deploys fire suppression solutions tailored to the most demanding environments: data centres, parking garages, industrial facilities, and critical infrastructure.

News

See all news
See all news

Request customised support

DEF offers personalised support at every stage of your fire safety project.
Talk to an expert

DEF Assistant

DEF Assistant

Let’s talk about your project

The assistant is typing…

Answers generated by artificial intelligence from the DEF website’s content: please check important information with our teams. Do not share personal information.