Specialty Water Mist & Hybrid Suppression, Advanced Fire Control with Minimal Damage
When you need water based protection without the typical collateral damage, Water Mist and Hybrid systems deliver fast control and minimal run off. SSI designs, installs, and maintains systems for sensitive spaces, from data centers to machinery rooms, with compliance to NFPA 750 and alignment with NFPA 770.
- Uses up to 80 percent less water than traditional sprinklers
- Reduces heat, displaces oxygen locally, and limits radiant heat
- Ideal for electronics, archives, turbines, and marine engine rooms
- Listed systems with documented performance and service support
Water Mist Fire Suppression, How It Works
Water Mist uses very small droplets, typically less than 200 microns, to attack fire in three ways at once, rapid cooling as droplets flash to steam, local oxygen displacement as steam forms, and blocking of radiant heat to slow fire spread.
- Minimal water usage, lowers water damage and cleanup time
- Fine droplet distribution for efficient heat absorption
- Compatible with diesel generator rooms, engine rooms, and select critical rooms
Compare waterless options on our Clean Agents page if zero residue is the top requirement.
Hybrid Systems, Water Mist with Inert Gas
Hybrid systems combine small water droplets and an inert gas stream to enhance oxygen reduction and mixing in the hazard volume. The Victaulic Vortex system is a well known hybrid solution that pairs water and nitrogen for fast knockdown with very low water mass.
- Dual mechanism, heat removal and oxygen reduction
- Very low water volume, suitable for sensitive assets
- Applications include data halls, control rooms, and turbine enclosures
Where Specialty Water Suppression Excels
- Data centers and server rooms, pair with early detection, see Fire Alarms and Detection, and compare Clean Agent options
- Marine and engine rooms, machinery spaces with tight geometry and heat sources
- High rise and heritage sites, reduced water load and lower collateral damage
- Industrial machinery and turbines, consider Dry Chemical for flammable liquids, or CO2 for non occupied enclosures
For localized, inside the machine protection, consider Firetrace micro environment systems.
Design Factors and Integration
- Nozzle selection and spacing, match droplet size and spray pattern to the hazard volume
- Water supply and storage, evaluate pump or skid sizing, consider Fike DuraQuench for packaged solutions
- Detection and release, integrate with addressable detection and listed releasing panels, see Detection and Alarms
- Ventilation and enclosure effects, assess openings, pressure relief, and shut down interlocks
- Code alignment, NFPA 750 for water mist, NFPA 770 for hybrid
Featured Systems
SSI, Certified Specialty Water Suppression Partner Across the East Coast
SSI provides specialty water suppression system design, installation, and 24 by 7 maintenance across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. Work is delivered by NICET certified teams with four decades of special hazards experience.
Explore related solutions, Special Hazard Fire Suppression, Clean Agents, CO2 Suppression, Dry Chemical, and Detection and Alarms.
Specialty Water Suppression FAQ
How much less water do Water Mist systems use than sprinklers?
Depending on the listing and design, Water Mist systems can use up to 80 percent less water than traditional sprinklers, which significantly reduces water damage and cleanup time.
Is Water Mist safe for electronics and servers?
Yes when designed for the application and integrated with listed detection and shutdowns. The small droplet size and lower water volume limit collateral damage compared to standard sprinklers.
What is the difference between Water Mist and Hybrid systems?
Water Mist relies on fine droplets for cooling, oxygen displacement, and radiant heat blocking. Hybrid systems add an inert gas stream, typically nitrogen, to enhance oxygen reduction and mixing, which can improve performance in complex volumes.
Do Water Mist systems need to comply with NFPA 750?
Yes, Water Mist designs follow NFPA 750. Hybrid systems align with the guidance in NFPA 770.
Can Water Mist be used in occupied spaces?
Yes when the system and listing support the occupancy and the design maintains tenable conditions. SSI will help select nozzles, pressures, and shutdown interlocks that match the space and use case.
Plan Your Low Damage Protection
- Compare with Clean Agents for zero residue
- Review packaged supply options, Fike DuraQuench
- See inside the machine options, Firetrace micro environment systems