Review of Domestic and Overseas Regulations and Technical Standards for Water Mist Fire Extinguishing Systems

Abstract

The water mist system is an eco-friendly fire-extinguishing technology that suppresses fires using fine droplets with diameters of several hundred micrometers. This suppression occurs through a combination of smothering and cooling effects, as well as by blocking radiant heat. Compared to traditional water-based fire-extinguishing systems, water mist systems provide similar fire suppression capabilities while using only 10% of the water. Internationally, various organizations, such as the International Maritime Organization, Underwriters Laboratories, and Factory Mutual, have established standards and technical guidelines for water mist systems, outlining fire-testing methods and certification procedures. However, domestically, although standards and technical guidelines for water mist systems exist, specific requirements and procedures for certifying the performance of different types of protected objects have not yet been established. This gap has resulted in challenges across diverse operational environments where water mist systems are implemented, primarily due to the lack of clarity in technical standards. This study aims to compare and review the current regulations and standards for the design, manufacture, installation, certification, and maintenance of water mist systems, both domestically and internationally. It proposes a reasonable operational plan to broaden the applications of water mist systems in our country and contribute to the establishment of systematic and stable regulatory frameworks for their future use.