Plumis Automist systems

With technology getting better our ability to combat and prevent the risk of fire is only getting easier. Traditionally, fire suppression systems were big and clunky and would be impractical for domestic use. With the introduction of Plumis and their range of Smartscan & Automist systems this all changes. Plumis Automist is a domestic active fire suppression system that uses water similar to the traditional sprinkler systems. However, unlike sprinklers, Plumis Automist uses up to 90% less water making it even more environmentally friendly and cheaper to use as well as minimizing the water damage caused by activation.

Why should you consider fitting an automist system?

When it comes to changing a UK building’s layout, you’ll need approval from a Building Control provided by your Local Authority. Many open-plan layouts can be signed off as-is, but if any habitable rooms of your property are above the first floor, fire suppression systems such as Automist become a necessary part of the conversation. Some combinations of rooms don’t pose a problem under the regulations: for example, a living area can incorporate a bedroom, and kitchen-diners are perfectly permissible in themselves. Amalgamating hallways and staircases into living areas is a different matter. If any room above the first floor has its only escape route pass through a living area with a fire risk, you will likely need a fire suppression system.

 

What are the different types of Plumis automist systems

Plumis Automist can come in a variety of applications and styles to fit your desired taste;

  • Fixed wall head – The fixed wall-mounted sprinkler is the ideal solution for protecting escape routes and valuable rooms. Once activated the system blankets the entire room with a high-pressure water mist.
  • Smartscan Hydra – The sleekest out and more advanced of the three, with a minimalist design it can fit into any room without affecting aesthetics. This system is an upgraded version of the fixed wall head. Once activated from a smoke/fire alarm a scanner will pop out and scan the room using an advanced algorithm to detect the heat source, once detected a strong water mist is used to extinguish this fire.
  • Tap Mounted- A Tap mounted system is suitable for kitchen application due to its seamless integration into a water tap. This system is similar to the wall head system as it blankets an entire room with a high-pressure water mist however it lacks the targeting capabilities of the Smartscan hydra system.

Tap Mounted Plumis Automist

Wall Mounted Plumis Automist

Smartscan Hydra Plumis Automist

What are the benefits of having an automist system?

Meet Regulatory requirnments

WRAS approved and can help meet building regulations and fire safety needs when planning and designing an open plan layout.

Safety and peace of mind

Active fire protection is capable of suppressing a variety of fires.

 

Encourages better architectural design

Reduces the need for passive fire protection when designing an open plan living space, such as enclosed stairwells and fire doors as fire safety routes can be effectively covered.

Environementally friendly

Automist uses no chemical additives and uses up to 90% less water, Only 6 litres per minute, ten times less water than a traditional sprinkler system.

Faster suppressant

Once activated smart scan Automist is significantly faster at suppressing the fire compared to the traditional sprinkler system.

Quick and easy installation

Requires a small external pump, very little plumbing and electrical work is needed to install a Plumis atomist whereas traditional water sprinklers require extensive plumbing and a large water storage tank.

Cheaper running costs

10 times less water usage than the traditional water sprinkler system reduces running costs and water damage.

Address a variety of fire risks

Plumis is capable of tackling and suppressing a variety of fires from oil pan fire, electrical fires, textile & furniture based fires..

Improved, Modern and Minimalistic Design

The minimalistic design of the wall and tap mounted systems means that they can be seamlessly incorporated into a variety of rooms and scenarios. On the other hand, the Smartscan Hydra system can look very modern and act as a feature piece grabbing the attention of visitors with its unique room scanning function.

How safe and reliable are Plumis Automist systems?

Automist Smartscan® has been tested against all relevant UL 2167 (Standard for Water Mist Nozzles for Fire Protection Service). In addition, Automist Smartscan® has met the fire performance standards outlined in BS 9252:2011 (Components for residential sprinkler systems. Specification and test methods for residential sprinklers) and BS 8458:2015 (Fixed fire protection systems. Residential and domestic water mist systems. Code of practice for design and installation) and is covered by a UK LABC Registered Detail (EW534). Automist has also been tested in a range of realistic fire scenarios like oil pan fires, obstructions and shielding, to assess its fire fighting performance. Lastly, Automist has been WRAS approved under approval number 1904057.

FAQ’s

How much space do I need for an Automist system?

Plumis Automist connects directly to the water mains, this eliminates the need for a large water storage tank, unlike traditional water sprinklers systems. The only external equipment required by a Plumis Automist system is a small external pump, the nozzle itself and minimal piping. The pump measures 365 mm (height) by 240 mm (depth) by 178 mm (width) and weighs 7.0 kg. It must be installed with a 100 mm gap without obstruction at both the front and back. The unit must be housed in a volume of at least 0.124 cubic metres and must not be covered with any products or materials.

How does the Automist systems work?

Automist uses a high pressure (80 bar) water mist to suppress and extinguish fires. The system is activated by smoke and/or heat sector, once activated a small scanner extends out, rotates and scans the room for a heat source. An advanced algorithm is used to detect the fire, which helps minimise false activation. Once detected it will blast a concentrated high-pressure water mist in the direction of the fire. When tested and compared against traditional sprinklers, Automist acts up to 2 minutes faster.

What is the Installation process and maintainence?

At MCL we can install a Plumis system within a day however before we can get started with the installation a plan and layout of the room needs to be created to determine the optimum placement for the spray heads. Once a plan is created a site visit can be scheduled, during this visit the technicians will inspect the area and go through any preinstallation requirements. Once a date has been picked a technician should be able to install the system within 3-6 hours depending on the size and number of spray heads being fitted. For more information on the installation process please don’t hesitate to get in contact!  

It is recommended that servicing should be done once a year, Once a date and time have been arranged a technician will come out inspect the pump and accessories for any damage. A pressure test will also be conducted, this will consist of the system being activated for 1 minute, the technician will take precautions to ensure that the water is contained by using a water shield and bucket to catch the water. If a fault is found the engineer will try and fix the problem if possible or a replacement will be scheduled.