Source: Aktuell Sikkerhet no. 3 -2008. 

Tests performed by SINTEF NBL show that water mist may ensure the safety for people in case of fire in smaller residential units at least as good as traditional sprinkler systems. A lot of todays care residences are detached houses, in which it may be expensive to install traditional sprinkler systems.
The likelihood that elderly and disabled people will die in a fire are higher than for young and healthy people. The challenge is that these are not able to get out by themselves in time and that flash-over often is a fact when help arrive. An easily installed automatic water mist system in the room that is most exposed to fire may be the solution.

The largest advantage using an easily installed water mist system, is the response time. The smoke detection releases the extinguishing system. This results is a much quicker release than if a traditional sprinkler was used. At the same time as the alarm is set off in the flat, the neighbour will be warned, usually also the fire brigade, a security centre or someone with similar responsibility.

Response times and other recommendations are written in the guidance for Easily installed automatical extinguishing systems, published by DSB (Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency Planning) during the summer of 2007. The last part of the guidance is prepared by SINTEF NBL, and specifies how to test the equipment.

Extinguishing systems described in this guidance do not need acceptance from the authorities. The manufacturer will through his documentation guarantee for the operation. A standard is not yet prepared for this type of automatic extinguishing system. May be this sweedish-norwegian guide can be the base in the development of national standards.

The guidance was recently translated to english and is now read by the European technical committees which deals with fire safety. Chief Scientist Ragnar Wighus at SINTEF NBL participates in the water mist work group (CEN Technical committee 191, Sprinkler and water spray systems, Task Group 3 - Water mist systems). The guidance has attracted a great deal of attention and  many are curious of this new technology. Still it will probably take some time before a standard is developed.

In larger buildings, like retirement homes, dormitories and hotels, traditional sprinkler or permanent water mist systems are required. But for private, detached homes without large rooms, an easily installed automatic water mist system will be suitable. The advantage is that the installation will be less expensive compared to a permanent system, the water pipes are thinner and they use a minimum of water.
Five manufacturers makes such easy-to-install water mist systems in Scandinavia today (2008). The operation differ a little bit from system to system, but  that is of no consequence as long as they solve the challenge as specified. Just now one examine if the principle of these systems can be extended so that they can be equivalent to todays permanent sprinkler system and meet the demand in larger buildings.