Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS)

Water mist systems are designed to combat a variety of fire types, particularly effective for Class A and B fires. Class A fires involve ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and cloth, while Class B fires pertain to flammable liquids and gases.

The mechanism of water mist systems utilizes fine water droplets that absorb heat from the fire and displace oxygen when vaporization occurs, which is particularly beneficial for Class A materials due to their ability to cool the burning surfaces effectively. Additionally, the system's ability to create a cooling effect while limiting water damage makes it suitable for Class B fires, where flammable liquids can be present.

While it is true that water mist can also have effects on electrical fires (Class C) or kitchen-related grease fires (Class K), these are not the primary classifications where water mist systems are utilized. Class D fires, involving combustible metals, are also not well-suited for water mist suppression due to the unique properties of the burning metals. Therefore, the primary use of water mist systems is most closely aligned with fighting Class A and B fires.