iCO^® PROUDLY SPONSORS

The International Water Mist Conference

iCO^® was proud to sponsor the 24th International Water Mist Conference (IWMC), held in Manchester. The event brought together manufacturers, consultants, installers, regulators and fire safety professionals from across the globe to discuss the latest developments in water mist technology.

Organised by the International Water Mist Association (IWMA), the conference provided a valuable platform to connect with industry peers and to showcase the growing role of water mist in the domestic and residential sectors.

Residential Water Mist in the UK

As a UK manufacturer of high-pressure water mist systems, iCO^® is dedicated to advancing effective fire protection for homes and residential properties. Our sponsorship of IWMC 2025 reflects this commitment to international collaboration and to demonstrating how water mist sets the benchmark for safety, reliability, and environmental responsibility.

One of the highlights of the conference was a presentation by our R&D Director, Guy Briscoe, titled “Residential Water Mist in the UK.” His session covered the latest updates to standards and compliance requirements, including BS 8458 and the forthcoming EN 14972, alongside the rigorous testing behind water mist systems and the opportunities emerging as demand for residential fire suppression continues to rise.

With changes to regulations and greater recognition of fire risks in the home, more stakeholders are considering water mist as a proven alternative to traditional sprinkler systems. Guy’s presentation reinforced how residential water mist systems are uniquely positioned to meet these needs: providing fast, reliable fire suppression in line with UK and European standards, while offering practical advantages in installation and operation.

Water Mist and Sprinklers – A Proven Record of Performance

A key point of discussion at IWMC was the growing body of real-world data on automatic fire suppression. The latest fire safety statistics from the UK Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government have reinforced the effectiveness of water mist fire suppression systems in protecting homes and residential buildings. Within that data, high-pressure water mist demonstrated particularly strong outcomes:

Fires Controlled: 96.2% (mist) vs. 91.4% (sprinklers)
System Failures: 3.8% (mist) vs. 8.6% (sprinklers)
Fires Fully Extinguished: 61% (mist) vs. 29% (sprinklers)

These figures act as further proof that water mist is not just an emerging technology but a proven and reliable solution for domestic and residential applications. Both technologies save lives, but water mist offers a modern approach that combines high reliability with discreet design and efficient water use.

For a deeper look at the latest UK fire safety statistics and what they reveal about water mist performance, read our full article: New Fire Safety Statistics Highlight the Effectiveness of Water Mist Technology.

The Future Growth of Residential Water Mist Systems

Throughout the two-day event, our team spoke with fire engineers, consultants, building control officers, and fellow manufacturers. A recurring theme was the future growth of water mist in domestic and residential buildings. As housing regulations evolve and awareness spreads among developers, architects, and insurers, it’s clear that water mist will play an increasingly important role in shaping safer living environments.

The drivers for growth are clear:

Compliance and Standards – tested and certified to BS 8458 and the forthcoming EN 14972 standards.
Fire Safety – proven to save lives by extinguishing or controlling fires before they spread.
Practicality – discreet nozzles and compact pumps integrate seamlessly into modern building designs.
Reduced Damage – controlling heat and smoke while limiting water exposure.

Domestic and Residential Fire Suppression

While water mist has long been established in commercial and industrial applications in the UK, its adoption in the domestic and residential sector is accelerating. With most fire-related deaths occurring in the home, effective fire suppression systems provide critical protection for occupants, giving them more time to escape or be rescued.

For developers, housing associations, and homeowners, water mist offers a modern solution that balances performance with practicality. For insurers and regulators, it represents a system that can meet compliance requirements while significantly reducing fire risk and associated losses.

At iCO^®, our mission has always been clear: to protect lives by pioneering the next generation of fire suppression systems designed specifically for homes and residential properties. Sponsoring and participating in IWMC reinforces our role in advancing that mission and ensures that we remain at the forefront of industry developments.

The Growing Role of Residential Water Mist in Fire Protection

The conversations we had in Manchester reflected a clear consensus: water mist is set to gain rapid momentum as the preferred fire suppression solution in the residential market. Backed by evolving standards, growing awareness among developers and regulators, and a proven record of performance, residential water mist systems are positioned to become a cornerstone of safer, more resilient homes across the UK.

We’d like to thank everyone who visited our stand, attended Guy’s presentation, and joined us in shaping the next chapter of water mist fire suppression. iCO^® will continue to collaborate with industry partners, invest in innovation, and support the safe growth of this vital sector.