Which layouts are suitable for Automist?

A single Automist unit was tested by BRE in an area of up to 32 square metres (2.5m ceiling height) with fire hazards up to 5m away. The spray head should be within 5m of and in the approximate line of sight of any possible fire hazard. Where several options exist, the more central location for the mist head is preferred. Performance data is also available for some variations of this rule, where automatic door closers can be provided.

Automist is LABC registered (RD171) to minimise the Building Control checking and approvals process.

Technical data is available to enable construction and fire industry professionals to assess and specify Automist for a specific risk.

Together with our partners we can help you justify the use of Automist to your Building Control Officer. Certain layouts may require a custom fire engineered justification. We can provide a "formal statement of suitability" or a "technical evaluation and fire development simulation" from a third party fire engineer.

For more details on this service, please contact the Accredited Reseller in your area.

If Automist is being used as a compensatory measure to meet building regulations or to meet fire safety law (as opposed to an elective safety add on) Automist should be specified, commissioned and signed-off by the Plumis technical team, a Fire Engineer or an Accredited Reseller. Each Reseller is fully trained to ensure that every project is installed to a high standard, receiving a Plumis Certificate of Approval on successful completion of their training.

Independently prepared Automist Fire Engineering Report Examples (2.28MB)

"Justification for the use of Automist in domestic properties prepared by qualified Fire Engineers / Consultants."

Which rooms in a property require Automist?

Property Type	Description	Required Automist coverage Must be judged on a case-by-case basis	Additional requirements Must be judged on a case-by-case basis
Open-plan 3 storey house	The ground floor area of a three-storey house has the living area open to the staircase.	Automist coverage in open plan living area	Cut-off fire door to keep first floor clear of smoke Escape windows at first floor Kitchen separated by fire resisting construction
Open-plan 3 storey house – enhanced layout	The ground floor area of a three-storey house has the kitchen/diner area open to the staircase and no fire door on the staircase.	Automist coverage in open plan living area	Enhanced detection throughout Escape windows at first floor
Open-plan flat	A flat with bedrooms off one of the living areas, where the floor is above 4.5m from the ground outside.	The open plan living area	Enhanced detection
Property without escape windows	A two storey house or bungalow where the windows are too small for escape, and the living area is open to the escape route from an inner room (for example a two-storey holiday cottage with open plan staircase).	The open plan living area	Enhanced detection
Flat with no internal protected lobby or protected hallway	A flat where the entrance door from a communal stairwell or hallway opens directly into a living area	The room that opens directly onto the communal area	A fire engineer's report is likely to be needed, which will recommend additional measures
Studio with kitchen by exit	This layout is commonly requested for student accommodation as it confers a better view to the living area of the flat	Entire studio area	n/a
Four- or more storey house	Houses with two or more floors that are more than 4.5m above ground level, where there is no alternative escape route from upper floors	Approved Document B recommends all risk areas within the property — some authorities and approved inspectors may follow a different policy	Enhanced detection
Accommodation more than 45m from the road	Where a property is built more than 45m from the road	Approved Document B recommends all risk areas within the property — some authorities and approved inspectors may follow a different policy	Enhanced detection