iCO Water Mist Fire Suppression Systems
NPHS supplies, designs, installs, commissions and maintains iCO water mist systems for suitable domestic and residential projects across the UK. The iCO range combines compact equipment, discreet ceiling nozzles and controlled water demand with system options for both high-pressure and low-pressure residential water mist.
From individual houses and flats to loft conversions, open-plan layouts, HMOs, apartments and supported living schemes, NPHS can review the project and advise which fire suppression route should be taken forward.
Why NPHS chose iCO for domestic water mist
NPHS is an appointed distributor and installer of iCO fire suppression technology, a system developed specifically around the practical requirements of domestic and residential buildings.
The original NPHS Water Mist – Homes pages focused heavily on what made the iCO system different from traditional domestic sprinkler arrangements: compact equipment, discreet nozzles, flexible installation routes, localised activation and reduced water requirements. Those remain important project considerations today. For homeowners, architects and developers, the visible impact of a suppression system can matter almost as much as the space required for pumps, tanks and pipe routes. iCO has developed its residential water mist range around these constraints, while NPHS provides the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance expertise required to turn the equipment into a complete fire suppression system. Explore our domestic water mist service →
Fire suppression systems for domestic use
The original NPHS domestic water mist range was developed around properties where conventional sprinkler equipment, large water storage or visually intrusive components can be difficult to accommodate.Domestic properties
iCO systems can be considered for suitable:- Single-family dwellings
- Individual houses
- Individual flats
- Maisonettes
- Transportable homes
Discreet installation
The ceiling nozzle is the main system component visible after installation. The iCO high-pressure nozzle is designed to sit approximately 3 mm below the finished ceiling, helping the suppression system integrate into domestic interiors without large exposed sprinkler heads.Compact equipment
The high-pressure iCO pump has been designed for compact residential installation and can be accommodated in suitable cupboards or plant spaces where project conditions permit. That can be particularly useful in homes where floor area and storage space are valuable.The iCO water mist pump
The compact iCO pump was one of the central reasons NPHS adopted the system for domestic and residential projects.
The existing NPHS product page describes a unit designed to connect to the building water supply, with integrated controls and system monitoring within a compact steel enclosure. The high-pressure pump incorporates a number of practical features developed for installation and long-term servicing:- Steel enclosure for improved fire and mechanical resistance.
- Removable cover allowing internal components to be serviced in position.
- Integrated inlet and outlet manifolds to keep valves and controls contained within the enclosure.
- Wall or floor mounting options for different plant-space arrangements.
- Automatic self-test functionality.
- Fire and fault relay outputs for suitable third-party interfaces.
The discreet iCO water mist nozzle
The original NPHS nozzle page makes an important point: after installation, the nozzle is usually the only part of the fire suppression system that remains permanently visible within the room.
That makes nozzle design especially important in homes, apartments, high-end interiors and architect-led projects.
Low-profile residential design
The current iCO high-pressure MK1 nozzle data sheet confirms that the nozzle sits only approximately 3 mm below the ceiling. Its published high-pressure specification includes:- 57°C temperature rating
- Fast residential response
- Domestic occupancy classification
- Minimum spacing of 2 m
- Maximum spacing of 4 m × 4 m
- White finish as standard
- Alternative colours available
Water mist hose and fittings
Flexible distribution components can make water mist particularly useful where installers have to work around existing walls, ceilings, joists and finished interiors.
This was a major theme of the original NPHS Water Mist – Homes pages. Compared with larger rigid pipe arrangements, proprietary flexible hose can make it easier to navigate difficult areas and reduce disruption during suitable retrofit and domestic installations. The fittings, hose, connections and supports remain part of the complete engineered system. They must be suitable for the operating pressure and installed in accordance with the relevant iCO design and installation requirements. This adaptability is especially useful where suppression is being incorporated into an existing property rather than designed into the building from the outset. Explore retrofit water mist systems →
Benefits of an iCO water mist fire suppression system
The previous NPHS website separated these benefits across several pages. Bringing them together gives a clearer picture of why water mist can suit homes and residential developments. Water usage, space, appearance, installation routes and post-fire damage are all legitimate project considerations alongside demonstrated fire performance.| Benefit | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Reduced water demand | iCO states that its water mist technology can use substantially less water than traditional sprinkler arrangements. Actual demand depends on the selected system and design. |
| Potentially less water damage | Lower discharge volumes can help limit excess water release during system operation. |
| Compact plant | Some iCO configurations can avoid the large storage arrangements associated with higher-flow sprinkler systems. |
| Discreet appearance | Low-profile nozzles are intended to minimise the visual impact of the completed installation. |
| Flexible routing | Suitable proprietary flexible hose can help installers work through complex or existing construction. |
| Localised operation | Automatic nozzles respond to fire conditions locally rather than every nozzle in the property operating simultaneously. |
| Automated system checking | The iCO high-pressure pump incorporates automatic self-test functionality to support ongoing system readiness. |
These advantages vary by system and project. They should be assessed alongside fire-test evidence, water supply, building layout, installation constraints and long-term maintenance requirements.
Why does water usage matter in a home?
The old NPHS benefits pages placed strong emphasis on controlling both fire damage and unnecessary water damage. That remains a practical reason for considering water mist. Water mist systems create fine droplets with a high surface area relative to the volume of water discharged. In a correctly tested system, that allows water to absorb heat efficiently while controlling overall water demand. iCO currently states that its water mist systems can use up to 80% less water than traditional sprinkler systems, although actual consumption depends on the product, hydraulic design and number of operating nozzles. Lower demand can also reduce the size of the associated water supply equipment required on suitable projects. Compare water mist with traditional sprinklers →High-pressure and low-pressure iCO water mist
The original NPHS Water Mist – Homes pages focused primarily on the established high-pressure iCO system. The manufacturer now offers both high-pressure and low-pressure residential technologies.High-pressure water mist
The established iCO high-pressure system is designed for residential fire protection and operates with ultra-fine high-pressure droplets. iCO currently publishes a nominal water flow of approximately 12 litres per minute for the high-pressure range. Its compact pump and low-profile nozzles are particularly relevant where plant space and aesthetics matter.Low-pressure water mist
iCO’s newer low-pressure residential range has been developed around BS EN 14972-17 fire testing. The manufacturer publishes approximately 29 litres per minute at 6 bar for its low-pressure nozzle arrangement. The lower operating pressure may provide a different equipment and installation route for suitable projects.Which should you choose?
Pressure alone should not determine the system. NPHS considers the protected occupancy, fire-test evidence, water supply, plant space, room geometry, pipe routes, project requirements and maintenance arrangements before recommending a route. High pressure vs low pressure water mist →Water mist fire suppression myths
The original NPHS myths page was written to answer the practical concerns homeowners regularly raise. We have retained that format while updating the technical wording.“Burnt food will set the system off.”
Automatic water mist nozzles use defined thermal activation characteristics. Everyday cooking activity should not activate a correctly installed nozzle unless the required activation temperature is reached.“Water mist can use less water than traditional sprinklers.”
Suitable proprietary water mist systems can operate at substantially lower water flows than many conventional sprinkler arrangements. Actual demand depends on system design.“Every nozzle activates at the same time.”
Automatic nozzles respond locally to heat. The nozzle nearest the fire may activate first, with additional nozzles operating only if fire conditions reach them.“Water mist cannot be retrofitted.”
Water mist can be installed in many existing domestic and residential buildings where suitable pipe routes, ceiling access, water supply and equipment space are available.“Lower pressure means poorer protection.”
Fire performance comes from the tested complete system, nozzle characteristics and design parameters. System pressure on its own does not establish suitability.Where can iCO water mist be used?
The original NPHS pages covered both domestic and wider residential applications. For domestic projects, that can include houses, individual flats, maisonettes, loft conversions, open-plan homes and retrofit schemes. For wider residential projects, suitable systems may be considered for flats, apartments, HMOs, supported living, care environments and other managed residential occupancies. The system route should always follow the building type, occupancy, fire strategy, relevant standard and appropriate fire-test evidence.
“Our initial check looks at building use, fire strategy, water supply, available space and the relevant standard.”Paul McFarling Managing Director, NPHS
Testing behind iCO residential water mist systems
The original NPHS pages correctly placed strong emphasis on independent fire testing. The standards framework has changed since those pages were written, so the current system evidence needs to be read in that context.
The established iCO high-pressure system was independently fire tested against BS 8458:2015. BS 8458:2015 was withdrawn by BSI in July 2025 following publication of the new residential water mist test standard. Its withdrawal does not automatically invalidate systems, products or certification previously developed against BS 8458. iCO has since completed independent fire testing against BS EN 14972-17 for its newer residential water mist technology. The manufacturer states that its testing covers installation heights up to 3.5 metres under the defined residential fire-test conditions. Read our BS EN 14972 guidance → Read about the BS 8458 transition →
NPHS iCO design and installation
NPHS can join a project at different stages. Some clients come to us with a Building Control comment. Others already have drawings, a fire strategy or a specified suppression system.Project review
We review the building, occupancy, fire strategy, water supply, available plant space and areas requiring protection.System design
Nozzle locations, hydraulic requirements, pump arrangement and pipe routes are coordinated around the applicable proprietary system.Installation
NPHS engineers install the selected pump, controls, hose or pipework, fittings and nozzles in accordance with the agreed design.Testing & commissioning
The installed system is checked, tested and commissioned before handover.Documentation
Relevant system, commissioning and handover records are provided for the completed project.Aftercare
NPHS can remain involved through planned inspection, maintenance and future system support.Maintaining an iCO water mist system
The old NPHS pump page highlighted serviceability as an important part of the iCO product design. That remains relevant throughout the life of the installation. Pump equipment, controls, water supplies, distribution components and nozzles need to remain accessible and in suitable condition. The iCO high-pressure pump is designed with a removable cover so that internal components can be accessed by the installer rather than requiring the complete unit to be removed for routine servicing. NPHS can maintain suitable iCO and other water mist systems, including installations completed by another contractor. View fire suppression system maintenance →Pump unit+
Check pump condition, controls, self-test status, indications and applicable system functions.
Water supply+
Review the applicable supply arrangement, valves, pressure and accessible components.
Hose & fittings+
Inspect accessible distribution components for leakage, deterioration, damage or unauthorised alteration.
Nozzles+
Check visible nozzle condition and ensure room alterations or obstructions have not compromised the agreed arrangement.
Records+
Record inspection results, defects, remedial recommendations and relevant changes to the system.
Domestic and residential water mist experience
The existing NPHS Water Mist – Homes pages showcase iCO systems across supported living, sheltered housing and apartment developments as well as individual domestic installations.Supported living
NPHS has worked on multi-property supported living schemes where individual iCO systems formed part of wider refurbishment and redevelopment projects.Sheltered housing
Previous NPHS project material includes refurbishment programmes involving multiple sheltered housing apartments for local-authority-related schemes.Apartment developments
The existing site also records iCO installations within new and refurbished apartment developments, demonstrating experience beyond individual one-off homes.Why choose NPHS for iCO water mist?
NPHS combines the iCO product range with fire suppression design, installation, commissioning and maintenance capability. Our role is to make sure the proposed technology works for the actual building. That includes reviewing the water supply, building layout, fire strategy, available plant space, ceiling conditions, pipe routes, relevant standards and long-term servicing requirements. We can assist homeowners directly, or work with architects, fire consultants, developers, main contractors, housing providers and Building Control teams as part of a wider project. NPHS can also compare iCO water mist against conventional sprinklers or other suppression approaches where the technology has not yet been decided. About NPHS water mist installation →
Planning a domestic or residential water mist project?
Send NPHS your drawings, fire strategy, Building Control comments or project specification. We can review the property, protected areas, water supply, available space, installation requirements and relevant system evidence before advising on the most suitable next step.iCO water mist system FAQs
What is an iCO water mist system?
An iCO water mist system is a proprietary fire suppression system developed for domestic and residential applications. Depending on the selected technology, it combines water mist nozzles, pumps or water supply equipment, controls and distribution components within a tested system arrangement.
Can iCO water mist be installed in an existing home?
Yes. Water mist can be suitable for retrofit installations because compact equipment and flexible distribution routes can help where access is restricted. Suitability still depends on ceiling construction, water supply, pipe routes, pump location and the fire-safety requirements of the property.
Will burnt food activate a water mist nozzle?
A correctly installed automatic water mist nozzle responds to defined heat conditions rather than smoke or cooking odours alone. The applicable activation temperature depends on the nozzle used within the selected proprietary system.
Do all the water mist nozzles activate together?
Normally no. Automatic nozzles respond locally to heat from the developing fire. Additional nozzles may operate if fire conditions spread far enough to reach their activation temperature.
How visible are iCO water mist nozzles?
The current iCO high-pressure MK1 nozzle is designed to sit approximately 3 mm below the ceiling. White is the standard finish, with other colours available for projects where the nozzle needs to coordinate with the interior design.
Does iCO offer both high-pressure and low-pressure water mist?
Yes. iCO currently manufactures both high-pressure and low-pressure residential water mist systems. The appropriate system depends on the protected application, fire-test evidence, building layout, water supply, plant space and project requirements.
Does an iCO water mist system need a large water tank?
Not necessarily. One of the advantages of lower-flow water mist technology is that suitable projects may avoid the large storage arrangements associated with higher-flow sprinkler systems. The required water supply should always be established from the selected system design.
What standards apply to iCO residential water mist?
BS EN 14972-1:2020+A1:2025 provides the current general framework for fixed water mist systems. BS EN 14972-17:2025 provides the residential occupancy fire-test protocol. Existing high-pressure iCO systems may also rely on testing and certification originally developed against BS 8458:2015, which was withdrawn in July 2025.
Can NPHS design, install and maintain the complete system?
Yes. NPHS can support suitable projects from initial review and system selection through design, installation, commissioning, documentation and planned maintenance. We can also review existing water mist systems where another contractor completed the original installation.