First US installation delivered of newly UL certified Automist

Flow Fire Protection, a family-run company in Colorado has successfully completed the first-ever US installation of the new Automist fire suppression system, recently certified by UL.

Fire Flow installed Automist in an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on a private property owned by homeowner Ian in Boulder, Colorado. Renowned for its commitment to staying at the forefront of fire safety technology, Flow Fire was the perfect partner for this project.

The challenge:

Ian sought a reliable fire protection solution for his newly built ADU, which is in the picturesque foothills of Boulder. Fire codes in the region required standalone structures such as ADUs to have fire suppression systems, but traditional sprinklers posed significant challenges.

Installing sprinklers would have required either a costly 350-gallon water tank or a connection to the city’s main water supply, incurring an additional $10,000 tap fee.

Furthermore, the ADU’s design included spray foam insulation and structural beams that would have made a sprinkler installation invasive and time-consuming. Ian also wanted a system that was compact and would preserve the modern aesthetics of his ADU, avoiding the bulky and unsightly fixtures often associated with conventional solutions.

The approach:

Flow Fire introduced Ian to Plumis’ Automist, an innovative water mist fire suppression system that offered an efficient and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional sprinklers. Automist’s ability to function without invasive ceiling penetrations and its lower water requirements made it an ideal choice for Ian’s property.

Brannan Fix, the installer for the project, highlighted the advantages of Automist, explaining, “Automist was a perfect fit for Ian’s ADU because it allowed us to avoid drilling into structural beams, which not only simplified the installation but also preserved the integrity and design of the property. It’s great to work with a system that offers such a modern and effective solution.”

Flow Fire installed six Automist spray heads throughout the ADU, strategically covering the living area, bedroom, bathroom, and laundry room. The system was installed efficiently and seamlessly integrated into the home.

Brannan noted, “Working with Automist is a game-changer. Unlike traditional sprinklers, it’s not only easier to install but also less intrusive. For Ian’s project, it delivered on every front – performance, aesthetics, and simplicity.”

Outcome:

The Automist system is now fully operational in Ian’s ADU, marking a milestone as the first installation of its kind in the United States.

Ian expressed his satisfaction with the results, commenting, “I wanted a fire protection system that didn’t compromise the look and feel of my home while ensuring the safety of my family. Automist exceeded my expectations – it’s unobtrusive, innovative, and gives me peace of mind.”

This project demonstrates how modern fire safety solutions such as Automist can overcome the limitations of traditional sprinklers, providing a smarter and more efficient alternative.

For Flow Fire, the successful completion of this installation reinforces its reputation as leaders in innovative fire protection and its ability to deliver effective solutions to clients across Colorado and beyond.