Quenchfire’s Halo System passes FPA’s UKAS accredited BS 8458 test including all open room testing

Watermist systems are effective fire suppression systems but must be designed with the exact environment in mind. As the design of each system is often almost entirely unique, each system should be tested prior to installation. 

The FPA offers testing on residential and domestic watermist systems to BS 8458: 2015 and is proud to be leading the way as one of the first UKAS accredited fire testing facilities in the UK to offer this British Standard test which provides designers and installers the assurance their system will perform as intended when installed under the test conditions.

Quenchfire is a family company wholly focused on fire suppression for the domestic and residential sector. In 2015, Quenchfire developed the Halo Mist Fire System: a high-pressure watermist system designed to suppress fire in any type of home in the UK, in recognition of the growing need for a fully compliant and comprehensive fire protection system in homes.

Fast forward a few years and whilst Quenchfire felt that the existing Halo system and its reputation ensured they were one of the leading installers of high-pressure watermist systems in the UK, they recognised that their clients’ expectations had changed and they were seeking a smaller, more discreet, more cost effective, and more aesthetically pleasing system that satisfied British Standard 8458, so they developed Halo2. In 2022, Halo2 became the first system to pass the FPA’s UKAS accredited BS 8458 Annex C residential and domestic watermist system test including all open room testing.

Quenchfire used their previous experience with BS 8458 testing along with hydraulic calculations to ensure the design of both the system itself and its newly developed spray head would produce optimal performance. Having been members of the FPA for several years, they decided to undertake the UKAS accredited BS 8458 watermist systems testing at the FPA’s laboratory in Blockley, Gloucestershire.

Due to the variety of tests within the standard, it was difficult to predict whether the Halo spray configuration in one test would be suitable for another. The main challenge Quenchfire faced was in the open room testing as, up until their visit, no other company has passed this part of the test at the FPA.

Ollie Moyce, Quenchfire Director commented: “The FPA made the process of completing the testing as smooth as possible. Whilst there were a few bumps along the way, there was nothing the FPA’s staff wouldn’t do to help. We were also able to watch a live stream of the testing from the adjacent building, whilst never being left too long without a tea or coffee to calm the nerves!

“Being the only company to pass all 6 tests of the FPA’s rigorous watermist system testing is a huge achievement, and really does put the Halo2 system at the forefront of our industry. It means that our clients are now not only able to experience exemplary customer service, but they can also now be safe in the knowledge that the Halo system is proven to be superior to its rivals as it has been thoroughly tested at the UK’s leading testing laboratory.”

The FPA strongly believes that UKAS accredited testing demonstrates the effectiveness of a system which in turn enables our clients to provide reassurance to their customers that their system will perform effectively when required to, having gained a UKAS accredited stamp of approval.

Jade Musto, Head of Suppression Systems at the FPA said: “We are thrilled that Quenchfire’s Halo system has passed the full suite of BS 8458 tests, including the open room tests. As well as meeting their customers’ needs by making Halo2 smaller and more cost effective, they can also now evidence that it is compliant with industry standards and best practice, having been third party tested to the highest standards.”

Find out more about our UKAS accredited BS 8458 watermist systems testing.