A water mist system and traditional fire sprinkler systems can work in the same way when it comes to activation when there is a fire, however the water droplets produced by a water mist system are generally smaller than for sprinklers.

A water mist system is a fixed fire protection system that uses water to suppress or extinguish a fire. The system comprises automatic nozzles attached to a piping system containing water and connected to a water supply. At operation, the water mist system discharge a spray containing small water droplets that fills the protected zone with water mist.

They are not typical within the large volumes of industrial buildings. Their use in industrial settings is more directed to specific applications for the protection of selected machines, equipment or enclosed volumes. The design of water mist systems is specific to the manufacturer of the water mist system, the manufacturers testing and tailored to the application.

Sprinkler systems are usually designed to protect an area, or compartment and can be used in larger volumes that are typical of industrial buildings. The work by delivering water only to the fire location to suppress and control the fire, pre-wetting surrounding combustibles and structure. The design of sprinkler systems is very much based on standardized components and designs that reflect the hazard that is to be protected.