Loss of Pressure Confirmation
In Loss of Pressure mode, the Indicator Panel detects fire by sensing pressure loss from a ruptured sensor tube or manual activation.
Misting
Misting Fire Suppression Systems for Engine Bays
Muster System RangeProtection of mobile machinery from engine bay and fuel fires
Muster Misting Fire Suppression Systems are automatically activated when a fire is detected. The system discharges fine water-foam droplets, creating a dense mist that rapidly absorbs heat, displaces oxygen, and suppresses flames. At the same time, the fluorine-free F3 foam solution forms a vapour-sealing film over the fuel surface, providing extended cooling and significantly reducing the risk of re-ignition. Designed for confined engine compartments, misting systems deliver effective fire suppression with minimal water usage.
- Designed for small-scale mobile machinery and confined engine compartments
- Fine water-foam mist absorbs heat and suppresses flames efficiently
- Fluorine-free F3 foam solution – environmentally responsible and biodegradable
- Loss of Pressure (LOP) automatic detection with manual actuation capability
- Extended discharge time for continuous cooling and re-ignition prevention
- Pre-engineered kits with fixed nozzle counts for assured coverage
- Certified to AS5062:2022 and tested to UL1254
Ready to Get Started?
System Fire Detection Modes
The Indicator Panel monitors system status in Misting Systems and can be configured in two similar installation types depending on user preference.
Agent Discharge Confirmation
In Agent Discharge Confirmation mode, the Indicator Panel detects fire by monitoring pressure increase in the discharge line.
System Components
Cylinders & Brackets
Stainless steel cylinders with lightweight brackets, available in vertical or lay-flat configurations for flexible installation.
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Indicator Panel
The Indicator Panel monitors system integrity, detects fire activation, and provides clear audible and visual alerts.
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Remote Actuators
Remote actuators provide operators with immediate manual activation when a fire risk is identified.
LOP Valve
Single-piece billet stainless steel valves provide reliable performance with full 360 degree orientation for flexible installation and servicing.
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Diagnostics Module
Displays real time information relating to alarm panel parameters, system pressure, battery status, software updates, and other essential information.
Misting Nozzles
Muster misting nozzles produce fine water-foam droplets that rapidly absorb heat and suppress flames in confined spaces.
Fluorine Free (F3)
An environmentally responsible fire-suppressing solution that forms a vapour-sealing film to cool fuel surfaces and prevent re-ignition.
Muster 360 Cloud Based Portal
Muster 360 is a dedicated cloud-based portal for use exclusively with Muster systems. It provides a framework for conducting a fire risk assessment, specifying system requirements.
Fire Suppression for Mining Underground
Protect Your Assets
For an underground mining application with limited access and tight engine bay clearances, Muster delivered a machine-specific fire suppression solution for a Mecalac RevoTruck 6 to manage identified fire risks.
Case StudyWhy Engine Bays Carry the Highest Fire Risk on Heavy Equipment
The engine bay of any heavy mobile machine concentrates all three elements of the fire triangle in a confined space: fuel (diesel, hydraulic oil, grease), heat (exhaust manifolds, turbochargers, DEF systems), and oxygen (forced air intake and natural airflow). A small fuel leak or frayed electrical cable can escalate into a significant fire within seconds.
Engine bay fires are particularly dangerous because they are often invisible to the operator until the fire has already spread. An automatic misting system activates at the first detection signal, before the fire reaches the operator cab or spreads beyond the engine compartment.
Turbocharger Oil Seal Failure
Oil leaking onto the hot turbo housing is one of the most common engine bay ignition sources on heavy equipment.
Fuel Hose Chafing
Fuel hoses in contact with hot exhaust surfaces erode over time and can ignite instantly on failure in a confined engine bay.
Electrical Arcing
Deteriorated wiring insulation arcs in the presence of fuel vapour — a rapid ignition pathway in engine bay environments.
Misting System vs Foam System: Which One Does Your Machine Need?
Misting — Best For
Confined engine bays and enclosed compartments where space is restricted and minimal water use is required. Fine water foam droplets, creating a dense mist that absorbs heat, displaces oxygen, and suppresses flames, while foam solution forms a film on top of the fuel surface creating a vapour seal, denying oxygen to the fuel surface.
Foam — Best For
Larger risk zones where liquid hydrocarbons cover a wide area: full engine compartments, fuel tank areas, and hydraulic rooms on large mining excavators.
Shared Features
Both use F3 foam, both are certified to AS 5062:2022, both activate automatically via LHD or LOP detection, and both integrate with the Muster alarm panel.
Combined Systems
For machines with both a confined engine bay and a larger fuel/hydraulic zone, a dual-agent configuration combines a misting system for the engine bay with a foam system for the larger area.
Misting System Applications Across Machine Types
Mining Excavators
Engine bay misting systems on excavators are typically paired with a foam-based system covering the hydraulic room, providing complete dual-zone protection on a single alarm panel.
Agricultural Harvesters
Combine harvesters have confined engine compartments surrounded by dry crop material. Low water-use misting suppresses engine bay ignition without displacing burning crop debris.
Waste Compactors
Compactor engine bays operate in dusty, debris-rich conditions. The misting kit's stainless steel components and sealed format resist contamination and corrosion.
On-Road Heavy Transport
Compact engine bay configurations on trucks and buses suit the misting system's pre-engineered kit format — faster installation, certified specification, and reduced weight.
Muster Misting System: Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Nozzle Design | Fine water-foam droplets, positioned per risk assessment design table |
| Cylinder Valve | Single piece billet stainless steel, full 360° orientation |
| Suppression Agent | Fluorine free foam (F3) (PFAS-free, biodegradable) |
| Certification | AS 5062:2022 |
| Kit Format | Pre-determined kit — all components included |
| Detection | LOP automatic with manual actuation option |
Combining Misting with Foam for Full Machine Coverage
The Muster misting system is frequently specified as part of a dual-agent configuration alongside a foam-based system on the same machine. The misting system protects the confined engine bay; the foam system covers the larger engine compartment, fuel area, and hydraulic room. Both systems activate independently from a single Muster alarm panel, delivering the correct agent to each risk zone automatically.
How to Buy
MFI partners with authorised distributors to offer you localised sales, installation and service of our products. Find a local distributor, contact your local MFI sales representative or our friendly customer services team.
FAQs
What is a misting fire suppression system?
A misting fire suppression system discharges fine water-foam droplets into a confined space. The mist rapidly absorbs heat, displaces oxygen, and with fluorine-free foam (F3) creates a vapour-sealing film that prevents re-ignition.
What is the difference between a misting system and a foam system?
The misting system uses a fine droplet format suited to confined engine bays with minimal water use. The foam system discharges a higher agent volume to blanket larger risk zones. Both use F3 foam and AS 5062:2022 certification but are sized for different risk zone types.
Is the misting system certified to AS 5062:2022?
Yes. The Muster misting system is certified to AS 5062:2022, the Australian Standard for fire protection of mobile and transportable equipment.
Why are engine bays the highest fire risk zone on heavy equipment?
Engine bays concentrate all three elements of the fire triangle in a confined space. Turbocharger failures, fuel hose chafing, and electrical arcing are common ignition sources. Fires can escalate from ignition to full compartment involvement within seconds.
Can the misting system be combined with foam or SAG?
Yes. Misting systems integrate with foam-based and SAG systems in dual or triple agent configurations on a single alarm panel, protecting multiple risk zones with the correct agent for each area.
Does the misting system work on autonomous vehicles?
Yes. Muster misting systems work on both manned and autonomous vehicles. Automatic detection and discharge require no operator input, and the Remote Activation Device allows manual activation from a safe distance.
How is the misting system supplied?
In pre-determined kits based on the fire risk assessment system design table. Each kit contains all fixed components for installation, simplifying procurement and ensuring certified specification compliance.
What suppression agent does the misting system use?
Fluorine-free foam (F3) mixed with water to produce fine mist droplets. F3 foam is PFAS-free, biodegradable, and meets Australian environmental requirements while providing equivalent performance to legacy AFFF.
Is the misting system suitable for combine harvesters?
Yes. Combine harvesters have confined engine compartments surrounded by dry crop material. The low water volume of the misting system minimises secondary risk from wet crop debris.
What does the 360° cylinder valve orientation mean for installation?
The full 360° valve orientation allows the cylinder to be positioned at any angle during installation, accommodating the varying space constraints of different engine bay configurations without compromising performance or service access.
What is the Muster misting system designed for?
The Muster misting system is designed to protect confined areas within small and light industrial vehicles, such as forklifts, skid-steer loaders, compact excavators, utility vehicles and small agricultural machines. Customers can select from a range of 15-, 20- and 23-litre cylinders and different nozzle configurations to create a system suited to the vehicle and the identified fire risks.