Water mist systems are almost identical in installation to a sprinkler system, However in operation they discharge much smaller quantities of water and the water is used much more effectively.

Misting produces micron size water droplets that are more effective in extinguishing fires than traditional sprinkler system droplets.  

Dividing water into smaller droplets increases its surface area and consequently, the rate at which it absorbs heat also increases. This causes the fire zone to become cooler sooner. 

 A second, extinguishing effect occurs when very small droplets absorb enough energy to convert to steam, expanding over 1600 times and driving air from the fire, starving the fire of its vital oxygen. Less water is needed to control a fire and as such the potential for water damage is greatly reduced.

Mist droplets expose more surface area to fire and heat than conventional sprinkler systems and thereby enable faster extinction, another reason why they are more suitable for domestic & residential properties.