The representative body for the European electronic fire and security industry, has released a new white paper looking at the increase in digital connectivity
Published in early June, the latest white paper from Euralarm examines the transformation of fire safety systems in an era defined by digital connectivity, remote services, and growing cybersecurity demands. The paper highlights how technological change is reshaping fire detection and alarm systems (FDAS), while also introducing new risks and responsibilities for those managing them.
According to Euralarm, “the European fire safety industry is at a turning point,” driven by the convergence of “digitalisation, remote connectivity, and cybersecurity” that is redefining how buildings are protected and maintained. The association’s latest publication, Fire safety in a connected world, explores how these factors are combining to create more intelligent and responsive fire protection infrastructures.
A key issue identified in the white paper is the ongoing challenge of false alarms across Europe, with the publication noting that “in some countries the false fire alarm ratio of FDAS is over 85%.” It explains that these unnecessary activations can have significant consequences, as “unnecessary activations disrupt business continuity, erode confidence in fire protection systems and potentially waste emergency resources.”
Alongside this, Euralarm highlights that “climate change, energy efficiency targets, and a shrinking pool of skilled labour are reshaping building operations and maintenance practices,” underscoring the need for smarter, more efficient approaches to fire safety.
The paper sets out how digital transformation is offering a response to these challenges. It explains that “through smart connectivity, cloud-based monitoring, and data analytics, fire detection systems can now provide real-time insights,” supporting more proactive management. These capabilities, it argues, allow for “remote diagnosis, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision-making,” which in turn can “reduce downtime, improve safety, and support sustainability goals by cutting travel and optimizing resource use.”
However, the paper also highlights the new risks introduced by the increased connectivity of fire systems, particularly in relation to cybersecurity, with the paper warning that systems connected via the internet “must be protected from digital threats that could compromise safety or availability.”
To address these concerns, the white paper points to a range of established European standards and frameworks. These include EN 50710:2021 for remote services, CLC/TS 50136-10 for remote access infrastructure, IEC 62443 for industrial operational technology cybersecurity, and ISO/IEC 27001 for information security management. Such frameworks, the paper notes, are essential for developing systems designed “to protect information, assets, and operations from unauthorized access, damage, or disruption.”
Looking ahead, the organisation believes that integrated, connected fire safety will become the norm. It concludes that “interconnected digital fire safety is already emerging as the new operating model” and is “expected to become standard practice across many new and modernised buildings during the second half of this decade.”
You can access the full white paper here.