Fire detection
Constantly alert to the slightest change in its environment, fire detection signals the start of a fire as early as possible. It is thanks to this vigilance that the fire safety procedure can be quickly activated to save lives and property.
Fire detection, the cornerstone of safety
The fire detection system (FDS) plays a key role in a fire safety system (FSS), activating all the other protective devices at the start of the procedure.
Its role is to analyze the environment using various types of configured sensors (smoke, flame, heat, etc.).
When the automatic fire detector (AFD) detects an anomaly, it informs the control and signaling equipment (CSE). The latter is then responsible for activating the pre-established fire safety procedure (evacuation, extinguishing, smoke extraction, etc.).
Without this early and automatic detection, the fire could be dealt with too late, causing significant human and material damage.
Situational fire detection
What happens after the first smoke is detected? Take a look at how a comprehensive fire safety system works.
A detector for every problem
What are the different types
of detectors?
The detectors can be classified into 4 categories, based on the phenomenon they analyze:
- Smoke detectors
- Heat detectors
- Flame detectors
- Other detectors: multi-sensor, spark detectors, etc.
Each type of AFD (Automatic Fire Detector) is better suited for a particular situation. For example, a heat detector is more relevant than a smoke detector when protecting a smoke-filled area (such as a kitchen).
Addressable triggers
or conventional?
Depending on your needs and the characteristics of your buildings, there are two types of fire detection systems (FDS):
- A conventional system indicates the area of the building affected by the outbreak of fire;
- An addressable system indicates the equipment that sent the information, and therefore its precise location.
A simple or complex fire detection project? Discover DEF solutions
Contact usAre fire detectors mandatory?
Regulatory texts
The installation of fire detectors in professional premises is regulated at three levels according to the following texts:
- The safety regulations stemming from the Building and Housing Code require the implementation of a fire detection system (FDS).
- A sensor can only be labeled as a “fire detector” if it is NF certified. This certification ensures that the product meets manufacturing standards to withstand the environment and ensure its reliability.
- The R7 regulations written by APSAD are not mandatory but define best practices for the installation, operation, and maintenance of fire detection equipment.
Specificities according to sectors
If fire detection is mandatory in all professional establishments (ERP, high-rise buildings, tertiary sector, industry, etc.), the requirements and applicable texts are specific to each sector of activity.
- Establishments open to the public (ERP) are subject to the fire and panic risk safety regulations approved by the decree of June 25, 1980.
- Companies in the tertiary sector are governed by the Labor Code. Specifications may refer to the same standards as ERPs.
- Industries are also subject to the Labor Code as well as the APSAD R7 regulations.
- ICPE (Installations Classified for Environmental Protection) must refer to the Labor Code and the Environmental Code depending on their classification.
3 steps to installing your fire detection solution
Between the standards to be complied with depending on the sector and the specific features linked to each building and activity, the installation of a FDS varies from one case to another. There are three steps to adopting an appropriate and effective solution.
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Audit and estimate
Complete audit of the site to be protected, taking into account various criteria: the premises, the environment, the risks, the activity, etc.
Drawing up an estimate tailored to the specifications and standards for each sector and type of building.
-
Installation and validation
Completion of the work and commissioning of the system.
Drafting of an acceptance report that can be sent to the safety commission for a public building. -
Maintenance
Maintenance of installations is compulsory once or twice a year for public buildings and APSAD-compliant establishments.
DEF Company, Your Fire Detection Expert from the DEF Network
A pioneer in fire detection in France, DEF has been supporting you for over 60 years in your fire safety projects. Thanks to our APSAD certification, our R&D team, our production plants, and our qualified technicians, we provide a personalized, high-performance, and regulation-compliant local service.
As both a designer-manufacturer, installer, and service provider, we assist you through every stage of your project. With a very wide range of fire detection systems (linear, point, aspiration, addressable, conventional, wired, or even wireless), we can adapt to any situation.
DEF
France
Expert in fire detection / fire safety solutions - Tel (+33) 1 60 13 81 81
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