Rebrand for Euralarm signalled by new logo and revamped website

Euralarm, the European Trade Association representing the electronic security and fire sectors, has undergone a rebranding exercise which has seen the organisation update its website at the same time as introducing a new logo and descriptive strapline.

The new website is specifically designed to reflect Euralarm’s core values, while in tandem the refreshed logo signifies to its core sectors precisely what the organisation represents. In short, Euralarm is multi-faceted, diverse, challenging, connected, transparent and proactive.

The website is also designed to present Euralarm’s expertise and leadership skills for the industry, the market, policy-makers and standards bodies. It features a clean and responsive modern design and enhanced functionality along with easy access to expert comment and advice.

As a platform for the latest industry news, insights and policy on the electronic security industry and the fire safety sector, the asite affords all visitors essential information concerning the services offered by Euralarm.

Further, the enhanced design also creates a clear journey for companies and those associations interested in becoming a member. Euralarm members make society safer and more secure through the provision of systems and services for intrusion detection, access control, video monitoring and alarm transmission in addition to fire detection and extinguishing.

Founded in 1970, Euralarm now represents over 5,000 companies within the security industry and fire safety sector with a combined value of 67 billion Euros. Euralarm’s members are national associations as well as individual companies from right across Europe. 

*Further information is available online at www.euralarm.org

Verisure joins Security and Services Section at Euralarm

Euralarm has welcomed its newest member Verisure, the European provider of professionally monitored security systems. The company will join both the Security and Services Section.

Verisure will now benefit from Euralarm’s services in terms of representation in front of European institutions and standardisation organisations. This includes the monitoring of legislative and standardisation issues relevant to the industry.

Verisure will have access to the extended network of national associations and major companies in the electronic fire safety and security sectors which form Euralarm’s membership. The new membership will create opportunities for both parties as it also strengthens the association.

Verisure provides professionally monitored security systems with 24/7 response services. It protects more than 3.5 million customers in 16 countries across Europe and the Latin American region.

The company’s mission is to bring peace of mind to businesses by providing them with the best security solutions and services. Verisure is known for category-creating marketing, sales excellence, innovative products and services and customer-centricity.

Verisure protects a highly satisfied and loyal customer base, with some of the strongest growth rates and best retention rates globally in consumer-facing services, demonstrating its exceptional service levels and strong value proposition to its customers.

Gain expertise on markets and opportunities

Companies joining Euralarm gain a unique insight into what is happening across European markets and the opportunities that they might offer. They can not only tap into the political expertise and understanding of the EU policy, but also make personal connections with technical and political experts and potential business partners.

Being a member of Euralarm enables companies and associations to gain expertise on standardisation. Members have their voice heard in Brussels and can support and help to direct standardisation and legislative processes.

The Security Section meetings gather experts presenting on topics such as the standardisation landscape on video surveillance. The Security Section liaises with key standardisation groups in the security field and closely follows technological developments to guide regulation and standardisation.

In terms of standards, the Security Section continues to inform its members of changes and advocates key activities at both the national and EU levels.

Security systems developer Vanderbilt joins Euralarm

The Board of Directors at Euralarm has welcomed Vanderbilt as the newest member of the long-standing and influential association of European security and fire safety solution manufacturers, installers and service providers, with the security systems developer joining the Security Section. The latter represents companies involved with CCTV, intruder alarms and access control and serves as a key stakeholder in organisations such as CertAlarm, CEN-CENELEC, IEC and, indeed, the European Commission.

The Security Section collaborates on a regular basis in a bid to find security solutions in what is now a digitised and somewhat challenging world. Section meetings feature recognised experts offering presentations on topics such as the standardisation landscape within the video surveillance market.

Importantly, the Security Section liaises with key standardisation groups in the security field and closely follows technological developments with a view towards guiding regulation and standardisation. In terms of standards, the Security Section informs member companies of changes and advocacy activities at both the national and European Union (EU) levels.

Being a member of Euralarm, Vanderbilt will enjoy access to the extended network of national associations and major companies in the electronic fire safety and security sectors. Membership of Euralarm will realise opportunities for both parties as it also strengthens the association.

Vanderbilt is a global provider of high-performance security systems for access control and intrusion detection. The business is recognised for its future-proof, innovative and easy-to-use portfolio that contains access control systems including the ACT365 and ACT Enterprise and the popular SPC and SPC Connect intruder detection solutions.

A strong advocate of open platforms and system integration, Vanderbilt (itself an ACRE brand) understands the issues customers face and provides multiple solutions that are designed to meet these needs.

Expertise on markets and opportunities

Companies joining Euralarm benefit from a unique insight into what is happening in European markets and the opportunities they might offer. They can not only tap into the political expertise and understanding that underpins EU policy, but also make personal connections with technical and political experts as well as potential business partners.

Euralarm members have their voice heard in Brussels and can actively support and direct standardisation and legislative processes.

Founded back in 1970, Euralarm now represents over 5,000 companies within the fire safety and security industry valued at 67 billion Euros. The membership comprises national associations and individual companies from across the European region.

Euralarm opens its doors to Associate Members

Prior to organising its Extraordinary General Assembly and following a decision taken by the membership, Euralarm is now opening its doors to Associate Members. Founded back in 1970, Euralarm represents over 5,000 companies within the fire safety and security industry. Collectively, these organisations are valued at 67 billion Euros.

At present, Europe finds itself in a time of change. New technologies, digitisation, new standards and regulations are pointing towards a new era, but life safety and security for European citizens whether at home, at work or travelling throughout Europe are going to remain key considerations.

The fire safety and security industry has a vitally important role to play in keeping Europe a safe place. In relation to this, the work of Euralarm is supported by a broad representation of stakeholders caring for a safe and secure society. That support ensures that Euralarm can contribute towards a safe and secure environment.

Euralarm provides leadership for the fire safety and security industry, offering their expertise to policy-makers and standardisation bodies alike. The organisation proactively supports a European Single Market strategy for the sector. As part of that strategy, and as the only Trade Association in the sector, Euralarm has a local team operational in Brussels.

Until now, the membership of Euralarm was open to national associations and companies who want to tap into the political expertise of the organisation and understand how European Union and local policy is impacting the fire safety and security industry and its markets.

Seeking new members

Euralarm is now calling upon stakeholders who want to contribute to the move to the next era to join the organisation. Those stakeholders include research organisations, certification bodies, associations, insurance companies and consumer organisations.

Associate membership allows companies to make personal connections with technical and political experts, share expertise on standardisation and be heard and influence standardisation and legislative processes. Stakeholders who become associate members will be kept in touch with the latest trends in regulation and technology and benefit from direct access to a repository of Euralarm documentation produced by members and the professional team resident at the Trade Association.

Associate members are also welcome to network with industry experts during the annual Euralarm Symposium in addition to other focused events.

Associate membership brings with it observer status. There are no voting rights attached or rights to chair a Euralarm Section or Euralarm Committee. Associate members have the right to participate in the activities of the Trade Association and its sections and have access to relevant section and cross-sectional information.

*Organisations interested in joining Euralarm as associate members can send their application in writing to the General Management or visit the Euralarm website at www.euralarm.org for more information

“Adopt Date of Withdrawal as effective implementation date of standards” urges Euralarm

Euralarm is pushing for the updating of national Codes of Practice at the point when new standards become available. The development of new or otherwise revised standards follows a certain process that’s finalised with the ratification of the standard by the standardisation body (eg CEN, CENELEC, etc). Following the ratification there are dates that the new or revised standard is available, announced and published followed by a date that the former standard or the former version is withdrawn. 

When a new or revised standard is published, Euralarm asserts that the national authorities must clearly define when the new (edition of a) standard will be implemented into the local building, fire or other codes. Given that products have to be compliant and therefore must be tested, certified and approved by recognised test laboratories, certification bodies and approval agencies, this means that some time is required following the date of availability of the standard.

In certain countries, though, local authorities require to demonstrate compliance to the latest edition of the standards (ie “as soon as published”). For example, this is very much the case with the Civil Defence Fire Code operated by the United Arab Emirates that’s widely used in the Middle East.

Obviously, it’s impossible to comply with this requirement. Due to general industry readiness, a delay is necessary to allow manufacturers time to develop fully-compliant products and – when required – to have their products tested, certified and approved.

On that basis, Euralarm is recommending that regulatory authorities adopt the Date of Withdrawal as stated in every EN standard as the effective date of implementation of new standards into Codes of Practice. The Date of Withdrawal marks the date that former versions of a given standard become obsolete.

Information referencing the Date of Withdrawal of standards can be found on the respective websites such as those operated by CEN or CENELEC.

3M welcomed as new member at Euralarm

Euralarm has welcomed 3M as a new member. The company will join the Extinguishing Section of Euralarm whose activities cover automatic extinguishing systems using gas, water, foam, powder and aerosols, oxygen reduction systems, portable equipment and other manual means of fire-fighting as well as fire-fighting agents used in either fixed automatic systems or portable equipment.

3M will now benefit from Euralarm’s services in terms of representation in front of European institutions and standardisation organisations. This includes the monitoring of legislative and standardisation issues relevant to the industry.

3M will have access to the extended network of national associations and major companies in the electronic fire safety and security sectors from which Euralarm forms its membership. The new membership will create opportunities for both parties as it also serves to strengthen the association.

With corporate operations in 70 countries and sales in more than 190 countries, 3M has more than 90.000 employees worldwide, sells upwards of 55.000 products and holds 25.000 patents.

3M Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid

The clean agent fire extinguishant of the company, namely the 3M Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid, was developed as a halon replacement and hydrofluorocarbon alternative. It’s a next generation synthetic clean agent mainly used in stationary extinguishing systems for the protection of critical assets in enclosed areas. It has a very fast extinguishing time, is electrically non-conductive and leaves no residue.

The company’s extinguishant is designed to balance concerns for human safety, performance and the environment. Upon release through a specially designed extinguishing nozzle, it vaporises immediately and distributes as a gas within seconds.

The agent has the highest margin of safety for human occupancy among clean agents, including inert gas, making it the ideal solution for occupied spaces. Due to its physical properties, the agent protects irreplaceable paper documents, electronics and other high value assets.

Insight into European markets

Companies joining Euralarm gain a unique insight into what’s happening on other European markets and the opportunities that they might offer. They not only tap into the political expertise and understanding of European Union policy, but can also make personal connections with technical and political experts and potential business partners.

Being a member of Euralarm enables companies and associations to gain expertise on standardisation. Members have their voice heard in Brussels and can support (as well as help to direct) standardisation and legislative processes.

Euralarm’s “year of change” outlined in Annual Report 2018-2019

Euralarm has released its Annual Report for 2018-2019. The period is described as “a year of change” for the organisation. With a new president, Board, general director and section leaders in place and the final integration of the Extinguishing Section in the overall structure, the association is now “ready to move forwards” into the future. 

The Annual Report covers the period between the General Assemblies of the association and follows the structure of Euralarm, with every section and Technical Committee of the association summarising their activities over the previous year and, where appropriate, providing forecasts and details of plans for the future.

A running theme of the document is Euralarm’s work on building strategic alliances. Throughout the Annual Report, the activities of the Euralarm sections underline the importance and necessity of co-operation in the fire safety and security business. Such co-operation ensures that Euralarm’s voice is heard in Brussels both on the political and the standardisation side of the equation.

New technologies, changes in the macroeconomic environment, the new EU Parliament and the reshaping of the international landscape will afford Euralarm both challenges and opportunities. Set against this background, it’s important for Euralarm to generate far-reaching acknowledgement of what it does among European politicians and policy-makers and to keep these and other relevant stakeholders involved in the industry.

Across 2018-2019, there has been an ongoing growth in membership for Euralarm with Eaton Electrical Products and Halma plc joining as new members of the Fire Section. This continuous growth, in line with the trend of the previous years, is “a sign of trust” in Euralarm, its organisation, vision and strategy, all of which are detailed in the Annual Report.

*Euralarm’s Annual Report 2018-2019 can be downloaded from the Euralarm website: https://www.euralarm.org/euralarm-publications/annual-report/annual-report-2018-2019

Halma plc joins Fire Section at Euralarm

The Board of Euralarm has announced the newest member of the organisation. Halma plc is to join the Fire Section of Euralarm and will now benefit from Euralarm’s services in terms of representation towards European institutions and standardisation organisations. This includes the monitoring of legislative and standardisation issues relevant to the industry.

Halma plc will have access to the extended network of national associations and major companies in the electronic fire safety and security sectors which form Euralarm’s membership. The new membership for Halma plc will create opportunities for both sides as it also strengthens the association.

Halma plc is a global group of technology companies. Its Fire and Security Division provides products that protect both lives and property. Within the fire detection and alarm sector these products include wired and wireless fire detection (smoke, heat, gas, multi), audible and visual warning devices, beam and flame detectors, single or networked control and indicating systems.

In the field of security, the company offers wired and wireless security product solutions covering end user applications from small residential projects through to large-scale commercial premises.

Companies joining Euralarm gain a unique insight into what’s happening on other European markets and the opportunities that they might offer. They not only tap into the political expertise and understanding of the EU policy, but can also make personal connections with technical and political experts and potential business partners.

Being a member of Euralarm enables companies and associations to gain expertise on standardisation. Members have their voice heard in Brussels and can support and direct standardisation and legislative processes.

Euralarm represents the electronic fire and security industry, providing leadership and expertise for industry, market, policy-makers and standards bodies. Founded in 1970, Euralarm represents over 5,000 companies valued at 67 billion Euros. Euralarm’s members are national associations and individual companies from across Europe.

Eaton Electrical Products becomes member of Euralarm

Euralarm has welcomed Eaton Electrical Products as its newest member. The company will join the Fire Section of Euralarm, which focuses on subjects including fire detection, notification and building evacuation in the event of a blaze.

Eaton Electrical Products will now benefit from Euralarm’s services in terms of representation in front of European institutions and standardisation organisations and the monitoring of relevant legislative and standardisation issues. The business will also have access to Euralarm’s extended network of national associations and major companies in the fire safety and security sector.

Eaton’s technologies help customers manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power more reliably, efficiently, safely and sustainably. Eaton Electrical Products’ solutions include fire alarm devices, fire detection systems, PA and voice alarm systems as well as security systems and intruder alarms.

Insight in European markets

One of Euralarm’s objectives is to provide an open, transparent and equal platform for Members of all sizes, including by monitoring trends in European and global markets, informing members on developments and promoting action where appropriate.

Additionally, Euralarm uses professional advocacy – when appropriate – to achieve its goals, including building close relations and constructive dialogue with related industries, associations, standardisation, testing and certification bodies and political authorities (including relevant European Commission Directorates).

Companies joining Euralarm gain expertise into ‘political’ issues impacting the industry and its markets and have an opportunity to influence the industry by having a say directly into Brussels.

Euralarm represents the fire and security Industry, providing leadership and expertise for policy makers and standards bodies. Its members make society safer and secure through systems and services for fire detection, intrusion detection, access control, video monitoring and alarm transmission.

Founded in 1970, Euralarm represents over 5,000 companies within the fire safety and security industry valued at 67 billion Euros. Members are national associations and individual companies from across Europe.

Euralarm publishes results of study on false alarms

Euralarm, the European association representing the electronic fire and security industry, has carried out a European study on false alarms. The results have now been issued in paperback format by specialist publisher Eric Schmidt Verlag, with the finalised document – entitled ‘False Alarm Study: False Alarm Data Collection and Analysis from Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems in Selected European Countries’ – available on Amazon.

The study on false alarms was conducted by a Task Group of Euralarm consisting of experts in the field of fire safety technologies, with Sebastian Festag (Editor of the new publication) from Heaktron serving as chairman.

The study focuses on false alarm data collection and analysis from fire detection and fire alarm systems in selected European countries.

In some European countries, the impact of budget cuts, coupled with a perceived high rate of false alarms, has realised changes in the typical reaction of fire services. In some countries, for example, verification is required before intervention forces are deployed in order to avoid unjustified costs. However, this calculation is limited to the impact of false alarms on fire services alone. It could lead to an increase in risk around life safety and inflict more cost overall to society. The study seeks to establish the true cost of false alarms from country to country.

Evaluation basis

Through its scientific approach, the study offers a clarification of false alarms as a phenomenon. It includes a description of the processes to initiate fire service intervention and formulas to calculate false alarm ratios, as well as a methodology of the overall analysis. This allows for a precise picture of the situation in selected European countries as regards false alarms. Germany, Great Britain/England, Switzerland, Sweden and Austria/Vorarlberg are covered in the study.

The study also contains recommendations and strategies to reduce false alarms, which are based on carefully examined statistics on fires and, in particular, the number of fire alarms due to the detection of actual fires by fire alarm systems compared to the false alarm rate.

The Euralarm Task Group argues that the topic of false alarms must be increasingly integrated into fire protection and fire alarm strategies. Handling false alarms must become an active part of the management of a site. The Euralarm study gives recommendations to realise this end goal.