The market for fire detectors - Italy

1.2 The world market

The global market size for fire alarms and detection systems was valued at $**.** billion in **** and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (***) of *.* percent from **** to ****, to exceed ** billion.

Fire alarm market value World, ****-*****, in billions of dollars Grandviewresearch

Demand for advanced fire safety systems in fire-prone industrial settings, such as automotive, energy and utilities, mining, petrochemical, and oil and gas exploration, will drive market growth over the next seven years. Fire safety in the context of the new work-from-home model introduced due to the COVID-** pandemic has gained importance. As businesses slowly reopen in some parts of the world, building managers or facility owners are ensuring and maintaining fire protection systems.[***]

1.3 The Italian market

In Italy, facilities that house a large number of people, such as, for example, hospitals, hotels, businesses, public places, etc., are required by law to be equipped with fire safety devices[***].

No data are available on the size of the market for fire detectors in Italy, so an estimate will be made based on the average cost of installing these devices and the number and size of new buildings, particularly nonresidential ones, in the country.

Cost of fire detection systems:

The cost of fire protection systems is provided to us by a company in the industry: The cost of fire protection systems per square meter to be installed in new houses is about €*.** per meter[***]. It should be pointed out, however, that this average price is indicative and the market value could change significantly considering different average prices.

New buildings:

The number of buildings and building complexes for nonresidential use (***) is almost *.* million and represents about ** percent of the total.[***] To calculate the value of the annual market size, however, it is necessary to have data on buildings constructed last year. Istat provides this data for both residential and nonresidential buildings.

As for residential buildings, not all new buildings must be ...

1.4 Import-export

The most specific category available for fire alarm trade analysis is that with HS code **.**: Electrical sound or visual signaling equipment (***).

Italy is a net importer of these devices.

The value of imports shows a fluctuating trend. After a decrease from **** (***). Although there was a slight increase in **** and ****, exports remain significantly lower than in ****, with an overall decrease of **.* percent.

The coverage ratio, which indicates the ratio of exports to imports, also shows a decreasing trend. In ****, the ratio was *.**, indicating a positive trade balance, with exports exceeding imports. However, in ****, the ratio falls below unity (***), marking a change in the trade balance. In fact, for the first time in the period, imports exceed exports. This trend continues in **** and ****, with the ratio falling to *.** and *.**, respectively.

Export-import of electrical sound or visual signaling equipment Italy, ****-****, millions of dollars UNComtrade

Imports:

Imports come mainly from China, responsible for **.* percent of the total. This is followed by the Netherlands, Spain, France and Germany.

Main countries by imports of electrical sound or visual signaling equipment Italy, ****, US$ million Uncomtrade Exports: In terms of exports, the picture is more fragmented. In first place we find France, but the US is very close. ...

1.5 The impact of covid

As we have seen, the market for fire alarm devices is closely linked to that of real estate development, especially nonresidential. This sector has been deeply affected by the pandemic:

**** marked a period of deep crisis for the construction sector in Italy, exacerbated by the Covid-** pandemic. According to Ance (***), investment in the construction sector dropped **.* percent, with a ** percent reduction in hours worked and a decrease in construction permits. The nonresidential department received investment of nearly ** million euros, down *.* percent from ****. The private sector experienced the largest contraction, down **.* percent.[***]

The effect of the pandemic was also felt on the "corporate" real estate market, that is, the large investments that specialized operators make on facilities such as offices, logistics, hotels or residential in order to put them to income. A sector that was back from a record-breaking **** and, game forcefully, had to deal with a slowdown: During ****, says the report of the specialized company Cbre, there were volumes invested for *.* billion with a contraction of **% compared to the previous year. This is back to figures in line with ****. The pandemic, Cbre notes, has resulted in "a slowdown and consequent slippage in the investment pipeline, mainly due to the extremely ...

2.1 The question

The demand for fire alarm devices is closely linked to housing development projects, especially non-residential.

The total area of new nonresidential construction showed an increase during **** compared to the last quarter of ****. Starting from *.** million square meters in the fourth quarter of ****, the area increased to *.** million square meters in the second quarter of ****, the highest point in the year. Thereafter, in the third quarter of ****, there was a slight contraction to *.** million square meters. However, in the fourth quarter of ****, the area increased again to *.** million square meters.

Calculating the percentage difference between the last quarter of **** and the last quarter of ****, there is an increase of **.** percent.

Area of new nonresidential construction Italy, ****-****, million square meters Istat

Turning instead to new residential buildings, we can see that from *.** million square meters in the fourth quarter of ****, the area increased slightly to *.** million square meters in the first quarter of ****. The most significant increase occurred in the second quarter of ****, peaking at *.** million square meters. However, in the third quarter of ****, there was a noticeable contraction, falling to *.** million square meters. In the fourth quarter of ****, the area rebounded to *.** million square meters.

Calculating the percentage difference between the ...

2.2 Fires in Italian buildings

Fires affecting Italian buildings are an underestimated problem. Although their number is by no means negligible, such fires come to the fore only when they affect particular buildings, such as the Torre dei Moro in Milan at ** Antonini Street, which suffered a major fire on September **, ****, fortunately without casualties.

The most recurring type of interventions by firefighters concerns precisely fires and explosions.

Firefighter interventions by type Italy, ****, % Vigilifuoco

The **-year trend of the intervention type "fires and explosions" is somewhat erratic; this is probably because the phenomenon is influenced, in part, by dry weather periods. In fact, if we examine this variable, we can see that there are macro-oscillations of the maximum values and an abnormal peak in **** with a growth in events of about **,*** cases. Indeed, it is reported that **** was a particularly heavy year for forests in Italy in which more than ***,*** vegetation fire interventions were carried out.[***]

Firefighter interventions for fires and explosions Italy, ****-****, thousands Vigilifuoco During ****, firefighters intervened in the following building types as a result of fires and explosions. Schools: *** other special-use buildings: *,*** apartments and living quarters: **,*** buildings in general: **,*** private garages: *,*** temporary buildings (***): *** restaurants, canteens and the like: *,*** other commercial establishments: *** agricultural buildings: *,*** sheds: ...

2.3 The geographical distribution of demand

To identify geographic areas with the greatest demand for fire alarm systems, in this section we will display the geographic distribution of manufacturing, retail, and office properties.

Manufacturing properties:

Stores:

Offices:

3.1 The market structure

Fire alarm manufacturing is part of Ateco category **.**.**: Manufacture of burglar and fire alarm systems. Because it is a very specific category, no data are available on it. In fact, the supracategory in which it is contained, **.** MANUFACTURING OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT, is already very small, containing only *** companies. This section will study the composition of this supracategory in order to get an overview of the market in which the firms under study operate, while Section *.* will specify the main fire alarm porducers operating in Italy.

Number of firms:

During the ****-**** period, the sector under study experienced a decrease in the number of enterprises. In **** there were *** active enterprises, but over the years the number has steadily decreased, reaching its lowest point in **** with *** enterprises. However, starting in ****, a change in trend was observed with a gradual increase to *** enterprises in ****. During ****-****, the total change in the number of enterprises was -***. This indicates an overall decrease of **.**%.

Number of enterprises in the sector: Manufacture of telecommunications equipment Italy, ****-****, in number Istat

Number of employees:

During ****-****, the number of people employed in the sector showed a downward trend. In detail, there was a significant decrease of **.** percent compared ...

3.2 The value chain

3.3 Distribution

Fire alarms are distributed rincipally by fire alarm installers; these companies are responsible for selecting and installing fire equipment and devices, such as smoke detectors, sprinklers, alarm sirens, and extinguishing systems. They may also be involved in creating safe evacuation routes and training people on how to properly use fire protection systems.

The category that encompasses this industry is **.**: Plumbing, heating and air conditioning installation. In Italy, it includes nearly **,*** firms, signaling a market that is significantly more fragmented than the manufacturing market, with a large number of small firms. This number has decreased slightly over the last ** years for which data are available. In ****, the sector had **,*** active enterprises, but there has been a steady decline over the decade. In ****, the number of enterprises had dropped to **,***, representing a negative percentage change of *.** percent from ****.

Number of enterprises in the sector: Plumbing, heating and air conditioning installation Italy, ****-****, in number Istat

It is then reported that fire alarms are also sold in Italy disconnected from a real fire alarm system. These are mainly battery-operated or mains-connected smoke detectors. They are distributed in specialized stores, furniture and home product stores such as Ikea or Leroy Merlin, and online.

3.4 The main players

The main companies producing fire sysitems in Italy are:

Teledatone: founded in ****, designs, develops and manufactures specialized electronic equipment for the security and industrial automation market. Inim: founded in ****, specializes in burglar and fire alarm systems. Sanco: founded in ****, sanco specializes in the production of fire protection systems, is based in Galliate (***). JohnsonControl: Johnson Controls is a diversified technology and industrial services company with a global presence. It serves a wide range of customers in more than *** countries, and was founded in ****. It operates in Italy through Johnson Control Italia S.r.l. Ultrafog: Ultra Fog is a leading manufacturer of high-pressure water mist fire suppression systems. Founded in Sweden in ****, Ultra Fog has been providing approved fire suppression solutions for projects worldwide for more than ** years. It operates in Italy through Ultrafog S.r.l.

4.1 The offer

There are different types of fire detectors[***]:

optical beam detectors ionizing chamber detectors flame detectors heat detectors camera systems

4.2 The prices

The price range for a sprinkler system can vary depending on the specific needs and size of the building. A basic fire sprinkler system can have a minimum price of around *** €, while a more complete system can average around *,*** €. For larger projects, the maximum price for a complete sprinkler system can reach **,*** €. it is important to consider that these are only examples of prices and that the actual costs will depend on the specifics of the project. To assess the average price of a fire sprinkler system, it is advisable to consult industry experts in your area for free, customized quotes.[***]

Smoke detectors are essential devices for fire safety, especially in homes. They are able to warn occupants if a fire is spreading, giving them the time they need to get to safety. Installing a working fire alarm reduces the chances of fire fatalities by ** percent. it is advisable to replace these devices every ** years and check them regularly every three months to ensure that the batteries are charged. Heat detectors, which detect both smoke and temperature changes, cost between €** and €***. They tend to have higher maintenance costs and may require monthly service from a home protection company.

Below are some ...

4.3 The smart alarm devices

Smart fire alarms represent an important evolution in terms of home and work safety. These smart devices use sophisticated sensors to detect both smoke and a rapid rise in temperature, immediately triggering an alarm system in the event of a possible fire.

A crucial aspect of these alarms is their ability to send real-time notifications directly to a smartphone in the event of an alarm. This allows for timely action, even if you are not physically present. This functionality is made possible by the device's WiFi connection, which, via the Tuya Smart or SmartLife apps, sends alarms directly to the user's mobile device.

These smart alarms also include a built-in siren that emits a high-pitched **dB sound, providing an additional level of security when one is present in the building.

A significant advantage of these devices is the ease of installation. There is no need to do any electrical work or complicated connections. Just install the alarm on the ceiling, download the corresponding app, and the device is ready to provide security for the building.

In addition, the smart smoke sensor can be easily integrated with other SmartLife products for additional security functions, such as activating smart bulbs when smoke is ...

5.1 The regulation

For civil-dwelling buildings, thus condominiums, the fire regulations set forth in Decree No. **/**** bearing the title: "Amendments and additions to the annex of Decree No. *** of May **, **** on fire safety standards for civil-dwelling buildings."

The fire regulations establish differentiated measures based on the height of buildings. Taller buildings will be subject to more stringent measures than lower buildings. For example, for buildings between ** and ** meters in height, the regulations are required to be disseminated to inhabitants through bulletin board notices or email communications. For buildings from ** to ** meters, emergency evacuation planning, posting of directions on bulletin boards and fire risk assessment by specialized firms are mandatory. Buildings between ** and ** meters must, in addition, install manual signaling and fire alarm systems. Buildings exceeding ** meters must comply with all measures for other buildings and fulfill additional management obligations in case of an emergency[***].

Condominium administrators who fail to comply with the Decree's directives risk civil and criminal penalties under Legislative Decree ***/**.

On the other hand, Presidential Decree No. *** of **** identifies ** activities subject to fire prevention inspections, for which a VVF SCIA must be submitted before the activity can be carried out.

The standard that regulates the production of fire sensors, on the other ...

6.1 Segmentation

Manufacturers:

Installers:

• Inim Electronics S.r.l.
• Sanco S.p.a.
• Johnson Controls Italia S.r.l.
• Teledatone
• Ultrafog S.r.l.
• Sebino S.p.a.
• Air Fire S.p.a.