APSAD R7: what changes with the September 2025 Amendment
L’additif APSAD R7 publié en septembre 2025 vient compléter et consolider The APSAD R7 Amendment, published in September 2025, supplements and reinforces the existing recommendations in the standard. It does not call into question the overall structure of the rule, but provides crucial technical clarifications, particularly regarding: précisions techniques déterminantes
- the expansion of established detection technologies,
- the terms of use for certain devices,
- the integration of new power supply architectures,
- and limiting practices that could hinder early detection.
This change is part of an effort to better adapt to complex environments—whether industrial or technical—while maintaining the high standards of reliability expected by insurers. , industriels ou techniques
Linear heat detection: officially integrated into APSAD R7
A major breakthrough in fire detection
La détection linéaire de chaleur (DLC) Linear heat detection (LHD) is now an integral part of the APSAD R7 Standard. It is supported by a comprehensive framework for design, installation, validation, and maintenance, which is formalised in a new dedicated section: cadre complet de conception, d’installation, de validation et de maintenance§ 2.6.2.13. This integration marks a key milestone: until now, the LHD was recognised through European standards, but there was no detailed French framework for its operational deployment. sans référentiel français détaillé
Resettable and non-resettable detectors: a clarified regulatory framework
The amendment clearly distinguishes between two main families of linear heat detectors:
- Détecteurs réenclenchablesResettable detectors, compliant with the NF EN 54-22 Standard, Non-resettable detectors, compliant with the NF EN 54-28 Standard. Whether they are multi-point or distributed, these systems are now subject to specific requirements regarding: norme NF EN 54-22,
- Détecteurs non réenclenchablesnorme NF EN 54-28.
Qu’ils soient multiponctuels ou distribués
- their establishment,
- their configuration,
- their validation criteria,
- their integration into the fire detection system.
This clarification makes the work of engineering firms, installers, and operators easier, while ensuring that installations comply with APSAD requirements.
Complex environments are now fully covered
Linear heat detection is particularly well-suited for environments where point detection reaches its limits .
The APSAD R7 Amendment explicitly recognises these use cases, including:
- tunnels et infrastructures souterraines,
- galeries de câbles,
- convoyeurs industriels,
- machines et équipements à géométrie complexe,
- zones à atmosphères difficiles (poussières, hauteurs importantes, contraintes thermiques).
tunnels and underground infrastructure, cable trays, industrial conveyors, machines and equipment with complex geometries, areas with harsh environmental conditions (dust, great heights, extreme temperatures). For these configurations, the LHD is the go-to solution, providing reliable, continuous detection over long distances or large areas. solution de référence
Standard households: use now strictly regulated
Another important clarification provided by the amendment:
les foyers types de site Another important clarification provided by the amendment: site-specific households can no longer be used to compensate for a detection shortfall. They are now strictly reserved for situations where: compenser un déficit de détectionstrictement réservés
- it is technically impossible to position the detectors,
- or the layout of the premises does not allow for installation in compliance with regulations.
This restriction is intended to preserve the speed and early detection that are fundamental principles of the APSAD R7 rule, and to prevent any design deviations.
Detection methods: building on the principles introduced in 2021
Les modes de détectionThe detection modes—which were expanded in the 2021 update to increase the variety of combinations used in fire alarm confirmation—are reviewed and consolidated. Amendment 2025 explicitly incorporates linear heat detection into these confirmation procedures, thereby strengthening the overall consistency of detection and safety scenarios. confirmation d’alarme feudétection linéaire de chaleur
Power supply: integration of PoE equipment
The APSAD R7 Amendment also includes a provision regarding power supply equipment that incorporates PoE, PoE+, and PoE++ switches. This equipment is now taken into account for powering certain detection devices, in particular image-analysis detectors, as described in Annex 13 of the standard. This change goes hand in hand with the growing use of IP architectures in fire safety systems, while maintaining high standards for availability and reliability. équipements d’alimentation électrique (EAE)switchs PoE, PoE+ et PoE++, décrits à l’annexe 13architectures IP
Operational scope of the APSAD R7 Amendment for operators
With this amendment, the APSAD R7 Standard provides a clearer technical framework for technologies and use cases that were previously covered only minimally or not at all explicitly in the text, particularly linear heat detection.
This development makes it possible, in particular, to:
- formalise the conditions for using linear heat detection for ambient or object detection;
- specify the rules governing the establishment, design, and implementation of these systems;
- minimise differing interpretations during the design, installation, and verification phases;
- ensure the technical reliability of detection systems in complex environments (tunnels, cable ducts, machinery, conveyors).
For facility operators and safety managers, this amendment serves primarily as a tool for clarifying regulatory requirements, facilitating the design and operation of fire detection systems that comply with the APSAD R7 Standard.
