Fire safety: maintenance and connected equipment support the French market

Despite the slowdown in new construction, the French fire safety equipment market continues to benefit from regulatory requirements and the replacement of existing installations. According to MSI Reports, maintenance needs, equipment connectivity, and the emergence of new technological risks should support its activity until 2030.

Regulation remains the main driver of the market

The study, published in August 2026, is based on interviews conducted in the spring with manufacturers, installers, maintenance companies and distributors in the sector.

According to MSI Reports, the obligations applicable to establishments open to the public (ERP), establishments receiving workers (ERT), high-rise buildings (IGH) and classified installations for environmental protection (ICPE) remain the main drivers of the market.

The requirements for detection, securing and periodic verification help to maintain investments in existing buildings as well as in new operations.

Replacements are expected to account for more than 70% of sales

The market is increasingly reliant on the renewal of installed equipment. According to forecasts published by MSI Reports, replacement operations are expected to account for more than 70% of industry sales by 2030.

This trend is explained by the aging of equipment, periodic inspections, and the need to maintain installations in compliance with applicable regulations. It also increases the economic importance of installation and maintenance activities.

The renewal notably concerns automatic detectors, stand-alone smoke alarm detectors, control and signaling equipment, fire safety control units, fire extinguishers and stand-alone emergency lighting units.

Remote supervision is gaining ground

Connected equipment represents another area of ​​transformation. Remote monitoring systems make it possible to track the status of installations and identify certain operational anomalies more quickly.

The use of open protocols, data collection, and automated analysis tools should also facilitate the development of predictive maintenance. The goal is to intervene before a failure occurs, to better plan operations, and to limit equipment downtime.

These developments relate in particular to addressable detection systems, safety equipment and autonomous units equipped with integrated automatic testing systems.

Fluoride-free foams are becoming an industrial challenge.

Reducing the environmental impact of equipment is another area of ​​focus for manufacturers. Particular attention is being paid to fire extinguishing foams containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), historically used in some hydrocarbon firefighting installations.

Stricter European restrictions on PFAS in firefighting foams are driving the industry to develop fluorine-free solutions. However, manufacturers must maintain the required operational performance levels for the specific risks and installations involved.

This transition is accompanied by work on eco-design, equipment recyclability, and reducing their carbon footprint. According to the study, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives now influence the sector's innovation and investment strategies.

Lithium-ion batteries create new needs

The increasing use of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, micromobility equipment and energy storage systems is changing fire prevention and protection needs.

The thermal runaway phenomena associated with these batteries require appropriate solutions for detection, temperature monitoring, and shutdown. These risks particularly concern parking lots, industrial buildings, warehouses, charging infrastructure, and sites equipped with stationary storage systems.

Growth was expected, but without strong acceleration.

MSI Reports anticipates positive but moderate market growth over the next few years. Fire extinguishers, automatic fire suppression systems, and related services are expected to continue to grow, supported by regulatory requirements and equipment replacement.

This trajectory, however, remains subject to several obstacles: a slowdown in new construction, price pressures, and sustained competition among manufacturers. The performance of the different segments may therefore vary depending on their exposure to the new construction market and replacement projects.

A prospective study extending to 2030

The study focuses on fire detection and safety equipment used in residential and non-residential buildings, in new construction as well as maintenance and renovation.

Its scope includes, in particular, automatic detection, stand-alone smoke detectors, portable and fixed fire extinguishers, sprinklers, automatic gas extinguishing, water mist and emergency lighting equipment.

The publication comprises 342 pages and 141 tables and graphs. It analyzes the market in 2025, traces its evolution since 2019, and presents forecasts up to 2030. It also examines distribution channels, market shares, and the profiles of 29 players.

The study is available on the MSI Reports website starting from 2.395 euros excluding taxes.

Methodology: This study was conducted based on interviews carried out in spring 2026 with the main manufacturers, installers, maintenance providers, and distributors in the sector. The data covers the French market in 2025, with historical data dating back to 2019 and forecasts for the period 2026-2030.