In the field of active safety, the CEI 79-3 standard has been a reference point for years for the design, installation and maintenance of alarm systems against intrusions and robberies. With the new 2024 edition, the standard has been profoundly renewed to adapt to the needs of a constantly evolving sector, with a series of changes that improve precision in risk management and modularity in plant design. This update, which will come into effect in November 2024, represents a significant step forward from both a technical and methodological point of view.
Risk Analysis: an objective and repeatable approach
One of the central elements of this new edition is the introduction of a structured method for Risk Analysis, which fills in some gaps present in the previous version. In IEC 79-3:2012, in fact, the determination of risk was strongly influenced by subjective perceptions, leaving the designer responsible for assessing the level of risk based on factors that were often not standardised. The new standard introduces an objective and repeatable method, which allows the level of risk to be calculated based on concrete data provided by the client, including the structure and value of the asset to be protected, as well as the perception of the risk itself.
This approach has several advantages. First, it makes it possible to standardise risk assessments between different designers, reducing the possibility of errors or discrepancies. In addition, it facilitates the process of empowering the client, who becomes an active part in defining the risk and choosing the necessary level of protection.
To support the professional, the CEI will also release software that will facilitate the technicians in the process of comparison with the client.
Sub-plant division: flexibility and modularity
Another novelty of great importance concerns the possibility of dividing the plants into sub-plants, each with its own level of performance. This represents a paradigm shift from the “monolithic” approach of the previous version, in which the plant was considered as a single entity, without the possibility of differentiating the different areas or functionalities.
Thanks to this new modularity, the designer now has the opportunity to develop systems that are more flexible and adaptable to the specific needs of the customer. For example, in a building with areas at a different level of risk, it is possible to provide differentiated performance levels for each sub-plant, thus optimising resources without compromising overall safety. The sub-plants can be independent of each other or interconnected, depending on the needs, allowing greater freedom of design.
Overcoming the duality between tabular and mathematical methods
The new IEC 79-3:2024 overcomes an important criticality of the previous version, eliminating the duality between the Tabular and Mathematical methods for defining the performance level. In the past, the Tabular method was considered too prescriptive, while the Mathematical method, while guaranteeing greater flexibility, required a post-project verification that could lead to unwanted surprises only afterwards.
The new standard introduces a single Tabular method, detailed and prescriptive, which offers the right combination of simplicity and precision. This method not only guides the technician in choosing the most appropriate technical solutions, but also makes it possible to verify immediately that the desired level of performance is achieved, without having to resort to complex mathematical checks at the end of the project.
Unification of performance levels: a single point of reference
One of the innovations most appreciated by designers and installers concerns the new method of determining the Performance Level (LDP). In IEC 79-3:2024, the LDP is no longer based on different installation types, but is closely related to the level of risk identified. This means that it will no longer be necessary to manage complex plant classifications, but it will be enough to refer to the level of risk to define the most appropriate LdP.
This simplification eliminates the distortions typical of the previous version and ensures greater clarity in the design and installation process. The result is a system that responds more directly and precisely to the needs of the client, with a clear point of reference for all parties involved.
Integrative Safety Index (ISI): enhancing the addition of safety systems
Another important innovation introduced by the new standard is the Integrative Safety Index (ISI), an optional parameter that allows to enhance systems that, while offering the same level of performance, include additional technical solutions that improve their overall effectiveness. This index takes into account several factors, including:
- Concentric sub-plants: systems that surround the area to be protected, ensuring an additional level of safety.
- Deterrence systems: devices such as fog generators, special lighting or staining of banknotes, which not only detect but also discourage criminal action.
- Additional detectors: additional equipment that, although not mandatory to achieve the required level of performance, contribute to further improving the security of the site.
The ISI therefore allows to compare different projects, allowing the client to choose the solution that best suits their security needs, despite having the same Performance Level.
A more linear and accessible text
In addition to technical innovations, one of the main objectives of the revision of IEC 79-3 was to make the text clearer and more accessible. The new version eliminates the numerous references in the chapters of the previous standard, making reading more fluid and reducing the possibility of misunderstandings or interpretation errors.
Another improved aspect concerns the technical language, which has been made more understandable without sacrificing accuracy. This makes the standard more easily applicable even for those who do not have specific training in the field of safety, while ensuring the highest levels of reliability for professionals in the sector.
Updating of regulatory references
Finally, the new IEC 79-3 includes an update of the regulatory references, aligning with the latest European and international regulations. In particular, the standard now refers to the EN 50131 series, which covers the requirements for intrusion and robbery alarm systems at European level, and to CEI 79-2, which specifies the particular characteristics of the equipment used.
This update ensures that systems designed according to IEC 79-3 comply with the highest international safety standards, offering greater harmonisation with other European standards.