The fact that heat detectors need testing is not fully understood. There are many who believe that they 'just don't go wrong'. This is not true. Be they bi metallic, pneumatic, fusible link, thermistor based or one of several other technologies they all fail. Whether that be 'age', component failure, or plain manufacturing fault. Regular checking - at installation / commissioning and annually is vital. It is now clearly required by standards around the world (see standards downloads).
Functional (or operational) testing
Functional checking, with a genuine heat source, is now required by major national standards around the world. The challenge is doing so safely as well as cost effectively. Indeed the need for safety is explicitly highlighted by some standards.
Sensitivity (Calibration) testing
Sensitivity testing of heat detectors is required in laboratory, design and manufacture - both by test houses and by designers and manufacturers. Similar to our laboratory smoke tunnels we offer a heat tunnel for this purpose. This is a very specialist device. Ours is calibrated to European EN standards
For the most part calibration of heat detectors in the field is not required by standards since heat detectors are considered rarely to 'drift', 'degrade' or become 'contaminated'.
