As well as being tested for operation in their own right detectors are often the means through which zones or circuits are checked. Testing proves the ability of a smoke detector to respond to smoke type stimuli, communicate with the panel and initiate an alarm as a result. International codes and standards require functional tests to introduce smoke or simulated smoke through the detector vents and into the sensing chamber. Magnetic testing is NOT acceptable (see code references on this page).
Most professional organizations today use specialist smoke dispensers and aerosols
to perform functional testing and our Solo range is the original and most popular.
There are also occasions where a dispenser cannot be used and in these instances, hand held aerosols are commonly deployed.
Ours are recognized worldwide as the safest and most time and cost effective products available.
N.B: As the code references on this page confirm, testing using an unmeasured source of smoke or other aerosol is not a test of detector sensitivity (see Trutest for a solution).
Specialist smoke dispensers and aerosols
The design award winning Solo dispensers are undoubtedly the best and most popular devices of their type in the world for use in the functional testing of both smoke and CO detectors.
