Functional Testing of Smoke, Heat & CO Detectors

Functional Testing of Smoke, Heat & CO Detectors

Functional testing of detectors has long been required by both detector manufacturers and international codes and standards. Leading fire codes and standards such as BS: 5839 and NFPA 72, clearly describe the frequency at which testing must be carried out and the type of tools that should be used.

This methodology should be applied in accord with IS2189 and relevant International, National and State standards, as well as the National Building Code.

1. Functional Testing of Smoke Detectors

1.1 Every detector must be functionally tested within a 1 year period.

1.2 Every detector must be tested using equipment and products approved by the detector manufacturer to ensure compatibility with the detector and in accord with the manufacturer maintenance recommendations/instructions.

1.3 The equipment and products used in the testing must not involve the use of naked flames, flammable oils or toxic substances, to avoid additional fire risk and compromise of the fire detection system.

1.4 The testing equipment used should include lightweight, non-conductive, extendable access poles, which allow the testing to be carried out from a safe position, without the need for additional access equipment, such as ladders, platforms, scaffolding, etc.

1.5 Every smoke detector must be functionally tested by a method which confirms that smoke can enter the detector chamber from an external source and produce a fire alarm signal (e.g. by use of apparatus which generates simulated smoke or suitable aerosols around the detector). It must be ensured that the material used does not caused damage to, or affect the subsequent performance of, the detector.

1.6 Products containing substances of an adhesive nature, such as silicones must not be used.

2. Functional Testing of Heat Detectors

2.1 Every detector must be functionally tested within a 1 year period.

2.2 Every detector must be tested using equipment and products approved by the detector manufacturer to ensure compatibility with the detector and in accord with the manufacturer maintenance recommendations/instructions.

2.3 The equipment and products used in the testing must not involve the use of naked flames, flammable oils or toxic substances, to avoid additional fire risk and compromise of the fire detection system.

2.4 The testing equipment used should include lightweight, non-conductive, extendable access poles, which allow the testing to be carried out from a safe position, without the need for additional access equipment, such as ladders, platforms, scaffolding, etc.

2.5 Every heat detector must be functionally tested to demonstrate that heat can enter the detector chamber from an external source and produce a fire alarm signal.

2.6 The equipment/product used for the functional heat detector test must use a controlled and directed heat source to avoid compromising the functionality of the sensor and ensuring no damage to the detector casing.

3. Functional Testing of Carbon Monoxide Fire Detectors

3.1 Every detector must be functionally tested within a 1 year period.

3.2 Every detector must be tested using equipment and products approved by the detector manufacturer to ensure compatibility with the detector and in accord with the manufacturer maintenance recommendations/instructions.

3.3 The equipment and products used in the testing must not involve the use of naked flames, flammable oils or toxic substances to avoid additional fire risk and compromise of the fire detection system.

3.4 The testing equipment used should include lightweight, non-conductive, extendable access poles, which allow the testing to be carried out from a safe position, without the need for additional access equipment, such as ladders, platforms, scaffolding, etc.

3.5 Every carbon monoxide fire detector must be functionally tested to demonstrate that carbon monoxide can enter the detector chamber from an external source and produce a fire alarm signal (e.g. by use of apparatus which generates carbon monoxide or a gas which has a similar effect on the electro-chemical cell as carbon monoxide). It must be ensured that the material used does not cause damage to, or affect the subsequent performance of, the detector

3.6 The equipment/product used must not produce concentrations of carbon monoxide that exceed the international, national or state standards for safety and protection of life