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

Smoke Detector Testing

Smoke Detector Testing 

Requirements for testing of smoke detectors vary by country, the common need is for a functional test where smoke, or simulated smoke, is introduced through the vents of the detector to the sensor.

Functional testing is required by all national standards around the world, including BS: 5839, DIN 14675 and NFPA 72. BS:5839-1 which, at its last update, stated: “Multi-sensor fire detectors should be physically tested by a method that confirms that products of combustion in the vicinity of the detector can reach the sensors and that the appropriate response is confirmed at CIE.” (45.4(j).  It highlights that each sensor on which a fire detection decision depends (e.g. smoke, heat, CO) should be physically tested individually. This means that functional testing needs to be carried out on both the smoke and heat sensors, this ultimately requires spending more time under each detector and on a site where multi-sensors are the dominant device, this can add significant time to a site visit.  In this situation access to an all-in-one test solution adds real value, not only does it mean less time spent changing between testers but it also means less tools are required to be carried around site – reducing disruption and improving productivity.

A functional test should be carried out using an appropriate test tool which is designed for purpose and will cause no damage to the detector under test.

If you have standalone smoke detector, test the alarm monthly. Replace the batteries at least once every year. Replace the entire smoke alarm every 10 years. Press and hold the test button on the smoke detector. It can take a few seconds to begin, but a loud, ear-piercing siren should emanate from the smoke detector while the button is pressed. If the sound is weak or non-existent, replace your batteries. Most of Standalone detectors have either a blinking or a solid light that glows to let you know that the alarm is getting power. 

Before starting the testing job for 2wire / 4wire smoke detector, take the proper work permit and inform to all the respective departments / authority. Then do force the respective logics or interlocks if any (like fire suppression systems activation etc).

§  Prior to testing of Smoke detector see the LED status of the Smoke Detector it should be blinking red.

§  Check the voltage of the Smoke Detector, it should be + 30 Volts DC. This can be checked at the addressable base of the detector.

§  Now Smoke Detector is healthy and it is ready for testing.

§  Clean the Smoke Detector’s dust by cotton cloth and blower

§  Apply the aerosol spray to the Smoke Detector by solo Smoke detecting gun with the help of the Solo A10S/A5 aerosol bottle.

§  Keep applying aerosol spray for 10 seconds.

§  After 10 seconds LED status of the Smoke detector will change from the steady blinking red to steady red and after that alarm appears and hooter is activated on the fire alarm panel.

§  To silence the hooter press acknowledge key on the Fire Alarm Panel.

§  After alarm appears remove Smoke detecting test gun from Smoke Detector.

§  Note down the alarm tag and descriptions from the HMI or workstation. The alarm details must match with the smoke detector tag number and installed location.

§  Confirm the smoke detector activation status from the respective graphics page. You have to visually identify the colour change signals of the respective smoke detector on the graphics.

§  Reset the alarm of the Smoke detector from Fire Alarm Panel.

§  The LED status will change from steady red to blinking red.

§  Smoke Detector is now working normally.

§  Repeat the above procedure for all the remaining smoke detectors.

§  Normalize the forced interlocks or logics if any.

§  Close the work permit.

Note: The mentioned voltages or LED colors sequence may change as per the vendor or model of the smoke detectors. Solo Smoke Aerosols is approved all over the world, its Non-toxic & Silicone free. Solo smoke aerosols (used with the Solo 330/332 dispensers) deliver smoke particles to the detector under test replicating the conditions of smoke from a fire. Our range of smoke aerosols has recently increased to allow continued use of Solo 330/332 dispensers in full compliance with latest regulations.

BS:5839-1 as the example once again, the 2017 update to the standard covered this by stating: “For remotely situated or hard-to-access detection equipment, consideration needs to be given to the feasibility of testing and maintenance at the design stage.” (Clause 22.1).

Unique Formula Identifier (UFI), is a 16 character alphanumeric code which will soon be required to appear on the labelling of all products classified as hazardous by the ECHA. This new directive is designed to enable faster identification of product contents, with the UFI code used to detail the composition, product category and toxicological information of the product and enable faster reaction and treatment of potential harm.

UFI codes will become mandatory on relevant products across Europe from January 2021.

Do remember A10S is globally approved non-flammable UL listed product.