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Testing fire detectors

Fire detector testing with the right equipment is essential for maintenance and on-going functionality.

For fire detection products to be maintained in accordance with industry standards, and to ensure an on-going commitment to quality, regular and correct testing, servicing and maintenance of fire detections systems is needed.

This is according to Lauren Sher, country manager for GE - Security in South Africa.

"We strongly advocate best practice in fire detection; and encourage users of fire detection equipment to work within the industry codes and standards which require that detectors are regularly tested and maintained," says Sher.

Following codes and standards is important in ensuring a safe working or living environment. In doing so, conducting professional service and maintenance dramatically minimises the risk of extensive damage to property and also minimises any possibility of loss of life.

Regular servicing and maintenance not only ensures compliance with legal requirements, but can also validate building insurance. In addition, such a programme of comprehensive testing, service and maintenance contributes significantly to reducing false alarms.

"Functional testing means that the detector is tested for its ability to detect smoke; however, many people use methods that are at best not recognised as standard, but at worst damage the detector's sensing chamber and housing. This will then put the building and the people using it at risk," Sher explains.

Using cigarettes, test magnets and aerosol cans to test detectors is not recommended. There are suitable testing tools developed for this purpose, such as GE - Security's range of detector test equipment, which offers full compliance with the standards and codes for testing.

Other benefits of the kits include low cost per test and universality - meaning that they can be used on all makes of detector. The detector test kit is non-flammable and will leave no residue, reducing the risk of future false alarms. In addition, they are light-weight and user-friendly.

Sher concludes, "Compliance and insurance conditions insist on testing of smoke detection equipment on a regular basis; but only by taking these measures using suitable equipment can you be sure that the system's integrity and trustworthiness has not been compromised."

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