Why is it important?

Regular testing and maintenance of fire detectors provides reassurance that, in the event of a fire, the device will be able to respond accordingly and keep both the building and its occupants safe from the danger of fire. It is also a requirement of industry standards and detector manufacturers.

What makes us test?

The requirement to carry out regular testing is led by industry codes and standards, which spell out how detectors should be tested and at what frequency. Compliance with these standards is key and in the event of a fire, proof would be needed to show the fire system was correctly installed and maintained.

As well as following the relevant codes and standards, it is also important to comply with the requirements of the detector’s manufacturer.  Like any life safety product, fire detectors need to be regularly tested and maintained in accordance with manufacturer instructions – without this there is no guarantee that the device will perform as intended.

When carrying out functional testing of detection devices it is vital that a suitable test tool is used. This means using tools and test stimuli which is designed specifically for the purpose of testing smoke, heat and flame detectors. It is important that nothing be introduced into the detector that could cause harm to the functionality, device and/or its components.

Over time, detectors can become contaminated by dirt and dust, problems can also be caused by insects and water leaks. Issues such as these are common causes of nuisance alarms which create disruption on site and attract additional cost. Regular testing helps identify these issues and provides the opportunity to ensure each device is working as it should.

More information:

You can learn more about the range of test solutions approved for use with the GFE range in the products section, dedicated to that equipment.