Smoke detector testers and CO detector testers work exceptionally well, but some replacement cartridges can expire once opened
Testing is crucial for fire protection and life safety systems, including alarms. Smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors play an essential role in alarm systems, alerting building occupants to these threats. That’s why NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code mandates a yearly functional test of these detectors. Instead of merely pushing a button to verify the power supply, actual gas from smoke detector testers or CO detector testers are directly applied to a sensor to see if the device detects the gas and generates an alarm.
Depending on the system, aerosol cans or cartridges can be used to dispense smoke or CO for testing. Both are great options, but make sure to consider this equipment’s shelf life. Aerosol cans can last essentially indefinitely (until they are empty)—even after they are opened. However, the cartridges used in specialized dispensers have a limited shelf life once they are first activated.
QRFS has the smoke detector testing and CO detector testing supplies you need, including ‘smoke or CO in a can,’ dispenser tools, aerosol cartridges, and more. Outfit yourself for practical alarm-system testing!
You can also read more about CO detector and smoke detector testing in our previous blogs.
Proper storage, shelf life, and use life of CO and smoke detector testers
Different CO and smoke detector tester systems use different aerosol cans and cartridges. Below, we explain the handling, storage, and usage-timeline instructions for:
- The Solo 330 CO and smoke detector tester, which uses aerosol cans
- The Solo 365 electronic smoke detector tester, which uses cartridges
- The Testifire TF2001 multifactor test system, which uses cartridges
- Smoke Sabre aerosol cans
In general, aerosol cans used by the Solo 330 and Smoke Sabre systems have a generally indefinite lifespan, even once they are opened. In contrast, smoke and CO cartridges used in the Solo 365 and Testifire TF2001 systems last about three months after they are installed and opened (though they have a generally indefinite shelf life when unopened).
The higher cost and limited lifespan of cartridges mean that the Solo 365 and Testifire TF2001 cartridge systems are best suited for managers of large or multiple buildings or fire protection professionals who will conduct extensive testing. The Smoke Saber or Solo 330-system aerosol cans may be more efficient for those who don’t require as much testing.
Solo 330 CO and smoke aerosol can system
The Solo 330 CO and smoke detector tester uses aerosol cans inserted into a dispenser. The dispenser enables extended reach and controlled testing and accepts Solo C6 CO cans, Solo A10 smoke cans, and Smoke Centurion smoke cans. Each of these aerosol products can also be used by hand without the Solo 330 Aerosol Dispenser.
According to SDI Fire, these aerosol cans have an indefinite shelf life, opened or unopened—they are not known to expire. However, the cans should be stored away from extreme temperatures, including the freezing cold and high heat that might be experienced in a car throughout the year.
Solo 365 smoke cartridge systems
The Solo 365 electronic smoke detector testing system features a dispenser that allows for a controlled discharge of smoke. The Solo 365 system accepts small, light cartridges that are easier to handle than aerosol cans. The Solo ES3 Smoke Cartridge can be used with this system, and it also requires the Solo 371 Smoke Generator to function.
Unlike the Solo 330 aerosol cans, the Solo ES3 and 371 cartridges do have a limited lifespan once their seal is broken. SDI Fire informed us that they last about three months after their first use. However, they last unopened indefinitely—just use the same storage temperature precautions as you would for an aerosol can.
Per SDI’s instruction manual, neither the smoke cartridge nor the smoke generator that goes with it should be removed from the Solo 365 tester until the tester’s status lights indicate it is time.
Testers can conduct up to 250 tests per Solo ES3 cartridge and 8,000 tests per Solo 371 smoke generator.
Testifire TF2001 multifactor test system
The Testifire TF2001 system is a multi-stimulus electronic test system capable of testing smoke, heat, and CO sensors, all without swapping out cartridges between tests. It accepts Testifire TC3 CO cartridges and Testifire TS3 smoke cartridges. These cartridges last approximately 3 months after their initial use but can last indefinitely before being installed.
Testifire states that each CO cartridge can cause 50 to 150 CO detector activations, and each smoke cartridge can cause 500 to 1,000 smoke detector activations before running out. Why the significant range? The actual number of activations depends on the statuses of the devices being tested. For example, running multiple tests on an insensitive CO detector will obviously drastically reduce the number of activations.
Smoke Sabre aerosol can system
Smoke Sabre aerosol cans offer a cost-effective solution for functional smoke detector testing. They are essentially an aerosol can with one frill: a telescoping dispenser to provide extra reach. According to SDI Fire, these aerosol can smoke detector testers don’t expire, even after they are opened. However, like all aerosol cans and cartridges, they should be stored away from extreme temperatures.
Get the right supplies for testing systems
Practical, functional tests of smoke and CO detectors are essential for knowing that your systems are truly functional and ready. And NFPA 72 requires them every year.
Depending on your needs as a building manager, maintenance professional, or fire protection ITM contractor, you’ll reach for a different system. Aerosol systems like Smoke Sabre or Solo 330 use versatile and affordable—though bulkier—cans. The Solo 365 and Testifire TF2001 systems utilize compact and lightweight cartridges in systems that are ideal for intensive testing, but the cartridges have a limited lifespan once opened. So, plan and purchase accordingly!
Whichever you choose, QRFS is your partner in smoke detector testing and CO detector testing supplies. Check out our full test and monitor catalog!
If you have any questions or need assistance finding an item, please contact our support team.
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