Fire Detector Testing Equipment

Detector testing equipment lets fire alarm engineers and facilities teams prove that smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors respond, without removing them or climbing ladders. JEM Systems UK supplies the Solo and Testifire ranges alongside Scorpion permanent test heads, so you can build a kit around the detectors you actually maintain.

Start with the detector type. Smoke detectors are tested with aerosol test gas (Solo A5 and A10, SmokeSabre) or with an electronic or cartridge generator such as the Solo 365 or Testifire XTR2. Heat detectors need a controlled heat source: a cordless heater like the Solo 461, or the heat head on a Testifire XTR2 or Solo 822/823 kit. CO detectors need CO test gas or capsules (Solo C3/C6, Testifire TC3), never smoke aerosol.

Reach matters just as much. Our test and removal kits pair a tester head with a telescopic fibreglass pole, from 5m Urban kits to 6m, 8.2m, 9m and 9.3m, so you can test and take down detectors from floor level. Standalone poles run from 1.13m extension sections to 4.5m telescopic sets.

Routine testing is part of keeping a fire detection system compliant with BS 5839-1, and consumables such as smoke cartridges, CO capsules, batteries and membranes keep testers working between services. Browse the sub-collections by detector type, brand or kit, or ask our team to help you choose a kit for your site.

Browse testing equipment

By detector type: smoke detector testers, heat detector testers and CO detector testers. By brand: Solo detector testers, Testifire detector testers and Scorpion detector testers. By product: detector test kits, detector test aerosols and detector access poles.

Testing the detectors themselves? See our smoke detectors, heat detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, multi-sensor detectors and flame detectors.

Buy smoke detector testers and fire alarm test equipment for commercial fire alarm servicing: Solo access poles and single-function testers, Testifire all-in-one heads, heat testers, smoke detector test sprays, CO test gas and Scorpion fixed test heads from the Detector Testers range, plus spares and consumables.

Detector testers we stock

Smoke detector testers

The Solo 365 electronic smoke detector tester uses replaceable ES3 smoke cartridges instead of an aerosol can, and the Solo 372 adaptor lets it test ASD test points. For aerosol testing, the Solo 330 and Solo 332 (large cup) dispensers hold the can at the top of a Solo pole.

Smoke detector test sprays and CO test gas

Solo A5 and A10 smoke aerosols and the non-flammable Solo A10S smoke detector test spray fit the Solo 330 and 332 dispensers. The SmokeSabre is a hand-held smoke test aerosol designed to prevent use too close to the detector, reducing the risk of residue. For carbon monoxide detectors, use Solo C3 CO test gas in a dispenser, or the Solo C6 hand-held aerosol with straw.

Heat detector testers

The cordless Solo 461 heat detector test kit and Solo 460 head run on Solo 770 battery batons. The Solo 424 (220/240 V) and Solo 423 (110/120 V) are mains powered, with the Solo 425 5m extension cable. See all heat detector testers.

Testifire all-in-one testers

Testifire tests more than one stimulus from a single head. The Testifire 2000 head and Testifire 2001 kit cover smoke, heat and CO using TS3 smoke and TC3 CO capsules. The Testifire XTR2 connected tester covers smoke and heat, with 5m Urban, 6m and 9m kits.

Solo poles, removal tools and accessories

Fibreglass Solo access poles include the Solo 100 (4.5m), Solo 101, 108 and 111 extensions and the lighter Urban poles. Add the Solo 200 universal detector removal tool, carry bags, chargers, batteries and spare cups and membranes. Complete detector test kits run from 5m Urban kits to the Solo 823 (9.3m).

Scorpion fixed test heads

Where detectors cannot be reached safely, Scorpion point and ASD test heads are fixed at the detector and operated from the Scorpion 7000 portable controller or the 8000 wall-mounted panel.

How to choose a detector tester

• Detector types on site. Match the test to the detector: smoke, heat or CO. A Testifire head covers several; Solo uses a separate tester for each.
• Ceiling height. Choose a kit or pole combination that reaches your highest detectors, and consider Scorpion where access is impractical.
• Aerosol or cartridge. Aerosols in a dispenser cup are simple and flexible; the Solo 365 and Testifire use cartridges or capsules instead. The A10S and C3 are non-flammable options.
• Consumables and power. Keep spare aerosols, cartridges, capsules and batteries to hand.

Why buy from JEM Systems UK

JEM Systems UK supplies genuine Detector Testers products, all brand new and factory sealed, to fire alarm engineers and installers across the UK, alongside our wider range of fire alarm test equipment. Buy online with fast, tracked UK delivery.

Detector tester FAQs

What device can I use to test a smoke detector?

Use a smoke detector tester that puts test smoke into the detector: an aerosol in a Solo dispenser, a hand-held SmokeSabre, the Solo 365 or a Testifire head. Detector tests should show that smoke can pass into the sensing chamber, which pressing a test button alone does not prove.

Can I use any spray to test a smoke detector?

No. Use a smoke detector test spray made for detector testing and follow the detector and tester manufacturers' instructions. The wrong product, or spraying too close, can leave residue in the detector.

How often should fire detectors be tested?

BS 5839-1 recommends inspection and servicing visits roughly every six months, with the operation of every detector verified within each 12-month period, usually spread across visits. This work should be carried out by a competent person.

What is the difference between Solo and Testifire?

Solo is a modular system of poles with a separate tester for smoke, heat or CO. Testifire combines stimuli in one powered head, so multi-sensor detectors can be tested without changing tools.

Can I test smoke, heat and CO detectors with the same aerosol?

No. Smoke test aerosol simulates smoke for smoke detectors only. Heat detectors need a heat source (for example the Solo 461 or the heat head on a Testifire kit) and CO detectors need CO test gas or capsules. Multi-sensor detectors may need more than one test.

What is the difference between aerosol and electronic testers such as the Solo 365 or Testifire XTR2?

Aerosol cans are low cost per test and suit occasional use. Electronic and cartridge units deliver a consistent, repeatable amount of smoke and suit large sites and heavy routine testing. The XTR2 also adds a heat head and connected reporting options.

What pole length do I need?

Match it to ceiling height plus your reach. Roughly: 4.5m telescopic poles or 1.75m Urban poles for normal ceilings; 6m kits (such as the Solo 811 and 822 or Testifire 6201) for higher ceilings; 8.2m to 9.3m kits (Solo 812 and 823, Testifire XTR2 9m, Testifire 9201) for atria and warehouses. Poles also reduce the need to work at height.

Will the kits fit every detector, including Ajax and ASD?

Most heads fit standard point detectors; flush and ASD detectors may need a head adaptor, such as the Solo 372 ASD adaptor or the Ajax adaptor for the Testifire XTR2. Check the product page before ordering for mixed-manufacturer sites.