Heat Test
- Thread starter ml1936
- Start date
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I'd try holding a source of heat (lighter) somewhere underneath in one hand, and a thermometer right up close to the detector in the other hand for instrumentation purposes. I think they're supposed to go off when air temp at the unit is 57 degrees (if i remember correctly from the data sheet of the kidde one I've bought).
There may well be a proper way to do it though
.
Liam
There may well be a proper way to do it though
.Liam
H
holmslaw
..
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Aico say that you should only test their smokes/heats by pressing the TEST button and not by using smoke/heat...
Liam & Homslaw testing fire detectors:
H
holmslaw
..
Doesn't a lighter leave soot on the detector head, and risk melting the plastic too?
A hair dryer or heat gun would seem more sensible to me.
A hair dryer or heat gun would seem more sensible to me.
@RF - I was thinking significantly below the detector so that warm air convects upwards until the detector is triggered, not trying to set it on fire! Still - hairdryer sounds like a better bet.
@BAS - I dunno, I propose a test procedure that representatively simulates the real operating conditions and is fully instrumented. I dare say with a little work, a BS for testing heat detectors could be written around my proposal. And all I get is mocked!!
Liam
@BAS - I dunno, I propose a test procedure that representatively simulates the real operating conditions and is fully instrumented. I dare say with a little work, a BS for testing heat detectors could be written around my proposal. And all I get is mocked!!
Liam
Small gas soldering iron, with a hot air tip on it.
Oh, ok.
Have you tried it? Does it take a while?
Normal commercial detectors are rated at either 70ºC or 90ºC depending on where they are sited.
Also, some places use a rate of rise detector, which I don't think you would change the air temperature quick enough to trigger it.
Many detectors have a reed switch in them to enable testing with a magnet, but this obvioulsy does not prove that the thermistor part actually works.
Have you tried it? Does it take a while?
Normal commercial detectors are rated at either 70ºC or 90ºC depending on where they are sited.
Also, some places use a rate of rise detector, which I don't think you would change the air temperature quick enough to trigger it.
Many detectors have a reed switch in them to enable testing with a magnet, but this obvioulsy does not prove that the thermistor part actually works.
I take my heat detectors to 'The RAJPUT' if they go off in there whilst I am having a Raj then they are working
In all seriousness thou, I press the test button as per the instructions, holding a heat source upto it is more likely to cause damage I think
In all seriousness thou, I press the test button as per the instructions, holding a heat source upto it is more likely to cause damage I think
I think we might be talking at cross purposes here.
On domestic heat alarms, pressing the test button is fine.
I was referring to heat detector heads forming part of a commercial fire alarm system.
These do not have a test button.
On domestic heat alarms, pressing the test button is fine.
I was referring to heat detector heads forming part of a commercial fire alarm system.
These do not have a test button.
I too was thinking commercial ones where the element is exposed via the cage.
Never used domestic heat ones so do not know.
The ones I have done you need to get the tip within about 200mm of it and it usually alarms after 20 seconds any longer and the plastic case starts to soften.
It heats the element more than the surrounding air so you have to be carefull not too overdo it and damage it.
As you say a heat gun is better and the proper way really.
Dunno about heat, but if you want to test a smoke detector, this way is foolproof, and you can eat it.
Cast iron griddle pan (the ridged Le Creuset one is v.good)
Chilli-infused olive oil
Chicken breast
Pour some of the 2nd into the 1st, swirl around and/or spread with a brush.
Turn off any cooker extractor fans and heat the 1st until the 2nd is smoking.
Add the 3rd, sear on both sides for a couple of minutes, then reduce the heat and cook for 10-mins or so, depending on the thickness of the meat, turning once.
Cast iron griddle pan (the ridged Le Creuset one is v.good)
Chilli-infused olive oil
Chicken breast
Pour some of the 2nd into the 1st, swirl around and/or spread with a brush.
Turn off any cooker extractor fans and heat the 1st until the 2nd is smoking.
Add the 3rd, sear on both sides for a couple of minutes, then reduce the heat and cook for 10-mins or so, depending on the thickness of the meat, turning once.
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