Smoke vs Heat tests - When to use?:

Choosing between a smoke tester and a heat tester is essential for effective fire safety testing. Each type of detector is designed to respond to different fire conditions, and using the correct testing equipment ensures accurate performance checks and regulatory compliance. This guide breaks down the differences between smoke and heat testers, when to use them, and what environments they are best suited for.

Understanding the Purpose of Each Tester

Smoke Testers simulate the presence of smoke, typically through aerosol-based or cartridge-based systems. These are designed to activate photoelectric or ionisation smoke detectors, which are triggered by the presence of airborne particles.

Heat Testers simulate rising temperatures by applying controlled heat to the detector. They activate either fixed-temperature or rate-of-rise heat detectors, which are triggered by an increase in ambient temperature or a rapid rise over a short period.

Ideal Use Cases

Smoke Testers Should Be Used In:

• Offices, residential properties, hallways, and living areas

• Environments where early detection of smoldering fires is critical

• Areas free from smoke-generating contaminants like dust or steam

Heat Testers Should Be Used In:

• Kitchens, garages, boiler rooms, and workshops

• Industrial settings where dust, steam, or cooking vapor's are common

• Locations prone to false smoke alarms

Comparison Table: Smoke vs Heat Testers

Common Testing Equipment

Smoke Testing Equipment:

• Solo 330 – Aerosol smoke dispenser for use with Solo A5/A10s

• Solo 365 – Modern, cartridge-based smoke tester with LED and proximity sensor

Heat Testing Equipment:

• Solo 461 – Cordless heat tester powered by rechargeable battery

• Solo 424 – Mains-powered heat tester for fixed installations

Best Practices for Detector Testing

1. Identify detector type before testing — use smoke testers only for smoke detectors and heat testers only for heat detectors.

2. Follow manufacturer guidelines and national fire safety standards such as BS 5839 or NFPA 72.

3. Test detectors at correct intervals:

   • Smoke detectors: every 6–12 months

   • Heat detectors: every 12–24 months

4. Use telescopic poles (e.g., Solo 100, 101) to test safely from ground level.

5. Record all tests to maintain compliance and support maintenance logs.

Recommendations

• Use smoke testers like the Solo 365 or Solo 330 in residential, office, or public buildings where early smoke detection is vital.

• Use heat testers like the Solo 461 or Solo 424 in kitchens, industrial settings, and dusty environments where smoke detectors are likely to produce false alarms.

• For complete fire safety coverage, maintain both testing systems and follow a regular testing schedule.

Still Unsure Which Tester to Use?

We recommend reading our Solo Test Kit Buying Guide to compare full kits that include both smoke and heat testing options.

Or get in touch with our team at Fire Trade Supplies — we’ll help you choose the right solution for your property or project.

Tip: Download this guide as a PDF to keep in your compliance documents or share with your fire safety team.