Solo A5 vs Solo A10 vs Solo A10S: Which Smoke Detector Test Aerosol Is Right for You?

Solo A5 vs Solo10 v Solo A10s

When testing smoke detectors, the aerosol you choose plays a key role in safety, efficiency, and compliance.

With several smoke testing aerosols available from the Solo range, understanding the differences between Solo A5, Solo A10, and Solo A10S helps you pick the most appropriate solution for your team and testing environment.

This guide outlines the features, differences, and ideal use cases for each product. 

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🔍 At a Glance: Key Differences

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🔥 Solo A5 – High Capacity, Flammable Aerosol

Solo A5 was introduced to replace the phased-out Solo A3 and remains a popular choice for engineers conducting routine smoke testing.

 It’s a 250 ml pressurised aerosol that delivers consistent, fine-particle smoke through the Solo 330 dispenser.

✅ Pros:

• High test volume – suitable for frequent testing

• Widely used in the fire safety industry

• Compatible with all standard Solo kits

⚠️ Cons:

• Flammable – subject to strict transport and storage rules

• Not suitable for sensitive or controlled environments

Best for:

Fire alarm engineers working in commercial and industrial buildings, schools, and retail premises where flammable goods can be handled safely.

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🌱 Solo A10 – Modern, Non-Flammable Alternative

Solo A10 is a non-flammable aerosol designed to offer the same performance as Solo A5, but without the stricter transport restrictions as the solo A5. Available in both 150 ml and 250 ml sizes, it is fully compliant with non-hazardous classification.

✅ Pros:

• Safe to ship and store (Limited restrictions)

• Suitable for hospitals, cleanrooms, and public buildings

• Available in multiple sizes

⚠️ Cons:

• Slightly more expensive per ml than Solo A5

• 150 ml version may run out faster under high test frequency

Best for:

Sites with strict safety protocols, those needing simpler logistics, and contractors working in health or data-sensitive environments.

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✨ Solo A10S – Full-Size, Non-Flammable Upgrade

The Solo A10S is essentially a rebranded 250 ml version of the Solo A10, providing the same non-flammable formula in a format designed for consistency with the older A3 and A5 products.

This is ideal for engineers transitioning from legacy systems who want to continue using 250 ml canisters but with safer, modern compliance.

✅ Pros:

• Full-size, familiar format

• Safe for international transport

• Ideal for companies phasing out flammable aerosols

⚠️ Cons:

• Slightly heavier than 150 ml alternative

• Still requires a compatible dispenser (Solo 330 or 332)

Best for:

Facilities looking for a safe, direct replacement for the original Solo A3 while maintaining full capacity.

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🧪 Compatibility Tips

All three options—Solo A5, A10, and A10S—are compatible with:

• Solo 330 smoke dispenser

• Solo 332 smoke dispenser

• Test kits such as Solo 808, Solo 809, Solo 810, Solo 822, and Solo 823

No additional tools are needed to switch between the three types, but engineers should avoid mixing flammable and non-flammable aerosols during the same job without cleaning the dispenser between use.

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🚚 Transport and Storage Overview

For companies transporting aerosols across sites or shipping to clients, Solo A10 and A10S offer a much easier and safer route.

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🧭 Which Smoke Aerosol Should You Use?

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✅ Our Recommendation

At Fire Trade Supplies, we recommend:

• Solo A5 for engineers conducting regular tests in standard environments with no transport limitations.

• Solo A10 or A10S for customers who require non-flammable options for safety, logistics, or industry compliance.

All are reliable, compatible with your existing Solo test kits, and fully approved for professional fire detector testing in the UK and beyond.

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Further read:

• How to Use Solo A5 Smoke Aerosol Safely & Effectively