Solo Smoke Tester Maintenance & Tips: Keep Your Equipment Reliable - Fire Trade Supplies

Solo Smoke Tester Maintenance & Tips: 

Why Proper Maintenance Matters

Routine maintenance of Solo smoke and heat testing equipment is essential for:

  • ✅ Ensuring accurate and compliant fire alarm testing

  • 🧰 Extending the lifespan of expensive tools and consumables

  • 🔒 Reducing risk of equipment failure during critical testing

  • 💼 Minimising downtime and avoiding unnecessary replacement costs


General Maintenance & Handling Tips

  • Clean regularly: Use a dry, lint-free cloth to clean smoke cups, aerosol dispensers, sensors, and LED areas. Do not use harsh chemicals or solvents.

  • Inspect before each use: Check parts for visible wear, residue build-up, or mechanical damage.

  • Store in dry, temperature-stable conditions: Avoid storing equipment in humid, hot, or dusty environments.

  • Use genuine consumables: Always use official Solo cartridges, aerosols, or accessories to avoid performance issues or damage.


🔧 Solo 365 Smoke Tester: Maintenance Overview

  • Battery: Fully charge before use. Avoid storing with low battery levels.

  • Smoke Cartridge & Generator: Power off the unit before replacing cartridges. Clean the cartridge bay and smoke cup monthly.

  • LED & Proximity Sensors: Gently wipe to prevent misfiring or misreads.

  • Troubleshooting:

    • No smoke output? Check cartridge level, clean generator, and reseat components.

    • LED flashes red/purple? Indicates a fault—remove and clean generator, cartridge, and battery before reinserting.

  • Buy Solo365-001 here

🧪 Solo A5 Smoke Aerosol: Care Guidelines

  • Storage: Store upright, in a cool and well-ventilated area. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or high heat.

  • Use Tips:

    • Shake the can before use.

    • Insert into Solo 330 or 332 dispenser.

    • Apply 1–3 second bursts with ~10 second gaps.

  • Safety: This is a flammable product—use in ventilated areas and handle with care.

  • Alternative: Consider Solo A10 or A10S if a non-flammable aerosol is required.

  • Buy SoloA5-001 Smoke aerosol here 

🦾 Solo 330 Smoke Dispenser: Maintenance & Usage

  • Cup Cleaning: Wipe the inside and outside of the smoke cup after every use to avoid aerosol build-up that could affect spray dispersion.

  • Trigger Mechanism: Periodically check that the trigger button is functioning smoothly. If sticking occurs, inspect for dirt or residue around the spring mechanism.

  • Aerosol Can Insertion:

    • Ensure the canister sits firmly in the holder.

    • Do not force cans into place; misalignment can damage the dispenser.

  • Inspection: Regularly check for cracks, warping, or wear on the clear polycarbonate cup.

  • Buy Solo330-001 Smoke Dispenser Here

🛠️ Solo 461 Cordless Heat Tester: Maintenance & Safety

  • Battery Maintenance:

    • Always fully charge batteries before use.

    • Do not allow batteries to fully drain before recharging.

    • Store batteries at moderate temperature — not in direct sunlight or freezing conditions.

  • Heater Assembly:

    • Gently clean the heater shield and guard to prevent dust or debris buildup.

    • Do not attempt to dismantle internal components — if heat output is weak or inconsistent, replace the heater assembly using approved parts.

  • Heat Sensor Calibration:

    • Solo 461 uses an infrared beam and reflective shield — keep both clean and aligned for optimal performance.

  • Safety Guidelines:

    • Never aim the heat tester at skin or flammable materials.

    • Allow the heater to cool before packing it away.

    • Buy Solo461-001 here 

🪜 Solo Telescopic Poles (Solo 100 / 101 / 108)

  • Visual Check: Examine locking collars and pole sections for stress cracks, dents, or misalignment.

  • Locking Maintenance: If the pole won’t hold its position, clean the collar and apply a dry lubricant (e.g. graphite powder).

  • Connections: Keep pole heads clean to ensure tight fitting with testers and dispensers.

  • Buy our full range of testing poles here
  • Solo100-001
  • Solo101-001
  • Solo108-001

🔧 Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue Cause Solution
No smoke or poor output Blocked vents, low cartridge or can pressure Clean vents, replace cartridge or aerosol
Tester not activating alarm Dirty smoke cup or misaligned tester Clean the cup, reposition tester
Pole won’t lock in place Dust in twist-lock mechanism Clean and lightly lubricate
Solo 461 not heating Flat battery or worn heater Recharge battery or replace heater assembly

✅ Safety Reminders

  • Use in ventilated environments

  • Avoid direct skin contact with aerosol or heated units

  • Allow heat tester to cool before storing

  • Never use damaged or incompatible components


📦 Storage Advice

  • Store all Solo equipment in a padded carrying case to avoid transit damage.

  • Avoid stacking heavy tools or gear on top of smoke testers or dispensers.

  • Ensure aerosol canisters are upright and secure to prevent leaks or valve damage.


🧰 Useful Replacement Parts & Accessories to Keep on Hand

  • Solo 365 Smoke Cartridges & Battery Packs

  • Solo A5 / A10 / A10S Smoke Aerosols

  • Solo 330 & 332 Replacement Smoke Cups

  • Solo 461 Spare Batteries & Heater Units

  • Solo Telescopic Access Poles (Solo 100, 101, 108)

  • Solo 372 ASD Adaptor for aspiration detector testing

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