Solo A5 vs Solo A10
Choosing between Solo A5 and Solo A10 smoke aerosols is an important decision for fire alarm engineers and facility managers. While both are designed for use with Solo 330 smoke dispensers and related Solo kits, there are key differences in performance, compliance, and application.
This guide breaks down those differences and helps you choose the right aerosol for your working environment.
🔍 What Are Solo A5 and Solo A10?
Both Solo A5 and A10 are aerosols used to simulate smoke for testing point-type smoke detectors. They're used with tools like the Solo 330 smoke dispenser, typically included in Solo kits such as the Solo 808, Solo809, Solo810, Solo822, and Solo823.
| Feature | Solo A5 | Solo A10 |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | 250ml | 150ml or 250ml |
| Flammability | Flammable | Non-flammable |
| Transport Class | Hazardous (Aerosol Flammable) | Non-Hazardous (Easier to ship) |
| Typical Use | General-purpose testing | Sites with flammable restrictions |
| Dispenser Compatibility | Solo 330, Solo 332 | Solo 330, Solo 332 |
🔥 Solo A5 – Trusted and Familiar
The Solo A5 is a 250ml flammable aerosol and the direct replacement for the discontinued Solo A3. It delivers a consistent, fine smoke suitable for routine testing of smoke detectors.
✅ Pros:
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Cost-effective
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Large volume (250ml) for high test count
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Widely used and readily available
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Compatible with Solo 330 kits across the range
⚠️ Cons:
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Flammable — requires hazardous shipping labels and storage
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Not suitable for hospitals or clean environments with strict safety policies
🔧 Best for:
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Fire alarm engineers in standard commercial and industrial settings
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School sites, retail units, offices, and warehouses
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Teams using Solo 809 or Solo 810 kits
🌱 Solo A10 – Cleaner, Non-Flammable Option
The Solo A10 offers a modern, non-flammable alternative. It’s available in both 150ml and 250ml versions and meets all key performance expectations while offering easier transport and safer handling.
✅ Pros:
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Non-flammable — no special shipping restrictions
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Safer for storage and use in sensitive environments
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Compatible with Solo 330 smoke dispensers
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Compliant with updated aerosol safety standards
⚠️ Cons:
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Slightly smaller size (if using 150ml version)
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Slightly higher cost per ml than A5
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Can be less readily stocked than A5 in some regions
🔧 Best for:
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Sites where flammable products are restricted (e.g. hospitals, data centres)
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Fire alarm companies shipping products internationally
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Engineers needing to reduce hazardous goods from their inventory
📦 Transport & Storage: What You Need to Know
If you’re ordering test aerosols regularly or transporting them between sites, the classification of the product matters.
| Factor | Solo A5 | Solo A10 |
|---|---|---|
| UN classification | Hazardous (UN1950) | Non-Hazardous |
| Shipping paperwork needed | Yes | No |
| Storage regulations | Must follow flammable goods rules | Standard storage |
| Shelf life | Long | Long |
For teams working across the UK or internationally, Solo A10 may significantly simplify logistics and reduce shipping costs.
🧭 Summary: Which Should You Use?
| Your Situation | Recommended Product |
|---|---|
| You want the most cost-effective solution | Solo A5 |
| You're working in healthcare or clean environments | Solo A10 |
| You need a product with fewer shipping restrictions | Solo A10 |
| You already use Solo 809, 810, or 823 with Solo 330 | Both are compatible |
| You need large volumes for high-frequency testing | Solo A5 (250ml) |
✅ Final Recommendation from Fire Trade Supplies
At Fire Trade Supplies, we recommend:
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Solo A5 for engineers carrying out routine smoke detector testing in general commercial spaces.
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Solo A10 for sites that demand non-flammable consumables or where simplified transport is a benefit.
Both products are compatible with Solo 330 and Solo 332 smoke dispensers and are available with all major Solo test kits on our website.
Want personalised advice?
📞 Contact our team at Fire Trade Supplies and we’ll help match you with the right Solo products for your testing needs.