During the MCFP Virtual Conference series, expert Lee Kaiser, covers some basics of heat detection testing. In the video below, watch as Lee dives in-depth for different heat detecting tests and how to complete a test using a battery powered device.
Video Transcript:
Heat detection
There generally two types of heat detectors when it comes to testing. The first is non-restorable types. When we test with them they actually are damaging so we don't test with non-restorable types. The code just says replace them after 15 years.
Then there's the restorable types that we can test. We do a heat test on them and they need to have a response within 60 seconds after activating the heat on the device. A lot of times we use either a hair dryer or a heat gun that is the heat source. Don't use a lighter, a Bic lighter will actually melt the detector housing. Once in a while we go out and see scorch marks on heat detectors because somebody used a Bic lighter. Don't do that.
Use a hair dryer or a heat gun and test them every two years. Keep records so we know that we have tested all of them within 5 years. Smoke detectors need to be tested once per year, but heat detectors are a little more reliable technology in regards to their continued operation, so we don't have to test them as frequently.
Here's a device that I want to play show and tell with. This is a heat detector tester. We'll turn this on and let you pass it around and play with it. It has a little green light that's flashing and tells you that it's on. What I want you to do is to make a fist and then put it down inside of this and the little sensor eye that's in there will automatically turn on and it will heat up just like a hair dryer. You'll feel that happen and when you pull your hand out after a number of seconds it will stop operating. This black thing is the battery. These are battery powered devices and we'll pass this around.
