The year 2017 will be a huge year for the Solo range with some exciting new products due for launch. The first of which is Solo 365 – a completely new tester offering the ultimate test experience in terms of speed, handling and features.
The functional testing of fire detectors is not only required by codes and standards, but is also the requirement of detector manufacturers.
For most, the system of choice for carrying out this testing is Solo – for 20 years the industry’s most popular range of detector test equipment, offering solutions for smoke, heat and CO testing and used world-wide by thousands of customers on millions of sites.
Offering the reliability and quality required when testing fire systems, Solo has the approval of leading detector manufacturers – confirming it is compatible and safe to use on the widest range of detectors.
Faster testing
Solo 365 is built to withstand the demands of regular everyday use, but at the same time offer maximum performance to those who rely on it every working day. A proximity sensor within the test cup allows for instant generation of clean, residue-free smoke via cartridges as soon as Solo 365 is placed over a detector. This not only allows faster testing – but also ensures minimal smoke wastage and eliminates repeat alarms which are sometimes caused by over application.
If required, a clearing mode within Solo 365 provides further support to eliminate repeat alarms. This feature is ideal for detectors and environments where smoke may linger longer and helps ensure faster movement between detectors.
Simpler testing
Products from the Solo range are renowned for their ease of use. The research put into their design has resulted in simple, yet hugely effective solutions. Solo 365 follows this tradition, managing to include new technology without complicating the design or user experience.
Its slim-line design is perfect for use in tight spaces, easily fitting between gaps to reach detectors behind pipes, ceiling voids and other obstructions. The unit itself is light in weight, (15% lighter than the traditional Solo 330 dispenser), supporting easy mobility around site and when carrying out testing.
Solo 365 also tackles a problem commonly reported by fire engineers testing in dark, confined spaces. An auto-LED automatically illuminates upwards when light levels drop, allowing for easier location of detectors and rapid alignment between the detector and tester.
Cleaner testing
The over-application of smoke when testing can lead to detector contamination – resulting in nuisance re-alarms or, in the worst case, failure to alarm. With smoke generation starting and stopping soon after the detector enters and exits the cup, it is almost impossible to over apply smoke – protecting the detector, the test tool and the environment of the site being tested. Solo 365 smoke does not contain any propellant that contributes to global warming and is not affected by the (F-gas/SNAP/HFC) regulations coming into force January 2018 affecting some aerosol smoke testers – including Solo A3.
Set for launch in Spring, Solo 365 will be joined by another new addition to the Solo range – Solo A10. Solo A10 joins Solo A5 as a regulation compliant aerosol for use with the Solo 330 dispenser. Solo A10 is a non-flammable replacement for Solo A3 (which uses HFC 134a) with Solo A5 offering an additional choice.
Final development of Solo 365 included comprehensive testing with both fire maintenance engineers and detector manufacturers. The feedback was extremely encouraging, with 90% of those who responded giving the product at least 4 out of 5 for intuitive use.
“It’s a really exciting time for the company, in particular the Solo product range.” Commented John Meech, Product Manager at Detectortesters. “Solo has been established world-wide for over twenty years, these latest additions allow us to continue to offer real choice to customers and mark the launch of the next generation of Solo products.”
Solo 365 will be presented at FeuerTrutz, Nuremberg and will continue to feature at shows in the build up to launch.
For more information, go to www.detectortesters.com/Solo365
