AirSense Wire burn test rig

The AirSense Wire Burn Test Unit is used to test very early warning aspirated smoke detection equipment. The unit provides a 6.3 VAC output from a 230 VAC mains supply. High current is passed through a test wire in order to heat it, which causes its insulation to burn giving off smoke.

During the commissioning of an ASD system, the hot wire test unit should be used. The unit must be placed on the ground in the protected area and then activated. The wire which is heated will generate smoke which simulates a real fire in the protected area. The smoke generated will then rises and create a smoke plume similar to a real fire. In this way the ASD can be tested to confirm that it is performing as designed, while taking into account factors like air flow and other environmental factors.

To ensure that the ASD is still performing as designed, it is recommended to carry out a hot wire test as part of routine maintenance. This might not be possible in all installations due to the nature of the protected area. For example, if the protected area is used for food preparation, then it would not be suitable. The hot wire test will confirm both the rising of smoke and formation of a plume, as well as the ASD’s performance to detect smoke and raise an alarm.