Smoke detectors are critical devices for keeping your family and home safe and they should be tested periodically to ensure they are working correctly.
The information contained herein is general guidelines. For specific testing instructions, be sure to refer to your individual device’s installation manual.
How Often Should I test smoke detectors?
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, both Hardwired and Battery powered smoke detectors should be tested on a monthly basis.
How To Test Smoke Detectors
There are two separate tests that should be done to ensure the unit is functioning correctly; using the Test button to test electronics, and using canned smoke to test the sensing element. If your sensor is programmed as Fire with Verification, the unit will need to sound for 30 seconds or so to trigger.
Test Button
Pushing the Test or Hush button on the unit and holding it down for 5-10 seconds should cause the sensor to go into alarm but you will need to refer to the device manual for specific instructions. This test ensures the sensor is powered, its electronics/siren are working, and communication to the alarm panel is successful.
Canned Smoke
The Test/Hush button will not test the detector’s sensing element, or ability to trigger during a real event. For that you should use an aerosol smoke detector tester.
It is not recommended to use an open flame to test as this could cause a damage to the unit or an actual structure fire.
FireFighter Audio Detector
When using a FireFighter Audio Detector (either the 2GIG-FF345 or the
SLX-AD-T3) you will want to tamper the unit to ensure it is communicating with the alarm panel. You will also want to follow the standard testing steps for your interconnected smoke.
Monitoring Account Test Mode
If you have 24/7 Professional Monitoring through Surety you should place your monitoring account on Test Mode when testing your smoke detectors to avoid false dispatches. Steps on how to place your account on Test Mode can be found here: