The Scorpion system is an innovative remote smoke detector tester designed for hard-to-access detectors. It consists of a micro smoke generator (the Scorpion “head unit”) that is permanently installed next to a smoke detector (or an aspirating pipe inlet) and a controller (portable or wall-mounted) to activate it. When triggered, the head unit produces smoke at the detector, allowing a functional test of the detector’s alarm response without physically accessing the detector. In short, Scorpion enables convenient testing of point detectors or aspirating smoke detection (ASD) systems that are difficult to reach.
What types of smoke detectors can it test?
Scorpion is designed to test virtually all standard point (spot-type) smoke detectors as well as aspirating smoke detection (ASD) systems. It introduces smoke to either the detector’s sensing chamber or into the sampling pipe of an ASD system, causing a properly working detector to alarm. Note that Scorpion only provides smoke stimulus, so it may not activate certain multi-sensor detectors (combined smoke/heat/CO units that require multiple stimuli); those would require a multi-stimulus tester instead. Aside from that exception, any hard-to-access smoke detector – whether conventional or aspirating – is a suitable candidate for Scorpion testing.
How does it work?
Scorpion works by generating smoke at the location of the detector, simulating a fire condition. A small Scorpion head unit (smoke generator) is installed adjacent to the detector or at an ASD pipe’s sampling point. When a test is initiated from the Scorpion controller or access point, the head unit releases a measured amount of smoke (for a preset duration, e.g. 15 seconds) into the detector. This incoming smoke should trigger the detector’s alarm if the detector is functional. The test can be done safely from ground level or a control station – the technician simply connects a battery-powered controller and presses a test button to start the cycle. After the smoke is generated, Scorpion can also initiate a clearing cycle to ventilate the smoke, ensuring the detector resets and no unwanted alarms occur.
What are its main benefits?
- Time and cost savings : Scorpion dramatically reduces the effort required to test detectors in high or awkward locations. There is no need for ladders, lifts, or extra manpower – tests can be performed as part of a routine visit, saving the cost and time of special access arrangements.
- Improved safety : Because testing is done remotely, technicians and occupants are not put at risk. There’s no need to work at height or disrupt building operations – the detector can be tested from a safe, convenient location, with no risk to the public or the engineer during the process.
- Compliance assurance : Scorpion allows all smoke detectors to be tested in accordance with fire code requirements, even those that are normally inaccessible. This means building owners can fully comply with national and international standards for regular detector testing without exceptions. Scorpion eliminates the need to leave hard-to-reach detectors untested, providing peace of mind that every detector is functioning as expected.
- Retrofit flexibility : The system can be retrofitted to existing fire alarm installations or integrated into new ones, so it’s very flexible in application. Once installed, the head unit is dormant until testing, so it does not interfere with normal detector operation.
