Cleaning and Recalibration

In order to ensure that a fire detection system functions correctly, it is important that detectors are regularly inspected visually in addition to functional testing.

Detectors which appear dirty on the outside are likely to be dirty on the inside. These can be cleaned without dismantling by using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, which will remove light dust deposites. The detector case can be cleaned with a cloth dampened with a solution of washing up liquid. Cleaning should be followed by functional testing.

Apollo also recommends that detectors are returned for cleaning and recalibration:

• if the current consumption of a conventional detector, in either quiescent or alarm state, is outside that published by Apollo, when tested on a test set.
• if the 'clean air' analogue value of an analogue addressable smoke monitor reaches the limit published by Apollo
• if functional testing with a smoke or heat test pole does not result in the correct operation of a detector, for example if a detector takes a long time to go into alarm or if it fails to go into alarm
• when local regulations demand it
• for cosmetic reasons - if the detector casing has become stained and unsightly

To ascertain the correct values referred to above, please consult the relevant Engineering Product Guide.