F-Gas changes affecting aerosol smoke detector testers

Posted in: Test Category Testing News

Early aerosol test products contained chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which whilst delivering good performance, were harmful to the ozone layer. Alternatives were developed which offered the same level of performance but without the risks to the ozone. This led to HCFC’s and then to chlorine-free hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) that could be used for aerosol products – commonly using HFC 134a.

Many aerosol test products, including our smoke detector tester Solo A3, were developed using HFC 134a and have since become popular around the world.

In recent years, world governing bodies have looked more closely at the use of gasses and the amounts that are released into the environment and as a result HFC 134a was targeted for phase out. This, once again, led to manufacturers looking for alternative solutions for use in their products.

Having been aware of these upcoming changes for some time, we have developed several alternatives (including two aerosol cans for dispenser use) to ensure users can continue to benefit from the reliability and approvals offered by our current range. As a result, we are now able to offer the ultimate in choice when it comes to smoke detector testers – all of which offer the quality and reliability associated with the Detectortesters brand and all of which are approved by the world’s leading detector manufacturers.

Questions & Answers:

Which of our products are affected?	Our dispenser aerosol – Solo A3, hand-held aerosols – Chekkit and Canned Smoke and our air duster – Solo A7
When will they be phased out?	We will no longer be able to manufacture these products after 31^st December 2017. After this date we will only be able to sell existing stock (until June 2018).
Will they be replaced?	Yes, we have two new aerosols – Solo A5 and Solo A10 which can be used in the Solo 330 dispenser. Both these products will offer a comparable performance to Solo A3. We will also have a new tester, Solo 365, which moves completely away from a reliance on pressurised aerosol canisters. It generates smoke via cartridges, tests faster, is lighter to carry and offers numerous unique features. Our most popular hand-held tester – SmokeSabre- will continue to be available. Our air duster, Solo A7, will not be replaced.
When will the new products be available?	Solo A10s, Solo A10 and Solo A5 will all be available from early December.
Why aren’t these products affected by the regulations?	Solo A5 and Solo A10 use different gases to generate smoke. Solo A5 is a flammable product, common with many other pressurised aerosol products. For some, use of a flammable product is not an option – for this reason we developed Solo A10. Solo 365 has no reliance on pressurised aerosol gases so is protected from this regulation change and any future regulations which may target pressurised solutions.
What’s next?	Our distributors are aware of these changes and will continue to carry stock of Solo A3, Chekkit, Canned Smoke and Solo A7 into 2018 until stocks runs out. Before then they will carry stock of all the new products and will be able to offer advice on the best solution for you. Solo is the world’s most popular range of detector test equipment – successfully testing and maintaining fire detectors for the last 20 years, these new products have been developed and tested to the same standard as existing Solo products. As a result, all are approved by leading detector manufacturers and offer everything expected of a product from the Solo range.