Testifire XTR2 Fire Alarm Testing Equipment Range FAQs
How long does it take to fully charge the battery?
1 to 1.5 hours
How long does it take to charge the battery to 50%?
30 to 40 minutes
When charging the battery for 30 minutes, to what % is it charged?
~50%
How many smoke only tests do you get from a full battery?
~550 (20 second tests)
How many standard heat only tests do you get from a full battery?
~100 (30 second test)
How many high heat only tests do you get from a full battery?
~55 (50 second test)
How many combined smoke-heat only tests do you get from a full battery?
~80 (30 second test)
How can you check the battery charge level on a battery?
1. View battery level on the screen of the unit
or the App.
2. Click the button on the battery and view
the LED feedback:
0 LEDs = flat battery
1 LEDs = 0-25%
2 LEDs = 26-50%
3 LEDs = 51-75%
4 LEDs = 76-100%
How do I know when the battery needs charging?
1. View battery level on the screen of the unit
or the App.
2. Click the button on the battery and view
the LED feedback:
0 LEDs = flat battery
1 LEDs = 0-25%
2 LEDs = 26-50%
3 LEDs = 51-75%
4 LEDs = 76-100%
How many charge cycles do you get out of a battery before it needs replacing?
300 cycles ~ 70% of capacity
Can you plug the USB-C from the charger directly into a laptop to charge? Do you need the wall PSU?
It must be plugged into a wall using our charger. A USB port does not have the correct voltage output to charge our battery
Can you use any car PSU to charge the battery?
No. Only approved chargers from Detectortesters are compatible (Part No. TESTIFIRE-CHA-001)
How do you know the charger is charging the battery?
The status LED on the charger dock will flash green every 1 second to indicate a battery is connected and charging
How do you know when the charger has fully charged the battery?
The status LED on the charger dock will remain solid green to indicate when a battery has reached full charge
How do you know when the battery is faulty?
The status LED on the charger dock will flash red every one second to indicate a battery fault. Try removing and reinserting the battery into the charger dock. If the problem persists the battery may be faulty
How do you know when the charger is faulty?
The charger can tell if the voltage from the plug is not correct or if the battery has developed a fault. It will signal with a flashing red LED every 1 second
How quickly does the battery discharge if not in use?
1. In the unit it will last several months 100%-0%. There is a small power requirement from the drop detection function.
2. Out of the unit the battery will last ~24 months 100%-0%. 9% reduction in first month and reducing after each month.
When should you charge the battery? At what level?
The battery can be charged at any level. It will not effect its lifespan.
How do you care/look after the battery? And safely.
From Safety Data Sheet:
HANDLING AND STORAGE
When used correctly, Lithium-Battery-Packs / Rechargeable Lithium-Batteries provide a safe and dependable source of power. However, if they are misused or abused, leakage, venting, or in extreme cases explosion and / or fire may result.
Storage
• Store unused batteries in their original packaging and keep them away from metal objects which may short circuit them.
• Storing unpackaged cells together could result in cell shorting and heat build-up
• Store and display batteries in their original packaging in well ventilated, dry and cool conditions
• Avoid storing or display batteries in direct sun or in places where they get exposed to rain
• The normal storage of Lithium-ion Polymer Battery Pack is made at temperature between +10°C and +25°C, never exceeding +30°C
In this way the maximum shelf-life (i.e. max retention of cell performances after storage periods) of Lithium-Ion-Battery Pack is achieved
• Storage temperatures above room temperature will increase the rate of selfdischarge, reducing the available capacity of the cell. Humidity above 95% R.H. and below 40% R.H. should also be avoided for sustained periods, as these extremes are detrimental to batteries
• Storing the cells / batteries at low temperature is also suggested, but attention must be paid when transferring the cells to warmer environments, because of the possibility of having water condensing on to the cells (risk of short circuits)
• Do not stack battery cartons on top of each other exceeding a specified height. The height is clearly dependent on the strength of the packaging. As for general rule this height should not exceed 1.5 m for cardboard packages or 3 m for wooden cases. The above recommendations are equally valid for storage conditions during prolonged transit. Thus, batteries should be stored away from ship engines and not left for long periods in unventilated metal box cars (containers) during summer.
What type of battery is it?
Lithium-Battery-Pack
Can I use any other batteries?
No. Only approved battery packs from Detectortesters are compatible (Part No. TESTIFIRE-BP-001)
Can I buy a spare battery?
Yes. Spare batteries can be purchased from ourselves. (Part No. TESTIFIRE-BP-001)
Why don't you include a spare battery?
The Testifire XTR2 battery pack will deliver a full day of testing across a combination of smoke and heat tests.
Why would you need to update the firmware?
By choosing to update your firmware your Testifire XTR2 will benefit from performance and stability improvements, new features and bug fixes.
When do you have to update the firmware? Will you be notified?
The DT Connect App will issue a notification to your mobile device when a new firmware update is available for your Testifire XTR2.
In addition, email addresses registered with a DT Connect account will receive email notification.
How do you update firmware? What is involved?
Testifire XTR2 firmware can be updated using the DT Connect App. The update is downloaded to the connected smart phone device and installed on Testifire XTR2 wirelessly over Bluetooth. Mobile data charges apply. Do not disconnect from the App or power off your Testifire XTR2 during the firmware update.
How long does a firmware update take?
Firmware updates typically takes about 10 minutes.
How do I know when the update is complete and it is safe to disconnect or power off my tester?
The DT Connect App will confirm when the update is complete and the LCD display on Testifire XTR2 will return to the test selection screen.
Do I have to update my firmware?
Firmware updates are strongly recommended to ensure your tester maintains optimal performance and compatibility with DT Connect.
How many smoke tests do you get out of the generator before it needs replacing?
120,000 seconds of smoke per generator. This gives 8000 tests for 15 seconds of smoke with a 30 seconds test cycle duration. Testifire XTR2 will inform you when the generator should be changed and the DT Connect App will give an accurate percentage reading of remaining life.
When do you need to replace the smoke generator? How do you know?
Testifire XTR2 will display the low smoke generator icon along the top of the LCD display when the smoke generator has 10% capacity left and the DT Connect App will give an accurate percentage reading of remaining life.
The smoke generator looks like a Solo371 generator? Is it the same, can you use it in this new tester?
A Solo 371 generator can be used in Testifire XTR2 however, Testifire XTR2 generators cannot be used in Solo devices.
Can I purchase a replacement smoke generator?
Yes. A spare smoke generator can be purchased directly from ourselves. (Part No. TESTIFIRE-GEN-001)
Can I fit a replacement smoke generator myself?
Yes. The Testifire XTR2 smoke generator can
be replaced as follows:
1. Ensure the unit is switched off and the battery is removed
2. Remove the TES3 smoke cartridge from the smoke generator
3. Disengage Clip 1 and lift. Repeat for Clip 2 to remove the used generator
4. Insert the new generator firmly into the recess, engaging clips 1 and 2
5. Insert the TES3 smoke cartridge and battery pack
The cartridge looks like a Solo ES3 cartridge, is this the same cartridge?
No. Despite their physical similarities Testifire XTR2 uses a unique smoke cartridge. The new TES3 cartridge features a larger test capacity of up to 500 tests and can be purchased in packs of 3 or 6 from ourselves (Part No. TES3-3PACK-001, TES3-6PACK-001)
Can you use the Solo ES3 cartridge in this tester?
Solo ES3 cartridges can be used in Testifire XTR2. However, TES3 cartridges cannot be used in Solo devices.
How many tests do you get from TES3 cartridges before they need replacing?
TES3 cartridges can deliver up to 500 tests of 30 seconds. Testifire XTR2 will inform you when the smoke cartridge should be changed and the DT Connect App will give an accurate percentagereading of remaining life
How do I know what counts as one test and when a second test has started?
A single test count is defined as up to 30 seconds. During each test, Testifire XTR2 will produce a 5 second burst of smoke and a 5 second pause (no smoke) three times to total 30 seconds. After each 30 second period an additional test count will be consumed
Can I use my existing Testifire smoke capsules?
No. Testifire XTR2 uses a unique smoke cartridge and is not compatible with older TS3 capsules
How long will my TES3 last if unopened?
The shelf life of TES3 varies depending on the storage conditions it is exposed to. If stored within the recommended temperature range, the shelf life of a TES3 cartridge will extend to several years. The specified range is -10°C to 50°C (+14°F to 122°F)
I’ve left my smoke cartridge inserted and not used for a while, will it still work?
Partially used cartridges can continue to be used but may require a manual purge before use
Are smoke cartridges re-fillable?
No. Empty smoke cartridges cannot be refilled and should be recycled accordingly to local waste disposal guidelines
How do the cartridges generate smoke?
Fluid is passed over a hot element, vapourizing the fluid into particles mimicking behaviour of real smoke to a detector
Are the TES3 cartridges hazardous?
No. Unlike aerosol smoke cannisters, TES3 cartridges are non pressurised and nonhazardous, supporting safe storage and transportation
With the smoke only setting, how long does it take before detectors go into activation?
Test times will vary based on detector type, age, condition and integration mode. In a controlled lab environment Testifire XTR2 typically takes between 6 and 30 seconds to activate a wide range of smoke detectors from industry leading manufacturers
With standard heat testing setting, how long does it take before detectors go into activation?
Test times will vary based on detector type, age, condition and integration mode. In a controlled lab environment Testifire XTR2 typically takes between 10 and 50 seconds to activate a wide range of heat detectors from industry leading manufacturers
With a combined smoke-heat setting, how long does it take before detectors go into activation?
Test times will vary based on detector type, age, condition and integration mode. In a controlled lab environment Testifire XTR2 typically takes between 10 and 45 seconds to activate a wide range of multisensor detectors from industry leading manufacturers.
When should you use the hi-heat setting?
Hi-Heat mode is intended to test heat detectors with an activation point of 90 degrees or higher only
Is testing now faster compared with the current Testifire?
Smoke generation on Testifire XTR2 is significantly faster and more efficient than older Testifire models, however activation time will vary based on detector type, age, condition and integration mode.
Is heat testing faster with the hi-heat setting?
Both settings increase the heat output at a similar rate. Applying excess heat beyond the detectors configured mode will not necessarily result in faster activation.
Using the hi-heat setting unnecessarily will significantly reduce the Testifire XTR2 battery life. Heat detectors configured in “”rate-of-rise”” mode will not benefit from a higher maximum heat output.
Heat detectors configured with an integration period wait a predefined amount of time before entering alarm and will not necessarily benefit from a higher maximum heat output. Using the hi heat setting incorrectly will risk melting standard detectors.
With a black cup, how do you know that the detector has gone into activation?
Testifire XTR2 features optical LED recognition technology. When the detector is activated, the optical LED reader inside the tester cup will sense the detector activation LED and automatically end the test. The status LED’s will flash triple green to signify the test has been successful and you should remove Testifire XTR2 by gently lowering it. If after two minutes the test has not completed, Testifire XTR2 will time-out and the test will be recorded as failed. The status LED will flash triple red to signify the test has been unsuccessful and you should remove Testifire XTR2 by gently lowering it.
Can you lower the tester from the detector so see/check if the detector has gone into activation (rather than rely on the LEDs)?
Testifire XTR2 can be lowered from the detector for up to 2 seconds during a test. This is known as the “peek” period and allows a quick view of the detector without aborting the current test. Note that removing the detector from the test cup for 2 seconds or longer will abort the current test
What is clearing?
Clearing mode reduces reactivations by blowing clear through the detector to remove any lingering smoke following a test
When does the automatic clearing come on?
Clearing will begin automatically after a successful Smoke, Combined or Sequential test. Testifire XTR2 does not need to be lowered and replaced over the detector for clearing to begin. Simply continue to hold Testifire XTR2 over the detector and Clearing will begin
How do you stop clearing?
Clearing will stop automatically when the detector is removed from the Testifire XTR2 test cup.
Is there a clearing only setting?
Yes. A manual clearing function is available via the DT Connect App.
How long is the delayed start timer and can I make it longer/shorter?
By default, the delayed start timer is set to 20 seconds. This can be decreased to 5 seconds or increased to 40 seconds via the DT
Connect App only
How is smoke produced when using the delayed start function and can I make it longer/shorter?
Smoke is produced for 20 continuous seconds after the delayed start timer reaches zero and cannot be increased/decreased at this time
Can I test CO detectors and can I use my existing TC3 cartridges?
No. Testifire XTR2 is a Smoke and Heat detector tester only and cannot be used to test CO detectors. TC3 cartridges are not compatible
Can I use my existing Solo poles or do I need to buy new ones?
Yes. Testifire XTR2 is compatible with all existing Solo access poles
Are battery batons from the existing Testifire compatible, or can I use a Solo 370 battery pack?
No. Existing Solo battery batons and Solo 370 battery packs are not compatible with Testifire XTR2
On the device display, what do the icons stand for?
Refer to user manual for a full description of each icon on the Testifire XTR2 LCD display
What temperature is standard heat?
Standard heat delivers up to 95 ˚C at centre of cup and takes approximately 20 seconds to reach this temperature.
What temperature is hi-heat?
Hi-Heat delivers up to 115 ˚C at centre of cup and takes approximately 20 seconds to reach this temperature.
Can I change testing status via the App?
Yes. Using the DT Connect App, the test mode can be selected from the job screen by tapping the “Change Test” option in the top left hand corner.
Why won’t the tester activate my detector?
Verify that smoke or heat is being produced by placing your hand in the test cup before repeating the test. Check Testifire XTR2 for errors, then verify if the detector is faulty by testing an alternative Detector.
Can I test ASD systems?
Yes. Delayed Start mode can be used with the Testifire XTR2 ASD adaptor to test Aspirating Smoke Detection systems (Part No. TESTIFIRE-ADAP-001)
What do the LED colours mean?
Solid Blue - Smoke Standby - Indicates the next test will be Smoke
Solid Red - Heat or Hi-Heat Standby - Indicates the next test will be Heat or Hi-Heat
Alternate Solid Blue-Red - Combined SmokeHeat Standby - Indicates the next test will be a Combined Smoke and Heat
Solid Orange - Smoke or ASD Standby - Indicates the next test will be a Delayed Start smoke test (for ASD and flat detectors)
Solid White - Clearing Standby - Indicates the next operation will be Clearing
Flashing Blue - Smoke or ASD Testing - Indicates Smoke or ASD test is being performed
Flashing Red - Heat or Hi-Heat Testing - Indicates Heat, Hi-Heat or sequential test is being performed
Flashing Blue-Red - Combined Smoke-Heat Testing - Indicates a dual Smoke and Heat test is being performed
Flashing White - Clearing Testing - Indicates Clearing is being performed
Flashing Orange - Smoke or ASD Delayed Start Timer period before test commences
Triple Green Flash - Smoke, ASD, Heat, HiHeat Test Result Pass Result when detector LED is sensed. Shown until head is removed from detector
Triple Red Flash - Pause Smoke, ASD, Heat, Hi-Heat Test Result Fail Result at test time-out. Shown until head is removed from detector
Solid Purple - All Error Indicates an error has occurred. Shown until user acknowledge or shut-down
What can I do if I can’t get a seal around the detector?
The Testifire XTR2 will still create smoke and/or heat without a perfect seal. The automated detector LED detection may not function if too much ambient light is present in the test
cup. In this case, use the DT Connect App to override the rest result with a manual pass/fail.
What type of detectors should I use a sequential test on?
Sequential testing is designed for multi-sensor detectors with dual channel notification. This enables you to test each sensor (heat and smoke) one after the other and receive a separate notification for each activation at the fire panel.
How does a sequential test work?
The sequential test mode will perform a heat test followed by a smoke test, and then clearing mode. Between tests, Testifire XTR2 will wait a maximum of 30 seconds for the detector to auto-reset and the test cup to become dark before proceeding to the smoke test. If 30 seconds is exceeded, the tester will end the Sequential test.
What can I do if the detector doesn’t reset during a sequential test?
Put the fire panel into test mode to ensure the detector automatically resets after a test. If testing in fire mode, another person is required at the panel to manually reset the system.
How long is the warranty period?
2 year warranty this is for the head unit and charger kit.
What are the warranty periods for spares / consumables?
12 months
What do I do when the product fails during the warranty period?
Contact product support on support@detectortesters.com to raise an RMA
Is accidental damage or theft covered in the warranty?
No. Refer to warranty terms and conditions
How do you know the product has been dropped? Dropped from height?
The product will display error 24 Drop Detected
The warranty team can view information on drops for each unit by serial number on the cloud database.
This will include information such as
- Total number of drop events captured
- Average severity seen in its life
Can you repair the product yourself?
Users can clean, maintain and change serviceable items in the field only. Self repairs will invalidate the warranty
How much is it to repair the testers?
Go to our Website for Repair Bundle prices
What’s the process for getting the product replaced?
User raises an RMA with Product Support and return the product to their nearest authorised service centre
Do you issue loan units whilst the product is being replaced?
Unfortunately we are unable to provide loan units during a repair.
How can I keep my tester in top working order
Refer to user manual for cleaning guides and help video in DT Connect App
Does the product need an annual service?
No. There is no need to return Testifire XTR2 for an annual service or calibration
My tester is asking me to clean the IR sensor. What does this mean?
This message appears when the infrared sensor inside the test cup is too dirty and cannot self-calibrate. You should clean the sensor with a lint free dry cloth
Can I register a new technician from the App ?
Yes a new technician can register through the App. They will need the company code to link their profile to the correct company and they will need to select whether they are an full time employee or a contractor to be given the correct user access rights.
What software version on the mobile do you need to run this App?
Apple iPhone with iOS 12 or later Android OS 8 or later
Where can I download the App from?
DT Connect App is available on Google Store and Apple App Store.
Can anybody just download the App and use any tester?
No - users need to be registered and can only use devices that are registered to their company.
How do I know that I can use my company’s tester?
Tester device needs to be registered to your company on the cloud portal under devices. If this is not the case you need to:
- Log in to service portal
- Click on Devices at the top of the page
- Click on “”+Add New Device”” at top right of the page under sign out
- Insert device serial number (this can be found on the device settings under device information)
Why does the App ask for location data? If I don’t agree, what is the impact?
Location data is used to search for nearby locations to allow you to choose a site location when creating a test - this is to ensure compliance as location is proof of presence on the report. If you do not agree, you will not be able to start a test job, and you will receive a pop up directing you to your mobile settings
I previously did not allow the App location or camera access; how do I switch it back on / allow it again?
On Android: Go to settings - Apps - Select detectortesters-connect - permissions - change permissions
On Apple: Go to settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > DT Connect > Allow Location Access While using the App
Are there any specific password requirements for the App (and Cloud Portal)?
There is a password complexity requirement of 9 characters and alphanumeric combination.
Forgot my password? What do you do?
Select forgot password - insert email address of account - click on reset link sent via email (check your spam folder) - follow prompt to reset your password
Do you need a mobile for this new tester?
Yes, a mobile is required to pair with Testifire XTR2 using the DT Connect app. After initial pairing, Testifire XTR2 can be used without connecting to the DT Connect app.