A Fire Test is an optional, controlled procedure performed by trained fire professionals to verify that deployed Silvanet Ultra-Early Wildfire Detection Sensors can detect wildfire-related gases under real-world conditions. During the test, a managed fire is created to reproduce early-stage wildfire conditions and allow you to observe alert triggering in the Site Management App, email, SMS, or API.
Incorrect Fire Test setups can lead to unreliable results, misleading detection times, or the false impression that a properly installed system is not functioning as intended.
Below are common mistakes to avoid and why they do not align with realistic wildfire behavior.
1. Using Buckets, Barrels, or Containers
What happens:
Burning material inside buckets or barrels causes gases to rise vertically in a narrow column.
Why it’s a problem:
This chimney effect prevents proper horizontal dispersion, meaning sensors may not be exposed to wildfire-related gases in a natural way.
-
Restricted airflow inside containers often results in unstable combustion and inconsistent gas production.
These setups do not represent real wildfire conditions.
2. Using BBQ Grills or Cooking Pans
What happens:
These are designed for cooking, not for controlled testing. They often generate heat and visible flames but limited wildfire-related gases.
Why it’s a problem:
They do not reproduce the gas-rich conditions typical of early-stage wildfires.
The limited, highly localized gas release results in few or no detections.
3. Holding a Flame Directly Next to the Sensor
What happens:
Some testers attempt to verify performance by holding a lighter, torch, or small burning object directly beside a sensor.
Why it’s a problem:
Sensors do not detect open flames; they detect wildfire-related gases carried through the air.
Direct heat can damage the device housing.
This method offers no meaningful information on real-world sensor performance.
4. Minimal or No Gas Production
What happens:
Small, fast-burning materials (e.g., cardboard or dry debris) can ignite quickly without producing sustained wildfire-related gases.
Why it’s a problem:
This does not reflect realistic wildfire ignition patterns.
Without sufficient gas output, nothing reaches the sensor, causing the test to appear unsuccessful even when the system is functioning correctly.
5. Stopping the Test Too Early
What happens:
Some users end testing after only a few minutes because alerts have not yet appeared.
Why it’s a problem:
Silvanet Sensors require continuous exposure to wildfire-related gases for several minutes before triggering a fire alert.
Prematurely ending the test can incorrectly suggest the system is unresponsive.
Correct approach:
Conduct the Fire Test for at least 30–60 minutes.
Record the first moment gases become visible to observers to accurately measure detection time.
Maintain a stable fire, do not rush the process.
Correct Testing Procedures
To ensure your Silvanet system is tested accurately and under the correct conditions, please make sure you follow the procedures outlined in the Testing Silvanet section of our Help Center. These guidelines explain how to properly conduct both Fire Tests and Sensor Smoke Tests, the required environmental conditions, and the steps needed to avoid false-negative results.
For full details on how to test your Silvanet system correctly, please refer to the articles linked below.
Note: Tests are not mandatory and do not serve as a formal validation of system functionality. They are intended for user validation, training, demonstrations, or confirming that alerts meet your operational requirements.
Comments
0 comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.