Smoke Testers

About Smoke Testers

Smoke testers are essential diagnostic tools used to detect air leaks, track airflow patterns, and identify ventilation issues in buildings and mechanical systems. Available as smoke sticks, smoke matches, and smoke pellets, these products generate dense, visible smoke that reveals the movement of air currents, making hidden leaks and draughts immediately apparent. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks professional-grade smoke testing equipment from trusted brands including Arctic Hayes and Monument, providing reliable solutions for accurate air flow testing.

These smoke-generating devices are particularly valuable for heating engineers, ventilation specialists, and building surveyors who need to verify system performance and identify problems quickly. Whether you're testing flue draught, checking extractor fan operation, or locating air infiltration points in buildings, smoke testers deliver instant visual confirmation that would otherwise require expensive electronic equipment.

Applications

• Heating engineers: Testing boiler flues, verifying chimney draught, and checking combustion air flow
• Ventilation contractors: Assessing extractor fan performance and airflow direction in ducting systems
• Building surveyors: Identifying air leakage points, draughts around windows and doors, and building envelope defects
• HVAC technicians: Tracing air movement patterns and testing pressure differentials in air conditioning systems
• Fire safety professionals: Checking smoke control systems and verifying fire damper operation
• Energy assessors: Locating thermal bypasses and air infiltration during energy efficiency surveys
• Maintenance engineers: Detecting leaks in pressurised systems and testing cleanroom integrity

Choosing The Right Smoke Testers

When selecting smoke testing products at MyToolShed.co.uk, consider the application and environment. Smoke sticks in kit form offer convenience and portability for regular testing work, whilst individual smoke matches provide a cost-effective option for occasional use. Smoke pellets generate larger volumes of smoke, making them ideal for testing larger spaces or outdoor applications where wind dispersion is a factor.

Check the burn duration of different products – longer-lasting smoke sources allow more comprehensive testing without interruption. Consider safety features such as cool-burning formulations and protective holders that prevent hand burns. For professional use, choose products that produce non-toxic, non-staining smoke that won't damage sensitive equipment or leave residue. Storage requirements matter too; individually sealed smoke matches offer better shelf life than bulk pellets in humid conditions.

Safety Information

Always use smoke testers in well-ventilated areas and never in confined spaces without adequate ventilation. Ensure smoke products are completely extinguished after use and disposed of safely. Keep away from flammable materials and never use near explosive atmospheres or oxygen-enriched environments. Wear appropriate PPE including heat-resistant gloves when handling during and immediately after ignition. Follow manufacturer guidelines regarding indoor use limitations and ensure compliance with workplace health and safety requirements when using in occupied buildings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are smoke testers safe to use indoors?

Yes, when used according to manufacturer instructions in adequately ventilated spaces. The smoke products stocked at MyToolShed.co.uk produce non-toxic smoke designed for indoor air flow testing. However, always ensure good ventilation and inform building occupants before testing to avoid triggering smoke alarms unnecessarily.

How long does the smoke last?

Burn times vary by product type. Smoke matches typically burn for 30-60 seconds, whilst smoke pellets and sticks can generate visible smoke for 2-5 minutes, providing sufficient time to trace air flow patterns and identify leak locations effectively.

Will smoke testing set off fire alarms?

Smoke testers can trigger sensitive smoke detectors. Isolate or temporarily cover nearby smoke alarms before testing, ensuring you follow proper procedures for reinstating fire protection systems immediately after completing your work.