In order to test the functionality of the GSME fire gas detectors, the typical fire gases can be released with a test device. This could be done by dosing a “cocktail” of various gases from a test gas cylinder. However, there are some difficulties here in practice. In particular, to excite the hydrocarbon sensor, components are required that do not have the necessary vapor pressure and therefore cannot be kept in pressurized gas cylinders. So the alternative way of directly generating the typical gas components with a glowing smoldering stick is chosen. All GSME types respond to the pyrolysis gases that are generated in the test device.

The test device GTL-3 is designed as an attachment for the widely used detector test system solo ™ from detectortesters. It consists of a fire chamber in which special smoldering stick are carbonized in a controlled manner. They release the gas mixture required to trigger the GSME fire alarm in sufficient concentration. A controlled draft of air supplies the smoldering fire generated in the test device with fresh air.

The GTL-3 is mounted on the telescopic pole of the solo ™. The battery is located in the handle. After ignition, the gas funnel of the GTL-3 test device is pressed against the front of the detector to be tested. This causes the fire gases to reach the sensors of the GSME detector. The system is very compact, enables better handling and significantly simplifies the testing of GSME detectors.