Smoke sensor with test switch and method of operation thereof

A fire testing system, the system comprising:

• at least one fire alarm initiating device including:
• a normally deactivated test switch that is activated during testing of the fire alarm initiating device;
• a fire detection system detecting an indication of fire;
• and
• a controller of the fire alarm initiating device that senses the activation of the test switch, and in response, prevents the fire alarm initiating device from sending an alarm message to a control panel controller upon the fire detection system detecting the indication of fire;
• and
• a test tool including a hood that is placed over the fire alarm initiating device, wherein the hood includes a test switch activation mechanism within the hood that activates the test switch of the fire alarm initiating device when the hood is placed over the fire alarm initiating device.

A test tool, including:

• a base and a hood attached to the base;
• a canister contained within the base that delivers smoke, heat or carbon monoxide;
• a wand attached to the base for holding the base, the wand including a wand activation mechanism for controlling the test tool;
• and
• a test switch activation mechanism within the hood that activates a test switch of a fire alarm initiating device when the hood is placed over the fire alarm initiating device, wherein, upon activation of the test switch, the fire alarm initiating device is prevented from sending an alarm message in response to detecting an indication of fire to a control panel controller.