Testing and adjustment of scattered-light smoke detectors

A method for testing smoke sensitivity of a scattered-light smoke detector having a light source, a measurement volume within range of the light source, and sensor-and-evaluation means disposed for producing a signal depending on light scattered in the measurement volume, the method comprising:

• inserting a substantially transparent body including scattering centers into the detector such that the measurement volume is occupied at least in part by the body, the scattering centers being included in a concentration corresponding to a smoke density at or above an alarm concentration;
• and
• sensing a resulting signal from the sensor-and-evaluation means.

A method for testing for contamination of a scattered-light smoke detector having a light source, a measurement volume corresponding to an uncontaminated state of the smoke detector and disposed within range of the light source, and sensor-and evaluation means disposed for producing a signal depending on light scattered in the measurement volume, the method comprising:

• inserting a substantially transparent body including scattering centers into the detector such that the measurement volume is occupied at least in part by the body, the scattering centers being included in a spatial distribution such that, upon insertion of the body into the smoke detector, the measurement volume is substantially free of scattering centers;
• and
• sensing a resulting signal from the sensor-and-evaluation means.

A device for adjusting or testing a scattered-light smoke detector, comprising:

• a body of substantially transparent material with included scattering centers, shaped for insertion into the detector such that a measurement volume of the detector is occupied at least in part by the body.