Smoke Sensitivity Testing using SDi's TruTest/Smoke 400 Product

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CFAA has received various inquiries across Canada related to the issue of the Canadian government banning of Smoke 400 aerosol for smoke sensitivity testing for smoke detectors. As a result, CFAA followed up with the distributor SDi (a CFAA member company), who has been working to resolve this issue. The good news is the ECCC retracted the ban on this product and it will now be available for sale in Canada again. Below are the details.

Approximately one year ago, Environmental Climate Change Canada (ECCC) unilaterally banned the importation of the propellent HFC134A into Canada due to environmental regulations.   This unfortunately affected SDi’s product, TruTest Smoke Detector Sensitivity Tester and the aerosol that is required for its operation (Smoke 400).  

As many are aware, smoke detector sensitivity testing is required by CAN/ULC-S536: Inspection & Testing of Fire Alarm Systems.   Currently the only third-party solution to test smoke detector sensitivity is TruTest, which is available from SDi as well as various distributors across Canada.  SDi has reported that after a year of negotiations with ECCC, an exception has now been made due to life safety issues and in order to remain compliant with CAN/ULC-S536.  Importation of TruTest and Smoke 400 is now once again permitted.    To assist their Canadian customers, SDi will complete and submit all paperwork necessary for the granting of permits by ECCC to import TruTest/Smoke 400 at no cost.  SDi will maintain all records as required by Canadian regulations and shall file reports on their behalf.   SDi’s Business Development Managers that are responsible for the Canadian market will assist you at the time of purchase and help make it as seamless as possible.   Should you have any questions please feel free to contact SDi at info@sdifire.com.