Interview with Rick Heffernan, SDI general manager

Security Products Editor-In-Chief Ralph C. Jensen: Describe the products main features and benefits.

Heffernan: Smoke Sabre is a totally unique smoke detector tester.  Its patented design makes it both quick and easy to use and offers a cost effective and reliable means of testing.

The design of Smoke Sabre also enables fast detector activation and clearing and an increased number of tests per can.  In addition Smoke Sabre brings an end to harmful residue, something which is a common problem with other aerosol based smoke detector testers.

When in the closed position the ‘sabre’ prevents access to the spray button, meaning the aerosol can only be sprayed when the ‘sabre’ is fully extended. In use, air is drawn through the holes in the sabre and this, coupled with the venturi effect involved, assists the velocity and vaporization process of the airborne ‘smoke’ particles.

Smoke Sabre is a UL listed, universal test product covering the sensitivity range of all smoke detectors and is approved by smoke detector manufacturers worldwide.

Jensen: What target customer will benefit most from this products features and functionalities?

Heffernan: Smoke Sabre will target customers from all sides of the fire & life safety industries.  Inspectors, AHJ’s, electrical contractors and manufacturers will love the benefits Smoke Sabre provides.  Besides being the most cost effective smoke detector testing method in the industry, Smoke Sabre is also the cleanest. With its innovative design, Smoke Sabre will eliminate residue extending he life of your detectors while saving your customers from costly repairs.

Jensen: What sets this product apart from its peers?

Heffernan: As well as being fun to use, the design of Smoke Sabre means that, unlike other testers, it cannot be used too close to a detector which eliminates the chance of residue build up which can affect not only the appearance of the detector -- but also the reliability.

Other products may be recommended as best used with accessory devices to prevent spraying too close.  With Smoke Sabre there is no choice.  The sabre is part of the product and cannot be used without it.

The extending sabre is made of 100 percent bio-degradable plastic making Smoke Sabre the only smoke detector test aerosol to be both recyclable and eco-friendly.

 

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