Have you heard about Gent Self-Test Revolution - Here’s How It Could Transform Your Fire Safety Routine

What is a Gent Self-Test?

The Gent Self-Test is an intelligent fire detection solution designed to simplify system testing and maintenance. Created by Honeywell Gent, a leading name in life safety systems, the Self-Test range allows key components - such as smoke and heat detectors - to automatically test themselves without the need for manual intervention or access equipment.

This technology is especially useful for commercial buildings, student accommodation, healthcare environments, and schools, where regular fire system testing is essential but can be disruptive or costly due to high ceilings or difficult access.

Benefits of Gent Self-Test:

✅ Improved Efficiency - No need for ladders or access equipment for every detector test.

✅ Reduced Disruption - Quiet and discreet testing ideal for sensitive or operational environments.

✅ Cost-Effective - Cuts down on labour time and repeat visits.

✅ Smart Compliance - Maintains compliance with fire safety regulations without manual checks.

✅ Environmentally Friendly - Reduces unnecessary emissions and resource use by optimising callouts.

How Does It Work?

The Self-Test functionality works by initiating a controlled test of the detector’s sensing elements and internal components. The detector simulates the presence of smoke or heat and verifies that the device responds correctly, ensuring it's ready to activate in the event of a real fire.

This automated process can be activated remotely via the Gent control panel, making routine testing faster, safer, and far less intrusive - while remaining fully compliant with BS 5839 standards.

Who Should Use It?

If you manage a building with a large number of detectors or challenging access points - such as hospitals, shopping centres, offices, or listed buildings; then installing Gent Self-Test devices could significantly streamline your fire safety maintenance.

Why GENT Self-Test is a Smarter Way to Manage Fire Safety

✅ Wide Range of Devices

The GENT Self-Test range includes multi-sensors, Part-23 compliant Visual Alarm Devices (VADs), sounders, and voice alarm units - ideal for customising your fire system to meet specific building requirements.

✅ Simple, Disruption-Free Testing

Engineers can carry out both visual checks and functional tests using just a mobile phone or tablet. There’s no need for ladders or specialist access equipment - even in high-ceiling areas. Each detector goes offline for only 60 seconds, so the system remains active during testing without causing disruption to occupants.

✅ Thorough Sensor Testing

Self-Test checks both heat and smoke sensing functions. It applies controlled heat to the thermistor and releases a trace of smoke into the detection chamber. The system then clears the smoke to keep the chamber and entry points clean - reducing the chance of blockages or future faults. If you are the Property Manager of Student Accommodation this can also flag ‘masked’ or tampered detectors.

✅ Fast and Flexible Testing Options

Test a single device, an entire zone, multiple loops, or a full panel depending on the building layout. Up to six detectors can be tested simultaneously on each loop, with multiple loops tested at once - cutting down testing time significantly and offering the option for more tests on each device per year.

✅ Long-Term Efficiency and Compliance

The Self-Test function is fast enough to support four full functional tests per year, for up to 14 years. If a real fire is detected during testing, the system stops the test immediately and triggers the programmed Cause & Effect response.

✅ App-Driven Accuracy

Engineers can use the Connected Life Safety Systems (CLSS) app in combination with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to accurately identify and interact with each individual detector. Through the app, they can access key information such as device ID, zone location, label, and detector type - ensuring they're working on the correct unit every time. A secure BLE handshake also verifies that the engineer has been within the required visual inspection range. This feature not only supports compliance with standards such as BS 5839-1 and BS 8644-1 (Digital Record of Fire Safety Information), but also contributes to maintaining the Golden Thread of Information, ensuring transparent, traceable fire safety records throughout the life of the building.

✅ On-the-Spot Updates and Label Corrections

Using the app, engineers can instantly correct labelling errors, update loop mapping, and test the fire LED - a key requirement under the upcoming BS 5839-1 standard. Optional indicator LEDs on each unit help identify which detectors still need a visual check.

✅ Reduced False Alarms

More time can be spent identifying non-compliance issues and investigating the root causes of false alarms - improving reliability and reducing nuisance callouts.

✅ Realistic Cause & Effect Testing

The CLSS app allows simulation of fire scenarios to test system responses. It can also trigger full Cause & Effect logic after a successful Self-Test, giving clients the opportunity to run witnessed tests using real smoke without disrupting the full system.

Understanding the 14-Year Licence - And Why It’s More Beneficial

Gent Self-Test devices come with a 14-year functional testing licence, which means each detector can be tested up to four times a year over its entire lifespan - without needing physical access or specialist tools on every visit. This built-in testing capability is not only compliant with current standards but also helps reduce ongoing maintenance costs.

However, what makes this licence even more beneficial isn’t just the duration - it’s the flexibility, reliability, and time-saving it offers across the full lifecycle of the device. Traditional detector testing often involves ladders, disruption to operations, and scheduling issues.

With Gent Self-Test, you gain:

• Consistent testing compliance across all devices, regardless of ceiling height or location.

• Reduced labour and access costs, especially in high or hard-to-reach areas.

• Less downtime and fewer disruptions, as each test is brief and non-invasive.

• Better system insights, with engineers able to log performance, non-compliances, and updates through the app.

To summarise, the 14-year licence isn’t just a timeline - it’s a long-term investment in efficiency, safety, and smart maintenance.

Case Study Coming Soon!

We have got a brand-new case study on the way that showcases this in action. We can’t wait to share the results with you, so keep your eyes peeled for updates!

Ready to Talk GENT?

If you're planning a new project or considering an upgrade to your current fire detection system, we’d love to help. As an official GENT System Integrator, we can show you exactly what a GENT-certified solution looks like in practice - and how it can transform your approach to fire safety.

While GENT Self-Test automates functional testing, it’s important to remember that each detector still requires an annual visual inspection to remain fully compliant with BS 5839-1 standards.

Based in Nottingham, we support businesses nationwide - so wherever you're located, feel free to get in touch with our design and installation team today.