Regular testing and maintenance of fire detection systems has always been a cornerstone of life safety — and for good reason. When a fire breaks out, there’s no room for guesswork. Systems need to work exactly as intended, without fail.
Fire codes like the recently revised BS 5839–1:2025 in the UK reinforce this principle: every component in a fire detection system — for example, smoke, heat, and multi-sensor detectors — must be tested regularly. But in today’s world, that’s no longer enough.
We’re entering a new era of compliance accountability.
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From Testing to Proving: The New Compliance Standard
There’s growing scrutiny around fire safety — and rightly so. It’s no longer just about performing tests; it’s about proving that those tests were done, done correctly, and documented clearly.
That’s why digital records, audit trails, and cloud-based compliance documentation have gone from “nice to have” to essential. This shift is reshaping expectations across the fire industry — and it’s only accelerating.
Rethinking Product Strategy: Why XTR2 Had to Be Different
When we first began defining what would become XTR2, we knew it couldn’t just be another all-in-one test tool. It had to reflect this new compliance mindset — not just functionally test detectors, but help prove that those tests took place and met regulatory requirements.
XTR2 marked a big moment for our team: Detectortesters’ first step into IoT.
That meant reimagining what a tester could do — not just in terms of hardware, but as a complete functional test and compliance solution.
The Real-World Challenge: Testing Legacy Detectors
One of the toughest problems to solve? Digital record-keeping for legacy detectors.
With millions of installed devices — many of them years old — how do you digitally verify that each one was tested properly? Especially when they’re not natively “smart” devices?
This was one of the major technical hurdles the product had to overcome — and also one of its greatest opportunities for innovation.
The Breakthrough: Sensor-Based IoT + LED Detection
The solution was deceptively clever — and now patented. XTR2’s built-in sensor is designed to detect the LED response on a detector when exposed to a smoke or heat stimulus.
If the detector’s LED flashes as expected, the test is logged as a Pass. If not, a Fail. These results are date- and time-stamped, then transmitted via Bluetooth to the mobile app and on to our DT Connect cloud portal, where test reports are generated automatically.
It’s a smart application of IoT — enabling real proof of compliance, even for non-digital, older detectors. That kind of capability wasn’t just a feature — it became the foundation of the product’s purpose.
Built for Agile: Continuous Improvement from the Start
From day one, we knew that embracing IoT would allow for continuous development — shaped by user feedback in the field.
And now, 18 months after XTR2 first launched, we’ve seen the benefits of this approach in action. The recent launch of Version 3 of our mobile app and DT Connect portal is a direct result of listening to customers and learning from real-world use.
What’s New in V3? Two Features That Stand Out
- Asset Upload & Multi-Device Testing – You can now upload full asset lists for a site — and not just detectors. Think call points, fire extinguishers, and more. When you carry out tests, each asset is logged, and you walk away with clean, digital test records across all equipment. – That’s a major boost for compliance.
- Smarter Repeat Visits – V3 helps teams avoid duplication and wasted time. If one technician visits today and another returns in a few months time, they can see exactly what’s already been tested. It’s a big win for productivity and coordination.
Looking Ahead: IoT Enables What’s Next
The most exciting part? V3 isn’t the end — it’s a foundation.
With IoT baked into the product, we can continue to evolve XTR2 based on how people use it. This isn’t a static tool — it’s a living solution that grows with industry needs.
So, if you haven’t explored what’s new in V3, I encourage you to check out our latest blog:
👉 What’s new in DT Connect Version 3
And if you ever need help or have questions, my Customer Experience team and I are always here to support.
Fire safety compliance is changing — and products like XTR2 are helping lead the way. Not just testing for the sake of it, but proving it. Digitally, reliably, and intelligently.
