The manufactuer's magnet test does NOT test for smoke entry. But it does meet NFPA 72. We have convinced one local State FM to allow us to test 20% per year. At the end of the 5 year cycle, we have tested all the smokes. Two problems with a 5 year cycle1.is convincing the client to OK the cost every 5 years. Especially with the turnover in maintenance staff.
2. We replace a smoke, because of failure. Next year we test the sensitivity, and it is OK. We skip a year and test for sensitivity the third year. If that test is OK, we next test the smoke in 5 years. Every one who thinks that will happen, wave your hand.
3. We probably lost the account at 5 year, to someone who says they never heard of such a test and we are running a scam.
4. My tester cost $5,000.00, plus $500.00 every couple of years to send it to the manufacture so they can make sure it is in calibration.
72-2013 Section 14.4.3.2 (g) Page 258 The commentary gives a good explanation.
When we are done with this discussion, I will start a new topic, duct detectors.