Still Need Aerosol with Auto-Smoke Testing?

In reference to the 2025 edition of NFPA 72, Table 14.4.3.2, Item 17(7)(a), it is stated that "manufacturer’s published instructions that ensure smoke entry from the protected area, through the vents, or into the sensing chamber" may be used, which appears to include self-testing smoke detectors such as the Honeywell self-test series.

These detectors introduce a small quantity of smoke or aerosol into the sensing chamber as part of a built-in functional test sequence. It is my understanding that this self-testing technology may fulfill the requirement for a functional test that traditionally uses an aerosol can to verify smoke entry and detector response during both initial acceptance and annual testing.

Further, Section 14.4.4.2 states that “If automatic testing is performed at least weekly by a remotely monitored fire alarm control unit specifically listed for the application, the manual testing frequency shall be permitted to be extended to annually in accordance with Table 14.4.3.2.”

However, this section does not explicitly clarify whether this weekly automatic testing relates to the smoke detector’s functional test, sensitivity test, or both.

With that context, I would like to get clarification on the following points:

Does NFPA 72 (2025) permit the use of self-test smoke detectors that introduce a small amount of test smoke into the sensing chamber to fully satisfy the functional testing requirements (including smoke entry testing) for both initial acceptance and annual testing per Table 14.4.3.2?

If an approved self-test detector performs an automatic internal functional test that verifies smoke entry into the sensing chamber and provides results to a remotely monitored fire alarm control unit, does NFPA 72 still require a manual smoke entry test (e.g., aerosol can) for annual testing purposes?

Does the reference in Section 14.4.4.2 to “automatic testing performed at least weekly” apply to functional testing, sensitivity testing, or both?

And is there any mandate elsewhere in NFPA 72 requiring weekly testing of smoke detectors?

​Thanks in advance.

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