Fire Alarm Removal Tool

A pole-mounted tool head for removing fire alarms up to 7 metres high, for Detector Testers.

Client: Detector Testers
Role: One of two designers
Outcome: 300-unit order, produced in-house

A maintenance worker in an airport terminal using a long pole to reach a ceiling fire alarm.

Challenge

Maintenance teams in places like airports need to remove, test and replace bayonet-fixed fire alarms mounted up to 7 metres high, working from the ground on a pole.

A render of the black C-shaped tool head with its moulded wheels.

CAD of the tool head gripping a fire alarm, with its mounting arms.

What I did

Working as one of two designers, I redesigned the tool head so it grips the alarm securely using moulded wheels and a torsion spring. The unit slides over the fire alarm and grips its bayonet fitting.

It had to be as simple as possible to use, given the working height. We engineered the design for 3D printing so it could be produced in-house.

Tool head parts, springs and wheels laid out on a blue mat for assembly.

Outcome

The redesign won a 300-unit order. We produced it in-house on our own 3D printers and refined the assembly process along the way.