a fluid flow detector test system includes a flow conduit and a pump for providing a test fluid flow at the detector . a test unit includes a programmed processor coupled to the pump by a drive circuit such as a solid state switch or a relay . the detector &# 39 ; s output is coupled to an input port of the processor . to initiate a test , executable instructions , coupled to the processor , enable the processor to energize the pump , creating a test fluid flow . the processor senses the detector &# 39 ; s output to evaluate its test performance . an alarm system having a plurality of detectors can include a plurality of such test systems , one coupled to each detector .