Aside from setting the boat on fire, How do you test a automatic fire suppression system for proper operation?

None of the ones I've seen can be tested without discharging them.

As far as I know the automatic use a thermal fuse (low melting alloy) to release the contents. No way to test that I know of but very reliable.

this is all I've been able to find also. I have a 20yr old boat and a 20yr old fire suppression system (looks like it anyway) Heard about a fire on a boat this past weekend and it got me thinking about this deal. I think I'm going to send this one off for a recharge even though it shows full and maybe get a second hand held unit as well. Don't even want to have to abandon ship, ya know?

Does the small green light glow for your fire suppression system? Thats all I look at on mine.

Same here. I also carry 2 extra hand held.

My boat dosn't have a active light, just a light by the throttle that indicates its discharged. part of the reason for my question