I have found the copy I was looking for and found that the testing method in the 14th edition only allow the use hydrants. Therefore, the full flow meter flow test allow per NFPA today and being performed at my siste does not met the method in 1976. Thanks for your inputs.
My site has a requirement to perform a flow test of the fire suppression water system in accordance with Chapter 5, Section 11 of the Fire Protection Handbook, 14th Edition.