Fire Pump Test Header Inside Building 1

[gfire]

Anyone have any thoughts on installing a test header for a 1000gpm pump inside the building where the hoses will need to be run into a corridor, and out a door to get to the exterior? I personally think it's an awful idea, but I can't find any code that actually prohibits it.

 

[chicopee]

Who is the genius that did what you described. The relevant NFPA code should be a source to check out.

 

[NJ1]

First of all I am the AHJ i would fail that installation or require for a flow meter bypass to be installed. Do you have any idea how much friction loss you have to consider when installing a test header that way?
I seen that so often that is ridiculous.

 

[LCREP]

NJ1,

How will you do conduct an acceptance test on the fire pump using a flow meter? The valves to the water supply for the pump can be closed and you will not know it. Also every 3 years NFPA 25 requires water to be flowed IF you have a flow meter back to the suction side of the pump.



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Fire Sprinklers Save Firefighters’ Lives Too!

 

[LCREP]

NFPA 20, 2010 edition, NOTE this is a new section in 2010

4.20.1.4 Where a test header is installed, it shall be installed on an exterior wall or in another location outside the pump room that allows for water discharge during testing in accordance with 14.2.7.2.

I have tested fire pumps with up to 3 lengths of hose and just met the 150% rating of the pump. If you have more then 100-150' of hose unlikely you will get to the required flows. IF you can not get them to move the header outside then ask them to provide calculations from the test header to a SAFE location outside of the building to see if the 150% flow can be achieved. They may have to increase the number of 2.5" test valves to flow more hoses to meet the 150% flow.

BUT on a new install I would say NO, since I would pay for the water damage IF the hose breaks. Also if the test header is in the room, if a hose breaks and water hits any motor or controller you will have a electric shock hazard. That may be another reason to get them to move the test header.

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Fire Sprinklers Save Firefighters’ Lives Too!

 

[gfire]

Thanks, I appreciate the input, I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who can see problems with this installation.

 

[gfire]

Thanks for the input, I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who see's a problem with this

 

[NJ1]

No i will never performed an acceptance test that way however I would not allow such type of installation without a flow meter. I seen same scenario on which all was needed was 40' of pipe to take header outside building. That is just poor craftsmanship and lack of ethics.
LCREP i totally agree with you unfortunately not all jurisdictions have adopted the latest edition.

 

[stookeyfpe]

In support of GFIREs question, I witnessed this same scenario in an older high-rise building in South Texas several years. The fire pump room was built before the NFPA 20 requirements specified where to terminate the pump test header. A great deal of concern was raised by the owner over stretching hose lines through a corridor and added steps were taken to minimize the potential for water damage.

In the end, after some repairs and continuing pump problems, the owner decided to upgrade the pump and pump room, which included relocating the test header outside the building.