Do you have a copy of NFPA 14? There is a section on testing that you may want to review. If you don't have the copy, you can access the codes/standards online for free at NFPA website.
I will say that most AHJs will waive the requirement.
11.5.1* The standpipe system shall be tested to verify system demand.
A.11.5.1 The hydraulically most remote hose connections in a building are generally at a roof manifold, if provided, or at the top of a stair leading to the roof. In a multizone system, the testing means is generally at a test header at grade or at a suction tank on higher floors. Where a flow test at the hydraulically most remote hose connection is not practicable, the AHJ should be consulted for the appropriate location of the test.
11.5.1.1 The test required by 11.5.1 shall be permitted to be waived where acceptable to the AHJ.
11.5.1.2 This test shall be conducted by flowing water simultaneously from the outlet(s) indicated in the approved hydraulic calculations of each standpipe as required by Sections 7.8 and 7.10.
11.5.1.2.1 For each additional standpipe, the required flow shall be permitted to be taken from any hose connection on that standpipe.
11.5.2* For a manual standpipe, a fire department pumper,portable pump of a capacity to provide the required flow and pressure, or other approved means shall be used to verify the
system design by pumping into the fire department connection.
11.5.2.1 Where allowed by the authority having jurisdiction, the test required by 11.5.2 shall be permitted to be waived.
A.11.5.2 It is not always necessary to use a pump to test a standpipe system. See Figure A.11.5.2(a), Figure A.11.5.2(b), and Figure A.11.5.2(c) for examples of possible test methods.
Where using the method shown in Figure A.11.5.2(c), it is necessary to flow the system demand while observing the pressures at the FDC inlet and the hydraulically remote standpipe
hose valve. While the standpipe test might indicate that a greater pressure is required at the FDC inlet than what was indicated in the hydraulic calculations, this is not necessarily a cause for failing the test. This greater pressure, if acceptable to the AHJ based on the ability of the fire apparatus to provide the additional pressure, should be incorporated into the stand‐pipe sign required at the FDC by 6.4.5.2.2.
NFPA 25 also requires flow testing of standpipes every 5 years.
6.3.1.1* A flow test shall be conducted every 5 years on all Class I and Class III standpipe systems to verify that the required flow and pressure are available at the hydraulically most remote hose valve outlet(s) while flowing the standpipe system demand.
So, my statements above on how to handle the issue you have are in full compliance with NFPA 14 and facilitate the requirements of NFPA 25.
Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC
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