NFPA 20 Test Loop
NFPA 20 Test Loop
(OP)
Hi All!
Is there any requirement to provide additional test loop around the fire pump if the system is already equipped with metered test header?
Thanks All!
Is there any requirement to provide additional test loop around the fire pump if the system is already equipped with metered test header?
Thanks All!





RE: NFPA 20 Test Loop
I had a flow meter only back to the suction side of the pump on a $1 billion hospital, the test header was removed as part of an addition 10 years ago. The pump tested was fine for the 10 years via the meter. As the insurance engineer I wanted a test header to flow water as per 25. They did not want to do it because of $$$, local AHJ had no problem with no water flowing. I stuck to my guns, they installed the test header. Witnessed the flow test, 1st hose header valve opens, suction pressure goes to 0psi! The curb box valve was closed in the street to the pump when they added the new addition, they were so happy I was a pain in the butt and stuck to my guns.
RE: NFPA 20 Test Loop
4.15.4* Pumps with Bypass.
4.15.4.1 Where the suction supply is of sufficient pressure to be of material value without the pump, the pump shall be installed with a bypass. (See Figure A.4.15.4.)
4.15.4.2 For multistage multiport pumps, a bypass shall be installed between the pump suction and the first outlet port and between sequential outlet ports wherever the bypass can provide pressure that is of material value without the impeller. (See Figure A.4.15.4.)
4.15.4.3 The size of the bypass shall be at least as large as the pipe size required for discharge pipe as specified in Section 4.27.
RE: NFPA 20 Test Loop
The meter is not piped back to suction line, it is located before the test header, so the meter flows/discharge to drain.
So a metered test loop piped back to the suction line is not required as long a flow meter will be installed to achieved full flow test?
RE: NFPA 20 Test Loop
I'm referring to a flow meter piped back to suction line.
RE: NFPA 20 Test Loop
RE: NFPA 20 Test Loop
I will verify if the the drainage system is capable to handle the required required flow.
Thanks for the response, really appreciated it.