Section 04 and 05 General Test Procedures
SECTION 4
LAFD Chief’s Regulation No.4 - 2014 Edition
GENERAL TEST PROCEDURES
Combined Standpipe/ Sprinkler Systems (wet): (continued) (c)
Back Flush: [1] With the main system shut-off valve closed and the piping to the Fire Department connection drained, disassemble and inspect the check valve, then remove, reverse, or block open the clapper in the check valve. Reassemble check valve. [2] Open the main system shut-off and flow adequate water backwards through the Fire Department connection inlet to assure that all debris is cleared from the inlet piping and Fire Department connection. Restore system to normal.
NOTE: This is the preferred method of clearing the Fire Department connection. (d) Hydrostatic Test: Systems Affected: Dorothy Mae, Automatic Wet, Combined Standpipe/Sprinkler, Class III Standpipe Perform a hydrostatic test of the FDC piping in accordance with NFPA 13 2010 edition Chapter 24, Section 24.2.1.10 for the required PSI and Chapter 6 NFPA 25 2013 California edition Table 6.3.1.6 for the test duration. The piping between the fire department connection and check valve shall be hydrostatically tested at 150 psi for 3 minutes every five years. NOTE: This test is required where the distance between the FDC piping and the check valve is greater than 3 feet and/or all FDC underground piping back to the check valve. (e)
Conduct Air Test of FDC piping (where necessary) Air test 25 psi for 30 minutes to check for leakage where water damage to property may occur.
(f)
Conduct Hydro Static Test: Hydrostatically test the piping between the FDC and the check valve @ 150 psi for 3 minutes Check for a significant drop in pressure or visual leakage. A slight fluctuation in pressure may occur due to a change in temperature. This is not considered a pressure loss. A Very small bead of water may also appear at a fitting. This is not considered a leak unless the bead of water continues to grow and drip. Equipment needed: Air Compressor, Electric Hydrostatic Test Pump or Fire Pump Apparatus, Pressure gauges.
(g)
Main Drain/Water Supply Test: With the main drain valve closed, note the static pressure reading on the gauge. Fully open the main drain valve with water flowing, note the residual reading on the pressure gauge. Close main drain valve and note pressure gauge reading. A slow return on pressure gauge to original static reading may indicate a closed valve or obstructions in water supply lines.
(h)
Gauge Tests: Connect a test gauge at the test gauge opening to determine the reliability of existing gauges.
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