PUMP TESTING PROCEDURE

PUMPING TEST

The pump must be subjected to a pumping test consisting of the following:

            (1)    At least 20 minutes of pumping at 100 % of rated capacity at 150 psi (10 bar) net pump

                     pressure.

            (2)    At least 10 minutes of pumping 70 % of rated capacity at 200 psi (14 bar) net pump pressure

            (3)    At least 10 minutes of pumping 50 % of rated capacity at 250 psi (17 bar) net pump pressure

The pumping tests must not be started until the pump pressure and the discharge quantity are satisfactory. If the pump is a two-stage, parallel/series-type pump, the test at 100 % of capacity must be run with the pump in parallel mode; the test at 70 % of capacity may be permitted to be run with the pump in either series or parallel mode; and the 50 % of capacity test must be run with the pump in series mode.

The engine must not be throttled down except when the hose, a nozzle, or the position of a transfer valve is being changed.

A complete set of readings must be taken and recorded a minimum of five times during the 20-minute test for 100 % rated capacity, a minimum of twice during the overload test, and a minimum of three times during each of the 10-minute tests for 70 % capacity and 50 % capacity.

If the fire pump flow or pressure readings vary by more than 5 % during a particular test, the reason for the fluctuation must be determined, the cause corrected, and the test continued or repeated.