Specific Location for the Fire Pump Test Header?

2/16/2024

Is there a specific location requirement for a fire pump test header?

NFPA 20 states that the header must be installed on the exterior wall, and outside the fire pump room.

Does this mean that the test header cannot be installed in the fire pump room?

Additionally, can the test header be directly connected to the pump discharge flange as shown in this photo?

I have never seen this type of installation before. Thanks in advance.

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13 Comments

Glenn Berger

2/16/2024 08:20:16 am

Looks like either a retrofit or a OHGEE installation.

I have been forced to do projects where the test header is installed indoors and the testing will require great care in securing the hoses in place.

I do not like seeing hoses "stored" by the fire pump. I can guarantee that these hoses will not be properly inspected or tested before they are hooked up to be used.

Scott McCormick

2/16/2024 08:20:45 am

I have seen a new installation in an old school that had a single hose valve inside the room, this room was below grade but had an exterior door and stairway that led to grade. I was not happy with this however it would have taken major structural work to get this test header to grade.

Casey Milhorn

2/16/2024 08:26:11 am

I don't know of anything in NFPA 20 that says you can't do this and in fact we have done this before in rare cases.

I second not using those stored hoses... but if the facility is doing their own testing an a regular basis, then that's on them.

I hope there is a control valve somewhere downstream. I would have expected it to be immediately after the tee for the test header. But I do see the sensing line connection on the vertical pipe and the control valve should be downstream of that somewhere.

Sean

2/16/2024 08:31:58 am

From NFPA 22 (2022), see the commentary below. The indoor installation can be used if approved by the AHJ in certain situations, but preferrable to locate outdoors to prevent water spray on the pump electrical equipment from loose hose valve connections.

A.4.22.1.5
The hose valves of the fire pump test header should be located on the building exterior. This is because the test discharge needs to be directed to a safe outdoor location, and to protect the fire pumps, controllers, and so forth, from accidental water spray. In instances where damage from theft or vandalism is a concern, the test header hose valves can be located within the building but outside of the fire pump room if, in the judgment of the authority having jurisdiction, the test flow can be safely directed outside the building without undue risk of water spray to the fire pump equipment.

Jesse

2/16/2024 08:36:40 am

I'm wondering if the pump was installed as a retrofit.

This arrangement isn't ideal for sure. But the purpose of the test header to to test the performance of the pump and while this installation isn't ideal, it serves the function.

Dan Wilder

2/16/2024 08:40:40 am

The whole reason to have the test header outside is to protect the equipment during water discharge, well (I hope) more the people from that tingly feeling when the humming equipment gets wet. This installation should not be allowed per 20-20 4.22.15 however, that requirement was new as of the 2010 Edition (Section 4.20.1.4) so anything prior would technically be acceptable.

Its "supply" location is after the wafer check (even if those bolts or ATR isn't fully engaging the nut for the #7-#8 locations in the pic) is acceptable but it should be piped to another location for the actual test header.

I'm hoping that is a bad angle on the pic or it's an eccentric reducer (installed flat face down) before the Ell on the right then the sensing line on the vertical pipe via a mech tee. All correct for locations.

Greg

2/16/2024 08:42:26 am

While this may not be the case with this installation, theft of brass pump test header appliances is a real thing in some regions. My first thought after 'retrofit savings' was one of 'theft deterrence'

Greg

2/16/2024 08:47:56 am

BTW, did anyone notice the wood box supporting the electric pump ?

Shout out to on the comment by Dan on 'danger close' high voltage AC within inches of the metal handle water assembly and spurious leak that always needs the extra spanner tightening.

"How about them apples.. "

Dan Wilder

2/16/2024 09:20:39 am

It looks like rusted over concrete...

The unused pipe stand and the partially engaged nuts on the discharge flange (bolts #7 & #8) could be an easy cleanup fix...it's the little things.

And that 2½x1½ adapter cap looks like a maintenance guys way of cleaning off areas with that 1½" hose on the wall in the background left side from '02.

Jack G

2/16/2024 12:45:36 pm

First of all— this appears to be a Patterson 750 gpm fire pump vertical inline.
3 test valves are mounted on the tee with a control valve.
There appears to be a wafer check sandwiched between the pump discharge flange and the test headers flanged tee.

In the thousands of pump tests I ve performed , thru the years, mounting the wafer check to the flange could affect the test by 3-5 psi or more,( the way shown ) as opposed to mounting an 8 inch long “ straightening” pipe on the fire pump discharge.
This would affect the performance test. Especially if a lower psi boost .

Looks like a kunkle casing relief, discharging into plastic pipe. Bad idea, could snap and be propelled across the room.

The pad appears to be concrete with grout poured over the pad to cover the bolts. Some rust on it too.

This may be a newer installation as the pump bowl is not rusted with rusty water flowing over the bowl, pad, to the floor from drip fittings—— or—- the packing of the drip valves was so worn, ( excess water discharging) the valves may be turned off ( very bad idea )

If a 750 Patterson inline — one of the best features is the casing is accessible thru plugs to clear rocks from casing, as opposed to removing the motor for access to do the same.
I used to paint the casing and bowl with epoxy paint for the rust problem that all the VIP pumps have. Factory was 1500 bucks, shop- 50 bucks for the paint.

The test header has 2 different type angle hose valves, one with an adapter, maybe 2.5 x 1.5, for cleaning purposes, 1.5 hose on floor. ( bad idea) alarms could go off( opening th valve, or pump could trigger ( if pump, up, settings are set per NFA. 20 )

Looks like a concentric reducer to the ell to the sensing line and to a discharge control valve. Bad camera angle.
Can’t see where the jp is connected. Hopefully it’s correct. And set up properly.

Ryan Hinson

2/16/2024 02:11:02 pm

Per the wafer swing check mfgrs literature, it should not be installed so the open clapper partially obstructs flow into vertical tee outlet to the test header. Expect an indicated drop in test performance as indicated previously.

Dan Hartel

2/21/2024 09:02:11 am

I've done this before on small pumps (500 gpm and smaller) when there's a short and straight shot through a door to the outside.

Mary E Marley

2/21/2024 11:48:42 am

I was never a fan of testing pumps with inside headers for safety concerns. Not only does the person working the valves have limited options to get away, you also need to go back and forth past the header to get the suction, discharge and speed readings. Also, the header is very close to the pump and turbulence would likely impact the test results.

Specific Location for the Fire Pump Test Header?

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