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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Jesse
2/16/2024 08:36:40 am
I'm wondering if the pump was installed as a retrofit.
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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.
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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'
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Greg
2/16/2024 08:47:56 am
BTW, did anyone notice the wood box supporting the electric pump ?
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Dan Wilder
2/16/2024 09:20:39 am
It looks like rusted over concrete...
Jack G
2/16/2024 12:45:36 pm
First of all— this appears to be a Patterson 750 gpm fire pump vertical inline.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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