3.10
PRELIMINARY TESTS
The system, including the underground water mains, and the aboveground
piping and system components, shall be tested to assure that equipment and
components function as intended. The underground and aboveground interior
piping systems and attached appurtenances subjected to system working
pressure shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 13 and NFPA 24. Upon
completion of specified tests, the Contractor shall complete certificates
as specified in paragraph SUBMITTALS.
3.10.1
Underground Piping
3.10.1.1
Flushing
Underground piping shall be flushed in accordance with NFPA 24. This
includes the requirement to flush the lead-in connection to the fire
protection system at a flow rate not less that the calculated maximum water
demand rate of the system.
3.10.1.2
Hydrostatic Testing
New underground piping shall be hydrostatically tested in accordance with
NFPA 24. The allowable leakage shall be measured at the specified test
pressure by pumping from a calibrated container. The amount of leakage at
the joints shall not exceed 2 liters 2 quarts per hour per 100 gaskets or
joints, regardless of pipe diameter.
3.10.2
Aboveground Piping
3.10.2.1
Hydrostatic Testing
Aboveground piping shall be hydrostatically tested in accordance with NFPA
13 at not less than 1400 kPa 200 psi or 350 kPa 50 psi in excess of maximum
system operating pressure and shall maintain that pressure without loss for
2 hours. There shall be no drop in gauge pressure or visible leakage when
the system is subjected to the hydrostatic test. The test pressure shall
be read from a gauge located at the low elevation point of the system or
portion being tested.
3.10.2.2
Air Pressure Test
As specified in NFPA 13, an air pressure leakage test at 350 kPa 50 psi
shall be conducted for 24 hours. There shall be no drop in gauge pressure
in excess of 10 kPa 1.5 psi for the 24 hours. This air pressure test is in
addition to the required hydrostatic test.
3.10.2.3
Backflow Prevention Assembly Forward Flow Test
Each backflow prevention assembly shall be tested at system flow demand,
including all applicable hose streams, as specified in NFPA 13. The
Contractor shall provide all equipment and instruments necessary to conduct
a complete forward flow test, including65 mm 2.5 inch diameter hoses,
playpipe nozzles, calibrated pressure gauges, and pitot tube gauge. The
Contractor shall provide all necessary supports to safely secure hoses and
nozzles during the test. At the system demand flow, the pressure readings
and pressure drop (friction) across the assembly shall be recorded. A
metal placard shall be provided on the backflow prevention assembly that
lists the pressure readings both upstream and downstream of the assembly,
total pressure drop, and the system test flow rate. The pressure drop
SECTION 13935A
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