Nov 10, 2020 · Regular fire hydrant testing ensures the ability to provide water at an acceptable pressure and flow rate for public health and firefighting operations. Most jurisdictions also require hydrant flow tests to design fire sprinkler systems for commercial or residential structures.

Jan 12, 2024 · The most effective method to determine how much water a fire hydrant will provide is to conduct a hydrant flow test. NFPA 291 provides a procedure for flow testing. To help identify the amount of water available from a given hydrant, some authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) will use a hydrant marking system.

• To obtain satisfactory test results of theoretical calculation of expected flows or rated capacities, sufficient discharge should be achieved to cause a drop in pressure at the residual hydrant of at least 25 percent, or to flow the total demand necessary for fire-fighting purposes.

This guide is designed to be a primer on how to conduct a fire hydrant flow test. The following information has been sourced from the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) 291 guide "Recommended Practice for Water Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants."

A hydrant flow test requires three measurements: static pressure, residual pressure and test flow-rate. The reading from the gauge cap in the residual hydrant gives you static pressure and residual pressure. The Pitotless Nozzle™ or Hose Monster™ gives you the test-flow rate.

Fire Hydrant Flow Tests Presented by: Kyle Thompson, PE | Murray, Smith & Associates, Inc. April 30, 2015

Jun 26, 2024 · The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides guidelines for fire hydrant testing in NFPA 291: Recommended Practice for Fire Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants. This standard outlines the procedures for conducting flow tests and marking hydrants to indicate their capacity.

Sep 27, 2018 · As a voluntary consensus standard, NFPA 291-2019 covers fire flow testing and marking of hydrants. Fire flow tests on water distribution systems exist to determine the rate of flow available at various locations for fire-fighting purposes.

When preparing for a fire hydrant flow test, follow the guidelines in Chapter 4 of NFPA 291, “Flow Testing”. These guidelines outline the steps needed to measure both static and residual pressure at a designated test hydrant, as well as at one or more flow hydrants.

Flow testing measures the water output capacity of a hydrant. This includes: Regular maintenance tests ensure proper functionality: The precision and reliability of fire hydrant testing depend heavily on the quality and maintenance of testing equipment.