Applications
Fire Pump Testing
General
The Hose Monster® fire pump test system
Fire pumps provide water supply to sprinkler systems where the
water supply pressure is too low or nonexistent. The field acceptance
test is conducted on newly installed pumps and demonstrates
that all the fire pump unit components perform according to
manufacturers’ specifications as well as proving that the water
supply is adequate. Pump performance can deteriorate over time or
be affected by impairments to water supplies. The annual fire pump
flow tests can identify these problems and ensure that the fire pump
operates when needed.
The Hose Monster will make your job of testing pumps safe,
simple and accurate. Because of the unique patented thrustcanceling design of the Hose Monster, tests can be conducted
on an established lawn or a gravel surface without causing damage.
The Hose Monster is FM Approved for flow-rate accuracy and is
the professional way to perform fire pump tests.
How often do I test a fire pump?
According to NFPA, fire pumps are flow tested after initial
installation according to the field acceptance test procedure
(NFPA 20, 14.2, 2010). Thereafter, the annual fire pump test
is performed (NFPA 25, 8.3.3, 2008).
Where do I find more information on fire pumps?
s NFPA 20 — Installation of pumps, field acceptance test,
hose valves
s NFPA 25 — Maintenance of pumps, annual tests
What equipment do I need?
1. Little Hose Monster™ (HML) — Built-in stacking grooves
enable easy stacking of multiple units. Use one Little Hose
Monster per flowing hose line.
2. Pitotless Nozzle™ (PN1, PN1.125, PN1.75, PN2) — Consider
the minimum and maximum flow-rates that are required to
measure. Use one Pitotless Nozzle per flowing hose line.
3. Test Hose (H2H.25, H2H.50) — Hoses for pump testing are
commonly 21⁄2" x 25' or 50' long. Length is determined by job
conditions, such as needing a safe place to flow water with
sufficient drainage.
4. Monster Tester™ (HMMT) — Enables multiple pressure
readings from one gauge and the ability to make flow
adjustments back at the test header with one person conducting
the test. Use one unit per pump test setup. Measures up to
seven flow readings.
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Applications
Fire Pump Testing (continued)
Also consider:
10. Stream Shaper (SS1) — Use to prevent hose burn.
11. 45° or 30° Test Header Elbow (EL452HNH, EL302HNH) —
Re-angles the hose from the test header to minimize kinks
and hose burn.
12. Spanner Wrench (WSPA101, WSPA104) — For attaching
the hose to the test header or a 21⁄2" Hose Monster.
WSPA104 is used for attaching the 21⁄2" Hose Monster
to a Pitotless Nozzle.
13. Gauge Calibration (GCC2H, GCC4) — We offer gaugecalibration service, including a NIST certificate for new and
used gauges. NFPA recommends test gauges be calibrated
within 12 months prior to the test.
14. Clamp-on Ammeter — Measures pump Amperes.
5. Discharge Flow-Rate Gauge (GK100D4, GK60D4) — 0.5%
accuracy rated 60-psi or 100-psi gauges with a 4" dial are
common. Anticipate expected flow ranges using our flow
charts so readings are in the middle third of the dial. If using a
Monster Tester™, only one flow gauge is needed. If not using
the Monster Tester, one gauge per flowing hose line is needed.
6. Case (CASE520, CASE720, CASE920) — For storing and
protecting pressure gauges and Pitotless Nozzle™ units. Use one
case of a specified size. Stabilizer (STK) — A Stabilizer provides a
wide base for stacks of two or three Little Hose Monster™ units
to prevent them from tipping over. It includes Tie Downs to
secure units together. Use one Stabilizer for each stack of Little
Hose Monsters.
7. Stabilizer (STK) — A Stabilizer provides a wide base for stacks
of two or three Little Hose Monster™ units to prevent them from
tipping over. It includes Tie Downs to secure units together. Use
one Stabilizer for each stack of Little Hose Monsters.
8. Pump Discharge Gauge (GK200D4, GK300D4, GK600D4)
— A 200- or 300-psi pressure gauge with a 4" dial is common.
According to NFPA 20, 4.10.1.2, “The dial should be at least
200 psi and be capable of indicating pressure to at least twice
the rated working pressure of the pump.” Use one gauge.
9. Pump Suction Gauge (GK30-160, GK30-200) — According
to NFPA 20 4.10.1, “If the minimum pump suction pressure is
below 20 psi at any flow condition, the suction gauge shall be
a compound pressure and vacuum gauge.” A compound gauge
that reads from 30 Hg to 160 psi or 200 psi with a 4" dial is
common. Use one gauge.
Note: A 2½" Hose Monster® with Built-in Pitot can be used
in place of the Little Hose Monster for pump testing, but you will
need FM Nozzle Inserts and Stackers instead of Pitotless Nozzle™
units and Stabilizers.
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H Y D R O F L OW P R O D U C T S, I n c.
15. Tachometer — Measures pump RPM.
How many hoses and which size nozzles
will be needed?
Plan for 500 GPM per hose. This assumes 13⁄4"
nozzles and hoses 21⁄2" x 25' or 50' long.
Example:
1000-GPM rated pump
150% = 1500 GPM
1500 GPM/500 GPM per hose = 3 hoses
As an additional service to our customers, we created an online
interactive Pump Test Hose Calculator. It determines how many
hoses would be required based on pump rated capacity, discharge
pressure, water supply, test header elevation, hose diameter/length
and nozzle size. All these variables can be changed to instantly
see the effect on quantity of hose lines required. Check it out:
www.hosemonster.com/pumptestcalc.html.