Hydrostatic tests for fire sprinkler

systems
In contrast to standpipe systems, there is no regular hydrostatic testing
schedule for sprinkler systems. Instead, sprinklers are only hydrostatically
tested when they are first installed or whenever the system is modified.
This “acceptance testing” must be done on both wet systems – those
prefilled with water – and dry sprinkler systems – those filled with
pressurized air or nitrogen – at either of those two events.

From the 2016 Edition of NFPA 13

25.2.1.1 Unless permitted by 25.2.1.2 through 25.2.1.5, all piping and attached

appurtenances subjected to system working pressure shall be hydrostatically
tested at 200 psi (13.8 bar) and shall maintain that pressure without loss for 2
hours.

25.2.1.2 Portions of systems normally subjected to system working pressures in

excess of 150 psi (10.3 bar) shall be tested as described in 25.2.1.1, at a pressure of
50 psi (3.4 bar) in excess of system working pressure.

25.2.1.4 Modifications to existing piping systems shall require testing at system

working pressure.

25.2.1.4.1 Where modification is made to an existing system affecting more than 20

sprinklers, the new portion shall be isolated and tested at not less than 200 psi
(13.8 bar) for 2 hours.

25.2.1.4.2 Modifications that cannot be isolated, such as relocated drops, shall

require testing at system working pressure.

25.2.1.5* The test pressure shall be read from a gauge located at the low elevation
point of the system or portion being tested. The pressures in piping at higher
elevations shall be permitted to be less than 200 psi (13.8 bar) when accounting for
elevation losses. Systems or portions of systems that can be isolated shall be
permitted to be tested separately.

 
See the water ring? This may indicate a leaky pipe
Essentially, the entire system must be tested at (at least) 200 psi for two
hours upon installation. Small, subsequent modifications to the system
may be tested at normal system working pressure, whereas any larger
modification of the system (involving more than 20 sprinklers) must be
isolated and again tested at a higher pressure.

From the 2017 Edition of NFPA 25

6.3.2.1* Hydrostatic tests of not less than 200 psi (13.8 bar) pressure for 2 hours, or
at 50 psi (3.4 bar) in excess of the maximum pressure, where maximum pressure is
in excess of 150 psi (10.3 bar), shall be conducted every 5 years on manual
standpipe systems and semiautomatic dry standpipe systems, including piping in
their department connection.

6.3.2.1.1 Manual wet standpipes that are part of a combined sprinkler/standpipe

system shall not be required to be tested in accordance with 6.3.2.1
We Speak Sprinklers
NFPA 13 PRESSURE TEST PROCEDURES
August 03, 2017
NFPA 13 PRESSURE TEST PROCEDURES  (Aboveground Fire Systems):

A hydrostatic test is a pressure test to reveal the presence of leaks in the piping system. For
fire protection systems, the piping is pressurized to 200 psi (13.8 bar) for a period of 2
hours. During this time period, the system piping is inspected for leaks. 

Leaks in the piping system are revealed either by observation of water droplets or by a
reduction in test pressure. Any leaks or reduction in test pressure necessitates a repair of
the pipe joint involved and a retest to verify that the leak has been repaired.

In cases where high pressure exists, the standard requires that the test pressure be 50 psi
(3.5 bar) in excess of the normal system pressure if the resultant test pressure will be
greater than 200 psi (13.8 bar)..

By NFPA:
Unless permitted by 24.2.1.2 through 24.2.1.8, all piping and attached appurtenances
subjected to system working pressure shall be hydrostatically tested at 200 psi (13.8 bar)
and shall maintain that pressure without loss for 2 hours. [NFPA 13-10: 24.2.1.1]
Portions of systems normally subjected to system working pressures in excess of 150 psi
(10.4 bar) shall be tested as described in 24.2.1.1, at a pressure of 50 psi (3.5 bar) in
excess of system working pressure. [NFPA 13-10: 24.2.1.2]
Where cold weather will not permit testing with water, an interim air test shall be permitted
to be conducted as described in 24.2.2. This provision shall not remove or replace the
requirement for conducting the hydrostatic test as described in 24.2.1.1. [NFPA 13-10:
24.2.1.3]
 Modifications affecting 20 or fewer sprinklers shall not require testing in excess of system
working pressure. [NFPA 13-10: 24.2.1.4]
Where addition or modification is made to an existing system affecting more than 20
sprinklers, the new portion shall be isolated and tested at not less than 200 psi (13.8 bar)
for 2 hours. [NFPA 13-10: 24.2.1.5]
Modifications that cannot be isolated, such as relocated drops, shall not require testing in
excess of system working pressure. [NFPA 13-10: 24.2.1.6] While there are multiple
methods for conducting the hydrostatic test, basic procedures for conducting these are as
follows.

Hydrostatic Test Procedure for Water-Based Fire Protection Systems Description

1.       General acceptance test of water-based fire protection systems
2.       Accomplished by visual inspection and hydrostatic pressure

Objective
1.       To ensure piping integrity and absence of leaks

Conditions/Assumptions
1.       Piping system, including all valves, drains, and accessories, are installed
2.       Underground supply has been installed, flushed, tested, and activated

Specifications
1.       Appropriate NFPA installation standard
2.       Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Fire Protection Equipment Directory
3.       Factory Mutual (FM) Approval Guide
4.       Local/state building codes (as applicable)
5.       Approved fire protection shop drawings
6.       Project specifications

Test Procedure
1.       Inspect the system to verify that openings are plugged and valves are closed.
2.       Connect the test pump to a convenient location in the system.
3.       Connect the water source to the test pump.
4.       Open the main control valve to fill the system. (If the water service is not installed or
has not been flushed, fill the system through the test pump water source.)
5.       Fill the system slowly to avoid entrapment of air.
6.       Open a valve (such as the inspector’s test connection or a temporary valve) to vent
any trapped air.
7.       Close the valve when water flows continuously through it.
8.       When the system pressure equals that of the water source, close the supply valve and
inspect the entire system for leaks.
a.       Leaks may result from flanges not bolted properly, plugs not properly installed,
cracked or improperly tightened fittings, etc.
b.      If leaks are found, open the 2-in. main drain connection or other low-point drain
connection and allow the system to drain. Repair any leaks found and repeat this
procedure.
c.       If no leaks are detected, begin to increase pressure with the test pump up to 200 psi
or 50 psi in excess of the static pressure when static pressure exceeds 150 psi.
9.       Monitor the test gauge to determine that the system pressure is stable. If pressure
drops, check for leaks in the system, for open valves, or for leaks in the test apparatus.
10.   Once it is determined that the test pressure has stabilized, disconnect the power to the
test pump and notify the commissioning agent or authority having jurisdiction that the 2-
hour test period has begun.
11.   Record the time of day and test pressure at this time.
12.   Hold the test pressure for 2 hours.
13.   After the test, open the drain valve to drain the system, or, if the system is to be
commissioned immediately, relieve the test pressure and leave the water in the system.
14.   Disconnect the test pump and plug the outlet or test port through which the system was
tested.
15.   If the test will be required on existing fire sprinkler systems, review the proper
impairment including the fire alarm system to avoid false signals

Measurements
1.       Test pressure is to be maintained for 2 hours without any visible leaks.

Pass/Fail Criteria
1.       The system must hold the test pressure for 2 hours without loss of pressure.
2.       Absence of water leakage is verified by visual examination of the system