What is main drain test?

The main drain test serves as a tool in evaluating the condition of the water supply to a fire sprinkler system. It is intended to reveal any deterioration of the water supply by comparing the test results to those of previous test results. This test is essential to ensure that the water supply valve is fully open.

What is a 2 inch main drain test?

THE TWO INCH DRAIN “TEST” Part of the two inch drain test is to close and open fully the sprinkler control valves, often called the OS&Y or outside yolk valve or post indicator valve (PIV) located at the bottom of the main sprinkler risers.

How often should a main drain test be conducted on a wet pipe sprinkler system?

19. When is a main drain test required? A main drain test is required annually or any time the water supply control valve is closed, this includes any time a system undergoes maintenance or repair. This test is essential to Page 5 NFPA 25 – FAQs ensure that the water supply valve is fully open.

What is a test and drain valve?

A Test and Drain is a type of valve with both a test function and an express drain function. Think of a ball valve and inspector’s test valve combination, except it’s manufactured as one unit, making it much more convenient. A single handle ball valve. A 5.6K or 8.0K test orifice. Tamper resistant sight glass.

How do you do a main drain test?

To perform the test, the fire protection technician opens the main drain valve and lets the water run until the gauge is steady. (If the gauge isn’t steady, you will get a false pressure-per-square-inch measurement.) Given that the valve must be wide open during this test, water will either be piped outside or into a drain in the floor.

How does a main drain test work for fire protection?

The test essentially measures the water pressure in the system. To perform the test, the fire protection technician opens the main drain valve and lets the water run until the gauge is steady.

How often should a sprinkler system main drain be tested?

NFPA 25-2011, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), requires that the main drain of an automatic sprinkler system should be tested at least annually and more often for special conditions as noted in Table 13.1.1.2 of NFPA 25.

How to do a water flow test 5.3?

5.3.1 If REQUIRED, Enter ‘F’ until results are returned from Lab 2.2 T Recalled Sprinklers If not present = Pass; If present = Fail Title 19 904.1(c) 2.3 T Water Flow Alarm Devices 90 sec. maximum-(Enter Time ) 5.3.3 13.2.6 sec. 2.4 T Main Drain Test (Enter Data on Page 1 of this Form)