It is imperative to note that a fire protection system requires regular inspection and testing. That ensures that the system works in an emergency. One of the essentials to this inspection is a hydrostatic test, also known as a functionality test. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) describes a hydrostatic test is a test of a closed piping system. The test should include the piping system and its attached appurtenances. This test entails subjecting the piping to increased internal pressure to confirm system integrity and system leakage rates.

Notably, fire sprinklers to undergo hydrostatic pressure test every five years. This is a requirement of the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY). You must request that the FDNY representative come to witness the test by requesting an appointment. A fire suppression contractor who possesses a Class A or B license should do the request. It is imperative to note that NYC Department of Buildings issues the license.

When getting Hydrostatic Pressure Tests for your building in NYC, it is important to understand the various types of fire department connections.

Types of Fire Department Connections

The following are the most common Fire Department Connections, their respective colors and what the colors mean.

• Green Caps –this indicates that the FDC supplies the fire sprinkler system exclusively,
• Red Caps – this means that the FDC supplies the standpipe exclusively, and
• Yellow Caps – this implies that the FDC supplies both the fire sprinkler and the standpipe.

Before the assigned day for a hydrostatic test, our experts can help you prepare the system. This is done by hooking up a hydrostatic pump to the fire department connection and pump high-pressure water into the system. Afterward, the expert will disconnect the pump and a compound gauge installed for the test marked. Alternatively, the inspecting officer can just take a photo for later inspection. An inspector from FDNY will conduct a compliance walkthrough inspection of the property while you watch.

What Is the Purpose of the Test?

The FDNY requires the test to ascertain that your building’s fire department connection system can hold pressure if a fire emergency occurs. Furthermore, the FDNY hooks up their pumper truck to your system.

The test is similar to the pumper-truck pressure hook up. In the event of a fire, the FDNY does not want a situation where a building’s FDNY connection is unable to hold. This is especially the when FDNY injects additional pressure to your system. The FDNY inspector will want to see that the pressure gauge does not go below the allowed pressure in the given time.

Preparing for the Test

All State Sprinkler Corp can conduct a pre-test of your system to ensure that it is all set ahead of the FDNY test. This helps to ensure that your building’s fire department connection system passes the test when the FDNY inspector comes.