Applications

Fire Pump Testing

General

The Hose Monster re pump test system

Fire pumps provide water supply to sprinkler systems where the

water supply pressure is too low or nonexistent. The eld acceptance
test is conducted on newly installed pumps and demonstrates
that all the re pump unit components perform according to
manufacturers specications 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 re pump
ow tests can identify these problems and ensure that the re 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 ow-rate accuracy and is
the professional way to perform re pump tests.

How often do I test a re pump?

According to NFPA, re pumps are ow tested after initial
installation according to the eld acceptance test procedure
(NFPA 20, 14.2, 2010). Thereafter, the annual re pump test
is performed (NFPA 25, 8.3.3, 2008).

Where do I nd more information on re pumps?

s NFPA 20 Installation of pumps, eld 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 owing hose line.
2. Pitotless Nozzle (PN1, PN1.125, PN1.75, PN2) Consider
the minimum and maximum ow-rates that are required to
measure. Use one Pitotless Nozzle per owing hose line.
3. Test Hose (H2H.25, H2H.50) Hoses for pump testing are
commonly 212" x 25' or 50' long. Length is determined by job
conditions, such as needing a safe place to ow water with
sufcient drainage.
4. Monster Tester (HMMT) Enables multiple pressure
readings from one gauge and the ability to make ow
adjustments back at the test header with one person conducting
the test. Use one unit per pump test setup. Measures up to
seven ow readings.
w w w . h o s e m o n s t e r. c o m | 1 - 8 8 8 - 2 0 2 - 9 9 8 7

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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 212" Hose Monster.
WSPA104 is used for attaching the 212" Hose Monster
to a Pitotless Nozzle.
13. Gauge Calibration (GCC2H, GCC4) We offer gaugecalibration service, including a NIST certicate 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 ow ranges using our ow
charts so readings are in the middle third of the dial. If using a
Monster Tester, only one ow gauge is needed. If not using
the Monster Tester, one gauge per owing hose line is needed.
6. Case (CASE520, CASE720, CASE920) For storing and
protecting pressure gauges and Pitotless Nozzle units. Use one
case of a specied 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 ow 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 2" 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 134"
nozzles and hoses 212" 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.