At what minimum pressure would automatic sprinkler piping be hydrostatically tested if the maximum system pressure is 175 psi (12 bar)?

At what minimum pressure would automatic sprinkler piping be hydrostatically tested if the maximum system pressure is 175 psi (12 bar)?
A . 175 psi (12 bar)
B . 200 psi (13.8 bar)
C . 225 psi (15.5 bar)
D . 250 psi (17 bar)

View Answer

Answer: B

Explanation:

According to NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, all sprinkler piping must undergo a hydrostatic test to verify its strength and leak resistance.

Hydrostatic testing must be conducted at a pressure of 200 psi (13.8 bar) or 50 psi (3.4 bar) greater than the system’s maximum working pressure, whichever is higher.

Since the maximum system pressure is 175 psi, the test pressure must be at least 200 psI. 175 psi (A) is the system pressure, not the test pressure. 225 psi (C) and 250 psi (D) exceed the required test pressure.

Reference: NFPA 13, Section 25.2.1.1: Hydrostatic test requirements for sprinkler piping.