Can I use a flow meter loop as a substitute for a test header?
A. A flow meter loop is often practical where flowing excessive water through standard U.L. Playpipe nozzles are inconvenient; however, when using a closed flow meter loop around a fire pump, you may be testing the pumps hydraulic performance, but you are NOT testing the water supply, which is a critical component of the fire pump system. If there is an obstruction to the water supply, this will not be evident with a flow meter loop, but will certainly be exposed by testing a fire pump with hoses and Playpipes. On an initial start-up of a fire pump system, we always insist on flowing water through the system to ensure the integrity of the entire system.
