Flow testing is a critical part of any fire protection system’s ongoing maintenance and compliance plan. According to NFPA 25, regular testing of fire pumps ensures that they operate at their rated capacity when needed during an emergency. However, not every facility is built with a permanent test header — a challenge that many facility managers and fire safety professionals encounter.
If your building lacks a dedicated test header, this doesn't exempt you from performing annual or periodic fire pump testing. In fact, NFPA allows for alternative methods that ensure safety and compliance. This article will walk you through how to perform flow testing without a permanent test header, step by step, and help you understand the necessary equipment, procedures, and safety precautions involved.
