Rick,

That is my  understanding also, but  the original question was " If the
intent of the main drain test is to test the supply, can you accomplish that
by flowing the largest or the furtherest from the riser instead of flowing
each one individually? So the answer would be no, because you are not just
testing the supply?
FM Red Tag actually requires that the valve turns be counted on open/closed
and system residual pressures be recorded for each closed valve.

 Jamey 

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Matsuda,
Richard
Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2012 4:43 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: main drain test

Jamey,
The main drain test conducted on the incoming water supply to the building
is performed to insure adequacy of the water supply compared to previous
tests. Extreme changes in static or residual pressure will indicate changes
in the municipal supply and/or obstructions in the piping including closed
or partially closed inline valves.

The tests conducted on the sectional valves are done to insure the valve is
still operational (that it will close when required) and the drain test is
done to make sure that it is fully open after you closed it for the test.
This procedure will indicate any dropped gates or broken valves where the
valve appears to be open externally, but it is actually close internally
because it is broken.

rick matsuda
city of dallas

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Jamey
Prentice
Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2012 3:21 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: main drain test

This one has always confused me, If you are not required to perform a
residual drain test on each sectional valve assembly why does the
manufacturers literature state to do so? Have included Tyco's requirements
for reference:
The following inspection procedure must be performed as indicated, in
addition to any specific requirements of the NFPA, and any impairment must
be immediately corrected.
Alarm/Flow Test Procedure
Step 1. Place the test & drain Valve in the "test" position.
Step 2. Fully open the drain valve. Make certain that drainage water will
not cause any damage or injury.
Step 3. Verify operation of associated alarms.
Step 4. Close the drain valve.
Step 5. Place the test & drain Valve in the "drain" position.
Step 6. Verify that the residual (flowing) pressure indicated by the
pressure gauge is no less that originally recorded for the system when it
was first installed.
Step 7. Close the drain valve.
Step 8. Verify that the static (not flowing) pressure indicated by the
pressure gauge is no less that originally recorded for the system when it
was first installed.

Jamey
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