Fire Flow Test Description - The "test" FH is typically the hydrant closest to the subject property's connection point to the County's water system
- The static pressure is the system pressure measured at the "test" FH under normal flow conditions
- The "flow" FH is typically an adjacent FH located on or near the same water main as the "test" FH
- The "flow" FH is slowly opened and the amount of flow at the "flow" FH is measured while the residual pressure at the "test" FH is measured
- The difference between the static and residual pressures measured at the "test" FH indicates the drop in pressure that occurs when the measured flow is imposed on the system
Use of Fire Flow Test Data Sprinkler designers utilize the static and residual pressures and the measured flow recorded during a fire flow test to design the sprinkler system for the subject property. Proposed sprinkler system designs are reviewed by the fire protection engineers in the Permit Application Center. The sprinkler system design must be approved by the engineers at the Permit Application Center before a building permit can be issued. Inspections must be done by the Fire Marshal's Office before the building occupancy is permitted. This review process ensures that sprinkler systems are properly designed and that adequate fire protection is available to ensure public safety. Requesting a Fire Flow Test - Fire Flow Test Applications are available at the Permit Application Center, or by contacting Technical Engineering at (410) 222-7550
- The County charges a $232 fee to conduct the fire flow test and provides the test results within three weeks of receiving the application
- DPW provides the test results in tabular and graphical formats and distributes the test results to the requestor, the Fire Marshal, and the Permit Application Center
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