Chapter 15

Which kind of test is conducted to demonstrate to the purchaser that the apparatus conforms to all bid specifications at the time of delivery?

Acceptance testing

Which category of preperformance tests are fire department personnel MOST likely to be involved in?

Acceptance tests

According to NFPA® 1911, how often should a pumper be performance tested?

At least once a year

When is pump certification testing conducted?

Before final acceptance of the vehicle

Which dangerous substance should be monitored for during service testing?

Carbon monoxide

When road tests are conducted as part of manufacturers' testing, what type of conditions should be present?

Flat, dry, paved roads in good condition

Which foam proportioner test checks the volume of foam concentrate that is drawn through the system?

Foam concentrate displacement method

Which method tests the calibration accuracy of a foam proportioning system?

Foam concentrate displacement method

Which foam proportioner test discharges foam at a predetermined flow into a calibrated tank for a specific period of time?

Foam concentrate pump discharge volume method

Which foam proportioner test verifies the ability of the foam product to conduct electricity?

Foam solution conductivity test

Which foam proportioner test measures the velocity of light that travels through foam and compares it to a base reading?

Foam solution refractivity test

If a flowmeter is used during performance testing, what piece of equipment may be used in place of smooth bore nozzles?

Fog nozzles

Which factor would be MOST important to consider when correcting net pump discharge pressure for apparatus testing?

Friction loss in the intake hose

Which test is performed to ensure that the pumps and associated piping are capable of withstanding high pressure pumping demands?

Hydrostatic testing

Who is in charge of performing pump certification tests?

Independent testing organizations

Which apparatus performance tests require that a discharge hoseline from a second pumper be connected to the apparatus being tested?

Internal intake pressure relief valve test

When completing performance testing, what is MOST likely to happen if an apparatus achieves results of less than 90 percent of its originally rated capabilities?

It will be placed out of service and restored to its original capabilities.

Which standard is commonly used as a basis for most apparatus bid specifications?

NFPA® 1901

The engine speed check should be conducted under what type of conditions?

No-load

Which test is included in the minimum requirements of NFPA® 1901 for apparatus performance testing?

Overload test

Which test is performed in a three-part sequence and may be completed while the pump is still set up after the pumping test?

Pressure control test

Which formula would be used when correcting net pump discharge?

Pressure correction formula

Which pieces of equipment are evaluated for air leaks using a vacuum test?

Priming device, pump, and intake hose

The engine speed interlock test is part of which category of preperformance tests?

Pump certification tests

Pump testing should be performed:

Pump testing should be performed:

Which test is more important for jurisdictions located at least 2,000 ft (600 m) above sea level?

Pumping engine overload test

Which performance test evaluates the overall operation of the engine and the fire pump?

Pumping test

What should be done if the pump fails to reach 22 inches of mercury (-75 kPa) during the vacuum test?

Remove the apparatus from service until repairs can be made.

What two tests are MOST likely to be included in manufacturer's tests?

Road test and hydrostatic test

During service testing, personnel should operate the engine throttle slowly in order to help prevent which potentially dangerous situation from occurring?

Sudden pressure changes

What piece of equipment is used to determine engine speed during performance testing?

Tachometer

Which test verifies that the piping between the onboard tank and pump is sufficient to supply the minimum amount of water as specified by NFPA® 1901 and the design of the manufacturer?

Tank-to-pump flow test

What is MOST likely to happen if an apparatus fails to comply with bid specifications?

The apparatus will be rejected by the purchaser.

What is the purpose of acceptance testing?

To demonstrate to the purchaser that the apparatus conforms to all bid specifications at the time of delivery

In addition to yearly testing as required by NFPA® 1911, when should pumper performance be tested?

Whenever the apparatus has undergone major pump or powertrain repair

A pitot tube is required if a ___ is not used during performance testing.

flowmeter

A flowmeter might be used instead of a pitot gauge during a pump performance test, because flowmeters are:

more efficient.

If a jurisdiction seeks special requirements from the manufacturer to ensure that the apparatus will perform as required under local conditions, they may be written into the bid specifications as:

performance requirements.

Foam proportioning equipment testing should occur before being placed in service and:

periodically thereafter.

Briefly discuss the actions that should be taken if an apparatus fails to perform to requirements outlined in the bid specifications.

· It should be rejected by the purchaser. Provisions may be made to allow the manufacturer the opportunity to correct any deficiencies or supply another apparatus that will fit the specifications, or depending on the contract the purchaser may consider the order void and choose another vendor.

List four issues that should be investigated before any results are concluded if a pump fails to meet the requirements of the service test.

· Transmission in wrong gear · Lockup clutch with automatic transmission apparatus not functioning · Clutch slipping · Engine overheating · Muffler clogged · Tachometer inaccurate · Engine governor malfunctioning · Insufficient intake hose · Intake strainer submerged incorrectly or intake screen clogged · Lift higher than 10 feet (3 m) · Intake hose clogged or lining collapsed · Excessive air leaks on intake side of pump as a result of bad pump seals · Pump impellers clogged · Clearance rings that are excessively worn · Pump or intake hose not fully primed · Malfunctioning relief valve or pressure governor · Transfer valve in wrong position · Malfunction of gauges · Pitot gauge malfunctioning or clogged · Nozzle too large or too small

List three safety considerations for personnel while service testing fire pumps.

· Wear protective head gear, eyewear, gloves, and hearing protection if noise levels have the potential to reach or exceed 90 decibels (dB) · Open and close valves and nozzles slowly to prevent water hammer · Operate the engine throttle slowly to prevent sudden pressure changes that may damage equipment or injure personnel · Secure test nozzles and observe hose from a safe distance · Ensure no people or obstructions are in the path of a hose stream · Be sure personnel are protected from any open manholes if using a test pit · Chock apparatus wheels · Monitor air quality for the presence of carbon monoxide

When conducting pumper performance testing, the air temperature should always be above:

0°F

When conducting discharge pressure gauge and flowmeter operational tests, a difference in readings between the flowmeter and pitot gauge must not be more than:

10 percent.

For a pumper with a 1,250 gpm (5 000 L/min) capacity, how quickly must it achieve prime during the priming system performance test?

30 seconds or less

When conducting pump performance tests using a static water source, how deep must the water be?

4 ft

What is the maximum speed that must be reached by apparatus during road tests?

50 mph

During the tank-to-pump flow test, pumpers with an onboard capacity of greater than 500 gallons (2 000 L) must be capable of flowing at least:

500 gpm

According to NFPA® 1911, all gauges used for service testing must be calibrated within _____ of testing.

60 days