705.3 Pressure Tests

The hydrostatic test pressure shall be not less than one-and-one-half times the maximum working pressure, and not less than 100 psig (689.5 kPa gauge).

The pneumatic test pressure shall be not less than one-and-one-half times the maximum working pressure for systems less than 125 psig (862 kPa gauge) and not less than 5 psig (34.5 kPa gauge), whichever is greater. For working pressures at or above 125 psig (862 kPa gauge), the pneumatic test pressure shall be not less than 110 percent of the maximum working pressure.

Where the test pressure exceeds 125 psig (862 kPa gauge), the test pressure shall not exceed a value that produces hoop stress in the piping greater than 50 percent of the specified minimum yield strength of the pipe.

Deionized water shall be utilized to perform hydrostatic pressure testing and shall be obtained from a potable source. The medium utilized to perform pneumatic pressure testing shall be air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide or an inert gas; oxygen shall not be used.

The minimum test duration shall be ¹/₂ hour. The test duration shall be not less than ¹/₂ hour for each 500 cubic feet (14.2 m³) of pipe volume or fraction thereof. For piping systems having a volume of more than 24,000 cubic feet (680 m³), the duration of the test shall not be required to exceed 24 hours. The test pressure required in Sections 705.3.1 and 705.3.2 shall be maintained for the entire duration of the test.

Gauges used for testing shall be as follows:

1. Tests requiring a pressure of 10 psig (68.95 kPa gauge) or less shall utilize a testing gauge having increments of 0.10 psi (0.6895 kPa) or less.
2. Tests requiring a pressure greater than 10 psig (68.98 kPa gauge) but less than or equal to 100 psig (689.5 kPa gauge) shall utilize a testing gauge having increments of 1 psi (6.895 kPa) or less.
3. Tests requiring a pressure greater than 100 psig (689.5 kPa gauge) shall utilize a testing gauge having increments of 2 psi (13.79 kPa) or less.
   Exception: Measuring devices having an equivalent level of accuracy and resolution shall be permitted where specified by the design engineer and approved by the code official.

Pipe joints, including welds, shall be left exposed for examination during the test.

Expansion joints shall be provided with temporary restraints, if required, for the additional thrust load under test.

Where the piping system is connected to appliances, equipment or components designed for operating pressures of less than the test pressure, such appliances, equipment and components shall be isolated from the piping system by disconnecting them and capping the outlet(s).

Where the piping system is connected to appliances, equipment or components designed for operating pressures equal to or greater than the test pressure, such appliances, equipment and components shall be isolated from the piping system by closing the individual appliance, equipment or component shutoff valve(s).