What is the function of a flow test?

The function of a flow test is focused on assessing available flow and pressure from the water supply for firefighting purposes. This is critical for ensuring that sufficient water is accessible to effectively combat fires, particularly in private fire service mains. The results of a flow test provide valuable data regarding the capacity and reliability of the water supply, which is essential for the planning and implementation of fire protection systems.

Conducting a flow test allows fire protection professionals to determine if the existing water supply can meet the demands of various firefighting scenarios, including hose streams and sprinkler systems. The information gathered can directly influence the design and sizing of fire service mains, fire hydrants, and other firefighting resources, ensuring they are adequate for potential emergencies.

While it may be valuable to evaluate the speed of firefighting teams or predict future water supply needs, these functions do not specifically pertain to the objective of conducting a flow test. Additionally, measuring the length of fire service mains is not related to assessing water flow or pressure but rather pertains to the infrastructure layout and may be part of a different assessment process altogether.