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When we test pipework its 5 bar that was stated we had to test to before testing with water on the last job ! I know that sprinkler lads pressure test to 15 bar on everyjob before filling with water !
 
Have I missed something in this thread? :confused5:

Because it would appear that someone needs to have a chat with City and Guilds if pressure testing pipework is so dangerous as to not be worth doing - especially as it's a specific requirement in their exams if the pupil wants to pass.

A direct quote from the C&G exam requirements: Work to be capped where appropriate and pressure tested to 3 bar for three minutes.

Better have a chat with WRAS, too, as the Water Regulations specifically demand the system is tested at '1.5 times the maximum operating pressure for the installation' Water Regulations Guide (Section 4: Guidance clauses G12.1 – 12.3)
 
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When we test pipework its 5 bar that was stated we had to test to before testing with water on the last job ! I know that sprinkler lads pressure test to 15 bar on everyjob before filling with water !
Doesn't make it right, if god forbid an accident did happen then the poo would truly hit the fan.
 
What a load of absolute ************* this thread is I only read it all in case Keefy had some more pics.......
Someone better get the British standards updated....IGE/UP/1......IGE/UP/1A.......Etc
 
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you can make a risk assessment the guy will use a single phase compressor 3kw probably for a fixed amount of time to achieve a level of compression in a system of known volume so you know how much energy it contains and you know what the possible risk are eg children close by so you know how to manage the risk i would lower the pressure to 1/2 bar which would show leaks but in my view isn't a riskisn't a risk
 
Doesn't make it right, if god forbid an accident did happen then the poo would truly hit the fan.

No it doesnt make it right in the way its carried out but alot of centres want air test first and a in house cert for that ! They have surveyors and lawyers and that to check all that out first hand and then tell us they want it !
 
A good mate of mine was badly injured in a accident a few years back, involving compressed air it is not something to be taken lightly and in my opinion should be treated with respect on that note I will say goodnight.
 
WATER REGULATIONS

G12.1 The whole installation should be tested hydraulically on completion by subjecting all supply and distributing pipes, fittings and connections to appliances, to an internal test pressure of 1.5 times the maximum operating pressure for the installation or the relevant part..


G12.2 For systems that do not include any plastics pipes (that is, rigid pipe materials such as copper, stainless steel, etc), the requirement shall be deemed to be satisfied if:

a. the whole of the system is subjected internally to the test pressure by pumping, after which the test continues without further pumping;

b.

the pressure in the system does not drop below the test pressure over the next one hour period and there is no visible leakage in accordance with Clause 3.1.12.3.3 of BS 6700.


G12.3 For systems that include any plastics pipes, the requirement shall be deemed to be satisfied if, either:

Test A


a. the whole of the system is subjected internally to the test pressure which is maintained by pumping for 30 minutes, after which the test continues without further pumping; and
b. the pressure in the system is care fully reduced to one third of the test pressure; and

c. the pressure does not drop over the following 90 minutes and there is no visible leakage;

or in accordance with Clause 3.1.12.3.4 (Test procedure A) of BS 6700, or


Test B


a. the whole of the system is subjected internally to the test pressure and is maintained by pumping for 30 minutes, after which the pressure is noted and the test is continued without further pumping; and

b.
the pressure drop is less than 0.6 bar after a further 30 minutes; and

c.

the pressure drop is less than 0. 2 bar after the next 120 minutes and there is no visible leakage,or in accordance with Clause 3.1.12.3.4 (Test procedure B) of BS 6700.
 
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im glad in your opinion compressed air should be treated with respect but kimou wants to tell someone he is right and theres a piece of paper to support him but were passing off opinions as fact which there not in kimou opinion he right it doesn't make it fact and getting people to agree doesn't make it more factual
 
Gas safe has no jurisdiction over pressure testing pipes that contain water, so what was the point of your rgi contacting them ?
 
WATER REGULATIONS

G12.1 The whole installation should be tested hydraulically on completion by subjecting all supply and distributing pipes, fittings and connections to appliances, to an internal test pressure of 1.5 times the maximum operating pressure for the installation or the relevant part..


G12.2 For systems that do not include any plastics pipes (that is, rigid pipe materials such as copper, stainless steel, etc), the requirement shall be deemed to be satisfied if:

a. the whole of the system is subjected internally to the test pressure by pumping, after which the test continues without further pumping;

b.

the pressure in the system does not drop below the test pressure over the next one hour period and there is no visible leakage in accordance with Clause 3.1.12.3.3 of BS 6700.


G12.3 For systems that include any plastics pipes, the requirement shall be deemed to be satisfied if, either:

Test A


a. the whole of the system is subjected internally to the test pressure which is maintained by pumping for 30 minutes, after which the test continues without further pumping; and
b. the pressure in the system is care fully reduced to one third of the test pressure; and

c. the pressure does not drop over the following 90 minutes and there is no visible leakage;

or in accordance with Clause 3.1.12.3.4 (Test procedure A) of BS 6700, or


Test B


a. the whole of the system is subjected internally to the test pressure and is maintained by pumping for 30 minutes, after which the pressure is noted and the test is continued without further pumping; and

b.
the pressure drop is less than 0.6 bar after a further 30 minutes; and

c.

the pressure drop is less than 0. 2 bar after the next 120 minutes and there is no visible leakage,or in accordance with Clause 3.1.12.3.4 (Test procedure B) of BS 6700.
The bit highlighted in red is the difference. This thread was about a pneumatic test a totally different ball game.

Vern the bit i pasted in earlier was from IGE/UP1. It is perfectly ok to do a pneumatic test but just be sensible and aware of the risks.
 
Due to the nature of my business we complete a lot of pressure testing. Where possible we generally use a water pump. We would occasionally use air but for different reasons. The problem with pressure testing using air you can compress a lot of it where water being pretty solid will show loss quickly. We have seen occasion where air was used and showed nothing and a swap across to water showed the fault quickly. We seen a guy at a site completing an air test on a system which contained water for why i don't know but it was the longest range water pistol i ever seen in use when the stop end let go.
 

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