During the test, which pressure gauge readings are required to be recorded?

• A. Suction and discharge
• B. Discharge and relief valve
• C. Suction and relief valve
• D. Gauge at inlet and outlet piping

Answer: (A)

During a fire pump run test, you need to know what the pump is delivering to the system, which requires looking at the pressures on both sides of the pump. The suction gauge (inlet) and the discharge gauge (outlet) provide this information. By recording these two pressures, you can calculate the head the pump develops (discharge minus suction) at the tested flow, verify the pump has adequate suction head to avoid cavitation, and confirm the discharge pressure meets the system demand. A reading from a relief valve isn’t part of the standard run test, and while gauges at inlet and outlet piping would capture the same pressures, the standard practice is to record suction and discharge pressures directly across the pump.