According to NFPA 13, what is required for testing sprinkler systems upon installation?

Hydrostatic pressure testing is crucial for ensuring the integrity of newly installed sprinkler systems. According to NFPA 13, this type of testing involves subjecting the sprinkler piping to a pressure that significantly exceeds its normal operating conditions. This process helps to verify that the piping does not leak and can withstand the pressures it will encounter when the system is put into service.

During hydrostatic pressure testing, the system is typically filled with water, and the pressure is monitored for a specified duration. If the pressure holds steady without any drops, it indicates that there are no leaks or weaknesses in the piping, which is essential for the system's reliability and effectiveness in case of a fire.

While other testing methods, such as electrical tests on alarms, are important for ensuring that alarm systems function properly, they are not specifically mandated for the initial testing of sprinkler systems as a whole. Similarly, visual inspections and chemical testing of water supplies have their own importance but do not replace the need for hydrostatic pressure testing in the verification of the physical integrity of the sprinkler system components upon installation.