The sprinkler system must be tested for water pressure. What must be true about this pressure during the test?

During the testing of a sprinkler system for water pressure, it is imperative that the pressure matches the design pressure. The design pressure is determined based on the hydraulic calculations made for the system, ensuring that adequate water supply and pressure are available to effectively operate the sprinkler heads in the event of a fire.

Matching the design pressure during tests ensures that the system has been installed correctly and functions as intended. It provides valuable information about the system's ability to deliver the required flow rate and pressure to the sprinkler heads, which is critical for their effectiveness in suppressing a fire.

If the pressure were to be lower than the design pressure, the system could fail to provide the necessary coverage and effectiveness during an emergency. Conversely, significant variances from the design pressure would indicate potential issues within the system or water supply, leading to questions about whether it can adequately function when needed. Thus, the necessity for the pressure to match the design specifications is paramount for the reliability and safety of the sprinkler system.