Below are some suggested layouts to use when performing your
annual pump tests. By no means are these suggestions the only way it can
be done. Basically these are "old school" layouts that are tried and
proven over many years. That is not to say that they are the best way, the
only way, or the easiest way. However, if you are new to performing yearly
apparatus pump tests these suggestions can save you a lot of time and effort.
Each pump section addresses the three primary tests of 100%, 70% and 50% capacity. If you choose to do the optional overload or "spurt" test you can use the same setup as used for the 100% capacity test.
You should resist the temptation to reduce the length of the hose lays. Some friction loss is needed to maintain the pressure differential between the pump and the tip. However, if you are having problems getting enough pressure on the master gauge but can easily make the proper flows, hose can be added to the layout. The added friction loss can actually help.
750 GPM Rated Pump Using 20' of 4-1/2" Suction Hose
| Test | Pump Press | GPM | Hose Layout | Tip Size | Pitot | Actual Flow |
| 100% | 150 | 750 | 2 each, 2-1/2" x 100' | 1-3/4 | 68 | 750 |
| 70% | 200 | 525 | 1 each, 2-1/2" x 100' | 1-1/2 | 64 | 534 |
| 50% | 250 | 375 | 1 each, 2-1/2" x 100' | 1-1/4" | 68 | 382 |
1000 GPM Rated Pump Using 20' of 5" Suction Hose
| Test | Pump Press | GPM | Hose Layout | Tip Size | Pitot | Actual Flow |
| 100% | 150 | 1000 | 3 each, 2-1/2" x 100' | 2" | 72 | 1008 |
| 70% | 200 | 700 | 2 each, 2-1/2" x 100' | 1-3/4" | 60 | 704 |
| 50% | 250 | 500 | 1 each, 2-1/2" x 100' | 1-1/2" | 58 | 508 |
1250 GPM Rated Pump Using 20' of 6" Suction Hose
| Test | Pump Press | GPM | Hose Layout | Tip Size | Pitot | Actual Flow |
| 100% | 150 | 1250 | 4 each, 2-1/2" x 100' | 2-1/4" | 70 | 1260 |
| 70% | 200 | 875 | 3 each, 2-1/2" x 100' | 2" | 56 | 889 |
| 50% | 250 | 625 | 2 each, 2-1/2" x 100' | 1-3/4" | 48 | 630 |
1500 GPM Rated Pump Using 20' of 6" Suction Hose
| Test | Pump Press | GPM | Hose Layout | Tip Size | Pitot | Actual Flow |
| 100% | 150 | 1500 | 4 each, 2-1/2" x 100' | 2-1/2" | 66 | 1510 |
| 70% | 200 | 1050 | 3 each, 2-1/2" x 100' | 2" | 78 | 1050 |
| 50% | 250 | 750 | 2 each, 2-1/2" x 100' | 1-3/4" | 68 | 750 |
1750 GPM Rated Pump Using TWO Master Streams and DUAL 20' Long
6" Suction Hoses
| Test | Pump Press | GPM | Hose Layout | Tip Size | Pitot | Actual Flow |
| 100% | 150 | 1750 | 4 each, 2-1/2" x 100' | (2) 2" | 55 | 1760 |
| 70% | 200 | 1250 | 4 each, 2-1/2" x 100' | (2)1-3/4 | 48 | 1260 |
| 50% | 250 | 875 | 3 each, 2-1/2" x 100' | (1) 2" | 54 | 873 |
2000 GPM Rated Pump Using TWO Master Streams and DUAL 20' Long
6" Suction Hoses
| Test | Pump Press | GPM | Hose Layout | Tip Size | Pitot | Actual Flow |
| 100% | 150 | 2000 | 4 each, 2-1/2" x 100' | (2) 2" | 71 | 2002 |
| 70% | 200 | 1400 | 4 each, 2-1/2" x 100' | (2) 1-3/4" | 60 | 1408 |
| 50% | 250 | 1000 | 4 each, 2-1/2" x 100' | (2) 1-1/2" | 56 | 1001 |