Pressure testing of hydronic equipment in the field

Russ Hugenschmidt_2

Is there an industry standard for testing hydronic equipment prior to operating the system? I see that Runtal radiators have a test pressure of 110 psi and an operating pressure of 85 psi max. How long should it be tested at 110 psi?

Dan Peel

Example

Most of those test numbers are factory test pressures of individual components. On system air pressure tests we use 40-50lb (isolation of relief required) over 24hrs or for hydrostatic testing 25lb. With many systems it's trial by fire and repair as required, especially in season. Enjoy....Dan

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hr

If the boiler is

in the loop being tested you may be limited to below 30 psi, as that is where most reliefs trip.

For radiant tube only I like 100 psi. It shows a leak quickly at that pressure.

Copper and other piping should handle 45 or so. Check the listings on zone valves and other components first.

hot rod

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ed_19

We are usually required to test to 3 times the working pressure for 24 hrs. A lot of the time we test to around 130lbs. This is due to the fact that that is our compressors highest setting. And remember pressure will change with temperature.

[Deleted User]

pressure test

We usually test the new boiler at 1 1/2 times the maximum working pressure (or the relief valve pressure). We will hydro-test using water, not air to 45 PSI on a 30 pound boiler, 22.5 PSI on a steam boiler. We always hydro-test after any major repair (Re-tubing for example). The boiler and relief valve are isolated from the rest of the system. A leak will usually show up instantly or in a very short time. I would not try this on an old systems piping or you may have more work then you banked on.