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Recommended Testing Procedure for Installations

Leak Testing

Leak testing using a Low Pressure Gauge or Water Manometer procedures are as follows:

1. Inspect all connectors and appliance valves to be sure they are tight and closed, including pilot valves.
2. Connect low pressure gauge to burner orifice and open appliance valve to pressure gauge.
3. Open tank valve to pressure system. Close tank valve tightly.
4. Low Pressure Gauge reading should be 11" Water Column or 6 3/8 oz. pressure. Slowly bleed off pressure by opening one burner valve on the appliance to vent off enough gas to reduce pressure to exactly ten inches water column.
5. After 10 minutes the pressure has remained the same 10" water column: you can now assume the system is leak tight. If pressure increases, check supply tank valve for leakage.
6. If pressure drops, check with liquid leak detector, never with open flame, and repair.
7. Repeat steps 3,4, and 5.

Refer to National Fuel Gas Code, Pamphlet 54, Appendix "D" for additional "Suggested Methods to Test for Leakage."

Operating Pressure Test

1. Light all pilot lights. Pressure should be 11" water column or 6 3/8 oz.
2. With approximately ½ of the burner operating, your gauge pressure should not drop over ¼ to ½" water column. If a drop in pressure occurs, you could have kinked tubing, restriction in pipe or improperly set low-pressure regulator.
3. Find restriction, repair and Re-Pressure Test.

Lockup Test

1. Shut off all burners except pilot lights.
2. Regulators should lock up with approximately 2 inch water column or less increase in pressure.
3. If lock up is over 2 inches water column, this indicates low pressure regulator is set higher than 11" water column.

When testing gas refrigerator, use only water manometer when taking pressure readings.

Water Manometer used to measure 11" water column
Multi Meter connected to a Digital Pressure Reader to measure the 11" water column.

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