Fire protection engineers have established what as a minimum required pressure when computing the available water for all flow test results?

The established minimum required pressure of 20 PSI is critical when computing the available water for flow test results. This standard helps ensure that the water supply is adequate for fire protection systems, such as sprinklers and standpipes, which rely on proper pressure to function effectively.

When conducting flow tests, using this minimum pressure as a baseline allows engineers to evaluate how well the water system can perform under conditions similar to those that may be encountered during a fire. If the pressure is too low, it may indicate an inadequate supply, which could jeopardize firefighting efforts and safety.

Setting the minimum requirement at 20 PSI also helps to take into account any potential pressure losses that may occur due to factors like distance from the water source, friction loss in pipes, or other system demands. It promotes a reliable safety margin that is crucial for the readiness and effectiveness of fire protection systems.