RICE HYDRO FIRE HOSE TESTER Series User manual

RICE HYDRO, INC.
MANUFACTURER'S OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
FIRE HOSE TESTER SERIES
FOR WARRANTY REGISTRATION CALL: 1-800-245-4777
CAUTIONS:
1.
Power source must meet voltage, phase, hertz and amperage requirements of
electric motor, as stated on label. If an extension cord is used, requires at
least 12 gauge 3 wire with maximum of 25 foot length.
2.
Check ALL fluid levels prior to operating the unit.
3. Protect the pump from freezing, FLUSH with anti-freeze.
4. DO NOT run dry or pump chlorine thru the unit.
5. Supplying the unit with water, inlet pressure should not exceed 90 PSI.
CONNECTING THE PUMP:
1. Check oil level of pump and engine (if gas unit), use 10W30 ND oil.
2.
Connect inlet to fire hydrant.
3.
Connect fire hose to be tested to suitable adapters on manifold outlets. Hose
should have nozzles on the end to bleed the air from the lines at full flow.
4. Connect garden hose to back bleed & direct to a drain away for dry test area.
5.
ASSURE MOTOR IS "OFF". Connect the power cord to a standard wall outlet.
Extension cord: when needed, a 12 gauge 3 wire, maximum 25 ft. length, plugged
into a 20 amp breaker is required.
OPERATING THE PUMP:
1.
Close all ballvalves, slightly crack open the 1/2" bleeder ballvalve.
2.
Open inlet ballvalve. Open outlet ballvalves one at a time and allow each hose
to be filled through manifold. Do not turn pump on at this time.
3.
To ensure air is safely bled from hoses, bleed each hose, one line at a time
with hydrant volume and pressure, utilizing a nozzle at the end of each hose.
4.
When each line is filled, free of air, with nozzle closed, close the ballvalve
at the manifold outlet to seal the line. Bleed ALL outlets whether or not in use
for testing. All air must be removed.
5.
With back bleed open, turn on the pump. This will bleed air out of the pressure
side of the pump - out to the drain area.
6.
Close the 1&1/2" ballvalve at the inlet of manifold/unit, directing water flow
from the hydrant to pressure side of pump. No pressure will build until this
ballvalve is closed.
7.
Slowly close the 1/2" back bleed ballvalve, check the gauge to verify pressure
setting of relief valve.
8.
The pressure regulator has been preset at the factory. To change this setting
you must make this adjustment while the water is flowing freely, and under NO
pressure. To adjust the pressure, first loosen the locknut. Turn the T-
handle/Knob clockwise to increase and counterclockwise to decrease the pressure.
Place a ballvalve or similar open and close valve at the end of the outlet hose,
open and close this valve multiple times as needed, to check pressure setting
and re-adjust as necessary. Upon reaching desired pressure setting, tighten
locknut and prepare to begin test.

9.
Open the 1&1/2" ballvalves at the outlets and begin building pressure in all the
lines. In the event there is an acceptable leak in the system that must be
overcome by leaving the pump running.. Crack the 1/2" back bleed valve allowing
a small amount of clean fresh water to flow while in bypass. Once pressure has
been reached, close all ballvalves and shut off pump.
10.
If the air has been bled as outlined, the pump will build pressure quickly and
safely with only hose stretch to overcome. If a hose ruptures, the only volume
of water available is through GPM of the pump. NO SURGE OF VOLUME, NO WILD
LINE.
11.
It is impossible to ensure that air is not caught behind couplings. If air is
caught behind a coupling that fails - it could cause an explosion and
fragmentary effect. DO NOT BEND OVER THE TOP OF THE PUMP. Treat hoses and
couplings under pressure as dangerous.
NOTE: When dealing with existing pressured hoses or to re-pressurize hose,
TROUBLE SHOOTING:
NOT building pressure Inlet ballvalve has not been closed.
AIR, AIR AND MORE AIR Ensure air is bled from hoses, manifold, piping.
The length of time to build pressure and test hoses
is directly related to overcoming air buildup.
Motor will not Run Verify plugged directly into wall outlet, or using
minimum 12 gauge 3 wire, maximum 25' extension cord.
Push thermal overload button to reset.
GAUGE Pegged or faulty, order new gauge.
WARNING: Operating, servicing and maintaining this equipment can expose you to
chemicals including engine exhaust, carbon monoxide and lead, which are known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive
harm. To minimize exposure, avoid breathing exhaust, do not idle the engine
except as necessary, operate and service your equipment in a well-ventilated
area and wear gloves or wash your hands frequently when servicing your
equipment. For more information go to: www.p65warnings.ca.gov