The gas test pressure shall be not less than 1 1/2 times the proposed maximum working pressure.

• A. At least the proposed maximum working pressure
• B. One and one-half times the proposed maximum working pressure
• C. Double the proposed maximum working pressure
• D. At least half of the proposed maximum working pressure

Answer: (B)

Gas piping is tested at a pressure higher than normal operation to uncover leaks and weaknesses before use. The requirement of not less than 1.5 times the proposed maximum working pressure provides a safety margin that is enough to reveal defects without pushing the system to pressures it isn’t designed to handle during testing. So the test pressure should be set to one and a half times the proposed maximum working pressure. For example, if the proposed maximum working pressure is 60 psi, the test pressure should be at least 90 psi. Choosing a pressure equal to the working pressure or lower would not give enough margin to detect leaks, while doubling would exceed the specified testing guideline and unnecessary stress the system.