Chapter 13 — HEALTH CARE FACILITIES AND MEDICAL GAS AND MEDICAL VACUUM SYSTEMS

1324.5 Initial Pressure Tests – Medical Gas and Vac-

California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5) · 2022 edition · updated 2026-09-10 · California

Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.

uum Systems. Each section of the piping in medical gas and vacuum systems shall be pressure tested. Initial pressure tests shall be conducted as follows: (1) After blowdown of the distribution piping. (2) After installation of station outlet/inlet rough-in assem blies. (3) Prior to the installation of components of the distribution

piping system that would be damaged by the test pressure (e.g., pressure/vacuum alarm devices, pressure/vacuum indicators, line pressure relief valves). [NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.3.1, 5.1.12.2.3.2] 1324.5.1 Shutoff Valve. The source shutoff valve shall remain closed during tests specified in Section 1324.5 through Section 1324.5.1.2. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.3.3]

1324.5.1.1 Required Test Pressure. The test pressure for pressure gases and vacuum systems shall be 1.5 times the system operating pressure but not less than a gauge pressure of 150 psi (1034 kPa). The test pressure shall be maintained until each joint has been examined for leakage by means of a leak detectant that is safe for use with oxygen and does not contain ammonia. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.3.4, 5.1.12.2.3.5] 1324.5.1.2 Leaks. Leaks, if any, shall be located, repaired (if permitted), replaced (if required), and retested. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.3.6] 1324.5.2 Initial Cross-Connection Test. It shall be determined that no cross-connections exist between the various medical gas and vacuum piping systems. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.4] 1324.5.2.1 Atmospheric Pressure. All piping systems shall be reduced to atmospheric pressure.

[NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.4.1] 1324.5.2.2 Sources of Test Gas. Sources of test gas shall be disconnected from all piping systems, except for the one system being tested. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.4.2] 1324.5.2.3 System to Be Charged. The system under test shall be charged with oil-free, dry nitrogen NF to a gauge pressure of 50 psi (345 kPa).

[NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.4.3] 1324.5.2.4 Check Outlets and Inlets. After the installation of the individual faceplates with appropriate adapters matching outlet/inlet labels, each individual outlet/inlet in each installed medical gas and vacuum piping system shall be checked to determine that the test gas is being dispensed only from the piping system being tested. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.4.4]

290 2022 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE

HEALTH CARE FACILITIES AND MEDICAL GAS AND MEDICAL VACUUM SYSTEMS

» »

1324.5.2.5 Repeat Test. The cross-connection test referenced in Section 1324.5.2 shall be repeated for each installed medical gas and vacuum piping system. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.4.5] 1324.5.2.6 Identification of System. The proper labeling and identification of system outlets/inlets shall be confirmed during these tests. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.4.6] 1324.5.3 Initial Piping Purge Tests. The outlets in each medical gas piping system shall be purged to remove any particulate matter from the distribution piping. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.5]

d vacuum piping system. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.4.5] 1324.5.2.6 Identification of System. The proper labeling and identification of system outlets/inlets shall be confirmed during these tests. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.4.6] 1324.5.3 Initial Piping Purge Tests. The outlets in each medical gas piping system shall be purged to remove any particulate matter from the distribution piping. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.5]

1324.5.3.1 Procedure. Using appropriate adapters, each outlet shall be purged with an intermittent high-volume flow of test gas until the purge produces no discoloration in a clean white cloth.

[NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.5.1] 1324.5.3.2 Location. The purging required in Section 1324.5.3.1 shall be started at the closest outlet/inlet to the zone valve and continue to the furthest outlet/inlet within the zone. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.5.2]

1324.5.4 Standing Pressure Tests – for Positive Pressure Medical Gas Piping Systems. After successful completion of the initial pressure tests under Section 1324.5 through Section 1324.5.1.2, medical gas distribution piping shall be subjected to a standing pressure test. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.6]

1324.5.4.1 Time Frame for Testing. Tests shall be conducted after the final installation of station outlet valve bodies, faceplates, and other distribution system components (e.g. pressure alarm devices, pressure indicators, line pressure relief valves, manufactured assemblies, hose). [NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.6.1] 1324.5.4.2 Source Valve. The source valve shall be closed during this test. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.6.2] 1324.5.4.3 Length of Testing. The piping systems shall be subjected to a 24 hour standing pressure test using oil-free, dry nitrogen NF. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.6.3] 1324.5.4.4 Test Pressure. Test pressures shall be 20 percent above the normal system operating line pressure. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.6.4] 1324.5.4.5 Conclusion of Test. The leakage over the 24 hour test shall not exceed 0.5 percent of the starting pressure [e.g., 0.3 psi (2 kPa) starting at 60 psig (414 kPa), 0.125 inch (3.2 mm) HgV starting at 25 inches (635 mm) HgV] except that attributed to specific changes of ambient temperature.

[NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.6.5] 1324.5.4.6 Leaks. Leaks, if any, shall be located, repaired (if permitted) or replaced (if required), and retested. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.6.6] 1324.5.4.7 Proof of Testing. The 24 hour standing pressure test of the positive pressure system shall be

witnessed by an ASSE 6020 inspector, an ASSE 6030 verifier, or the Authority Having Jurisdiction or its designee. A form indicating that this test has been performed and witnessed shall be provided to the verifier at the start of the tests required in Section 1324.5.7 through Section 1324.5.11. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.6.7]

1324.5.5 Standing Pressure Tests – Medical Vac- uum Piping Systems. After successful completion of the initial pressure tests under Section 1324.5 through Section 1324.5.1.2, vacuum distribution piping shall be subjected to a standing vacuum test. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.7] 1324.5.5.1 Timeframe for Testing. Tests shall be conducted after installation of all components of the vacuum system. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.7.1] 1324.5.5.2 Length of Testing. The piping systems shall be subjected to a 24 hour standing vacuum test. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.7.2] 1324.5.5.3 Test Pressure. Test pressure shall be between 12 inches (305 mm) HgV and full vacuum.

[NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.7.3]

1324.5.5.4 Disconnection of Testing Source. During the test, the source of test vacuum shall be disconnected from the piping system. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.7.4] 1324.5.5.5 Conclusion of Test. At the conclusion of the test, there shall be no change in the vacuum other than that attributed to changes of ambient temperature. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.7.5] 1324.5.5.6 Proof of Testing. The 24 hour standing pressure test of the vacuum system shall be witnessed by the Authority Having Jurisdiction or its designee. A form indicating that this test has been performed and witnessed shall be provided to the verifier at the start of the tests required in Section 1324.5.7 through Section 1324.5.11. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.7.6] 1324.5.5.7 Leaks. Leaks, if any, shall be located, repaired (if permitted) or replaced (if required), and retested. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.2.7.7] 1324.5.6 System Inspection. System inspections shall be performed prior to concealing piping distribution systems in walls, ceilings, chases, trenches, underground, or otherwise hidden from view. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.3.1.1] 1324.5.6.1 Test Gas. The test gas shall be nitrogen NF. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.3.1.2] 1324.5.6.2 Inspection Qualification. Inspections shall be conducted by a party technically competent and experienced in the field of medical gas and vacuum pipeline inspections and testing and meeting the requirements of ASSE 6020, or ASSE 6030. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.3.1.3] 1324.5.6.3 Inspection Personnel. Inspections shall be performed by a party other than the installing contractor. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.3.1.4]

2022 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE 291

HEALTH CARE FACILITIES AND MEDICAL GAS AND MEDICAL VACUUM SYSTEMS

1324.5.6.4 Qualifications. Where systems have not been installed by inhouse personnel, inspections shall be permitted by personnel of the organization who meet the requirements of Section 1324.5.6.2.

[NFPA 99:5.1.12.3.1.5] 1324.5.6.5 Inspections. The initial pressure tests performed by the installing contractor shall be witnessed by an ASSE 6020 inspector, an ASSE 6030 verifier, or the Authority Having Jurisdiction or its designee. A form indicating that this test has been performed and witnessed shall be provided to the verifier at the start of the tests required in Section 1324.5.7 through Section 1324.5.11. The presence and correctness of labeling and valve tagging required by this code for all concealed components and piping distribution systems shall be inspected. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.3.2 – 5.1.12.3.2.2] 1324.5.7 System Verification. Verification tests shall be performed only after all tests required in Section 1324.3 through Section 1324.5.5.7, Installer Performed Tests, have been completed. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.4.1.1]

1324.5.7.1 Test Gas. The test gas shall be oil-free, dry nitrogen NF or the system gas where permitted.

[NFPA 5.1.12.4.1.2] 1324.5.7.2 Approved Tester. Testing shall be conducted by a party technically competent and experienced in the field of medical gas and vacuum pipeline testing and meeting the requirements of ASSE 6030, except as required by Section 1324.5.7.3. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.4.1.3] Testing shall be performed by a party other than the installing contractor. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.4.1.5]

means that will allow detection of leaks in an active vacuum system. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.4.9.3] 1324.5.9.2 Pressure Gases. For pressure gases, immediately after the final brazed connection is made and leak-tested, an outlet in the new piping and an outlet in the existing piping that are immediately downstream from the point or area of intrusion shall be purged in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 1324.5.8. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.4.9.4] 1324.5.9.3 Positive Pressure Gases. Before the new work is used for patient care, positive pressure gases shall be tested for operational pressure and gas concentration in accordance with Section 1324.5.10 and Section 1324.5.11. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.4.9.5] 1324.5.9.4 Permanent Records. Permanent records of these tests shall be maintained in accordance with NFPA 99. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.4.9.6] 1324.5.10 Operational Flow Pressure Drop Test. Operational flow pressure drop tests shall be performed at each station outlet/inlet or terminal where the user makes connections and disconnections. [NFPA 99: 5.1.12.4.10] 1324.5.10.1 Medical-Surgical Vacuum Inlets. Medical-surgical vacuum inlets shall draw 3 SCFM (85 Nl/min) without reducing the vacuum pressure below 12 inch (305 mm) gauge HgV at any adjacent station inlet. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.4.10.4] 1324.5.10.2 Oxygen and Medical Air Outlets. Oxygen and medical air outlets serving Category 1 space shall allow a transient flow rate of 6 SCFM (170 SLPM) for 3 seconds. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.4.10.5] 1324.5.11 Medical Gas Concentration Test. After purging each system with the gas of system designation, the following shall be performed: (1) Each pressure gas source and outlet shall be ana lyzed for concentration of gas, by volume. (2) Analysis shall be conducted with instruments

ng Category 1 space shall allow a transient flow rate of 6 SCFM (170 SLPM) for 3 seconds. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.4.10.5] 1324.5.11 Medical Gas Concentration Test. After purging each system with the gas of system designation, the following shall be performed: (1) Each pressure gas source and outlet shall be ana lyzed for concentration of gas, by volume. (2) Analysis shall be conducted with instruments

designed to measure the specific gas dispensed. (3) Allowable concentrations shall be as indicated in

[NFPA 5.1.12.4.1.2] makes connections and disconnections. [NFPA 99: 1324.5.7.2 Approved Tester. Testing shall be 5.1.12.4.10]

conducted by a party technically competent and 1324.5.10.1 Medical-Surgical Vacuum Inlets.

Table 1324.5.11. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.4.11]

1324.5.8 Particulate Matter. In order to remove any

traces of particulate matter deposited in the pipelines as TABLE 1324.5.11

Where systems have not been installed by inhouse personnel, testing shall be permitted by personnel of that organization who meet the requirements of Section 1324.5.7.2. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.4.1.6] 1324.5.7.3 Cryogenic Fluid Testing. Testing of the cryogenic fluid central supply system shall be conducted by a party technically competent and experienced in the field of cryogenic fluid systems and meeting the requirements of ASSE 6035, in accordance with the mandatory requirements in CGA M-1. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.4.1.4] 1324.5.8 Particulate Matter. In order to remove any traces of particulate matter deposited in the pipelines as a result of construction, a heavy, intermittent purging of the pipeline shall be done. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.4.6] 1324.5.9 Final Tie-In Test. Each joint in the final connection between the new work and the existing system shall be leak-tested with the gas of system designation at the normal operating pressure by means of a leak detectant that is safe for use with oxygen and does not contain ammonia. [NFPA 99:5.1.12.4.9.2]

1324.5.9.1 Vacuum Joints. Vacuum joints shall be tested using an ultrasonic leak detector or other

TABLE 1324.5.11 GAS CONCENTRATIONS

[NFPA 99: TABLE 5.1.12.4.11]

MEDICAL GAS	CONCENTRATION
Oxygen USP	≥99% oxygen
Oxygen 93 USP	≥90% oxygen≤96%
Nitrous oxide USP	≥99% nitrous oxide
Nitrogen NF	≤1% oxygen or≥99% nitrogen
Medical air USP	19.5% - 23.5% oxygen
Other gases	Named gases by ±1%, or per specification

292 2022 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE

HEALTH CARE FACILITIES AND MEDICAL GAS AND MEDICAL VACUUM SYSTEMS

(2) The alarm panel shall be located in an area of continuous

surveillance while the facility is in operation. (3) Pressure and vacuum switches/sensors shall be mounted

at the source equipment with a pressure indicator at the master alarm panel. [NFPA 99:5.2.9]