Ala. Admin. Code r. 770-X-8-.16

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 770-X-8-.16 - Meter Test Methods

(1) For the determination of minimum test flow and normal test flow limits, the standards and procedures set forth in the American Water Works Association Manual, as revised, for various types of meters shall be used.

(2) All displacement-type cold water meters shall be tested on at least three rates of flow set forth in the following table, which is based on the American Water Works Association specifications:

Meter Size Inches	Normal Test Flow Limits GPM	Test Flow Gallons Per Minute
		Minimum	Median	Maximum
5/8	1-20	1/4	2	15
3/4	2-30	1/2	3	25
1	3-50	3/4	4	35
1-1/2	5-100	1-1/2	8	50
2	8-150	2	15	100
3	16-300	4	20	150
4	28-500	7	40	200
6	48-1000	12	60	500

(3) Current, compound and fire service-type meters shall likewise be tested on at least three rates of flow: one at the minimum test flow and two or more within the normal test flow limits of the American Water Works Association standards, the upper test flow to be at a rate as high as practicable.

(4) Compound meters should also be tested at a rate within the "changeover" range of flows to determine overall operational efficiency and accuracy of registration.

(5) Displacement-type meters sized three (3) inches or larger may, at the discretion of the utility, be tested after installation. Current, compound, and fire service-type meters shall be tested in place to achieve maximum accuracy. For three (3) inch or larger meters, the installation of a test tee in the outlet piping is recommended to facilities because it reduces the cost of testing.

(6) Upon completion of adjustment and test of any meter under provisions of these rules, the utility shall attach a suitable seal in such a way that the adjustment of registration of the meter cannot be tampered with without breaking the seal.

(7) The original records of meter tests shall be preserved until superseded by a later test. These records shall give:

(1) sufficient information to identify the meter;

(2) the reason for the test;

(3) date of test and reading of the meter;

(4) the computed accuracy both as found and as left; and

(5) all other data taken at the time of the test to permit the convenient checking of test results.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 770-X-8-.16

Effective October 1988. Filed with LRS February 5, 2013. Filed for Codification in the Alabama Administrative Code by the Alabama Public Service Commission on February 5, 2013, pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975, § 41-22-7.

Author: Alabama Public Service Commission

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 37-1-32, 37-1-38, 37-1-53, 37-4-1.