Leakage testing must not occur at less than how many times the rated service pressure using dry air?

Leakage testing is a crucial procedure during the installation and maintenance of gas systems to ensure safety and integrity. The standard practice stipulates that leakage testing should occur at a pressure that is at least one and a half times the rated service pressure when using dry air. This requirement is in place to effectively identify any leaks in the system that might go undetected at lower pressure levels.

When testing at one and a half times the rated service pressure, the increased pressure helps to highlight weaknesses or potential failure points in the gas system. It ensures that the materials and components of the system can withstand conditions above their normal operating levels without compromising safety. Thus, conducting the test at this specified pressure not only ensures compliance with safety standards but also instills confidence in the reliability of the gas system.

In contrast, testing at pressures lower than one and a half times the rated service pressure may not adequately reveal weaknesses that could lead to leaks under normal operating conditions. Therefore, adhering to the guideline of testing at this higher pressure is essential for maintaining system integrity and safety.