DA Form 5384 Water Flow Test: Army Guide & PDF Download – Water flow testing is a critical component of fire protection and facilities management on U.S. Army installations. DA Form 5384, officially titled Water Flow Test, provides the standardized document for recording hydrant flow test results to ensure adequate water supply for firefighting, sprinkler systems, and emergency response.
This article explains the form’s purpose, how to use it, step-by-step procedures, and why it matters for compliance with Army regulations.
What Is DA Form 5384?
DA Form 5384 (January 2009 edition) is the official U.S. Department of the Army form used to document water flow tests on fire hydrants. It is prescribed for use under AR 420-1, Army Facilities Management. The proponent agency is the Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management (ACSIM).
The form captures key data points including:
- Hydrant number and location
- Outlet diameter (in inches)
- Pitot pressures (PSI)
- Static PSI
- Residual PSI
- Discharge rates (Gallons per Minute – GPM)
- Total discharge during the test
- Date, time, and tester information
A water flow chart or graph area often appears on the form for visualizing results.
Download the official fillable DA Form 5384 here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/ARN45951-DA_FORM_5384-100-EFILE-1.pdf
Why Conduct Water Flow Tests on Army Installations?
Fire flow tests verify that the water distribution system can deliver sufficient volume and pressure for fire suppression. This directly supports:
- Life safety and property protection
- Compliance with NFPA 291 (Recommended Practice for Fire Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants)
- AR 420-1 requirements for facilities engineering and fire protection
- Design of new construction, renovations, and sprinkler systems
- Annual or periodic maintenance of fire protection infrastructure
Inadequate water supply can lead to failed inspections, increased insurance costs, or compromised emergency response capabilities.
Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting a Water Flow Test (NFPA 291 / Army Procedures)
Trained personnel (often fire protection engineers or certified technicians) should perform tests, ideally in coordination with installation public works or utility teams.
- Preparation — Select test and flow hydrants (typically 2+ hydrants in the same pressure zone). Choose during periods of ordinary demand. Gather equipment: pressure gauges, Pitot tube or flow device, hydrant wrenches, and safety gear.
- Static Pressure Measurement — Attach a gauge to the test (residual) hydrant. Record the static pressure with no water flowing.
- Flow the Hydrant(s) — Open the flow hydrant(s) fully. Use a Pitot tube in the center of the outlet stream to measure velocity pressure. Record outlet diameter and multiple Pitot readings for accuracy.
- Residual Pressure — While flowing, record the reduced pressure at the test hydrant.
- Calculate Flow — Use the formula or discharge tables:
GPM = 29.83 × C × d² × √p
(Where C = coefficient of discharge, d = outlet diameter in inches, p = Pitot pressure in PSI). Record total discharge and duration. - Document on DA Form 5384 — Fill in all fields accurately. Include a sketch or notes on hydrant locations.
- Close and Restore — Slowly close hydrants to avoid water hammer. Replace caps and clean up.
Safety Note: Wear appropriate PPE, warn nearby personnel, and control runoff to prevent erosion or flooding.
How to Fill Out DA Form 5384?
- Header: Enter location, date, time, and tester details.
- Hydrant Data: Number, outlet diameter.
- Pressure Readings: Static, residual, and multiple Pitot pressures.
- Calculations: Discharge (GPM) for each reading and total.
- Chart: Plot results if required.
- Remarks: Note any issues (e.g., low pressure, hydrant condition).
Use the official fillable PDF for digital completion and archiving.
Common Applications and Best Practices
- New Construction/Renovation: Verify supply meets required fire flow (often per UFC or NFPA standards).
- Periodic Testing: Many installations test hydrants annually or as part of fire pump and system maintenance.
- Data Use: Results help calculate available fire flow at 20 PSI residual pressure, a common benchmark.
Maintain records for audits, insurance, and trend analysis over time.
Trusted Resources for Further Reading
- Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil) for the latest form and AR 420-1.
- NFPA 291 for detailed testing methodology.
- Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) documents on fire protection.
- Installation Fire Marshal or Public Works for local procedures.
Proper use of DA Form 5384 ensures Army facilities maintain reliable water supplies for fire protection, supporting mission readiness and safety across U.S. installations.
Need the form right now?
Download DA Form 5384 PDF
For questions specific to your installation, contact your local fire protection or facilities engineering team. Accurate testing and documentation save lives and protect critical infrastructure.