A field test kit is an essential tool for any backflow prevention assembly tester. The field test kit is the gage equipment used to field test a backflow prevention assembly. The field test kit is a visual indicator, designed to measure the difference between two pressure points. For example, a backflow tester uses a field test kit to measure the difference in pressure across the check valves inside an assembly.

The USC List of Approved Field Test Kits includes differential pressure gage field test kits (field test kits) that have successfully completed the laboratory evaluation of the USC Foundation’s Approval Program for field test kits.

With the release of the Manual of Cross-Connection Control, Tenth Edition, the USC Foundation introduced a standard for a field test kit. The standard of evaluation can be found in the Manual, Chapter 10.2. The standard consists of design requirements, material requirements and performance requirements.

In order for a field test kit to be USC Approved, it must be comprised of all the original needle valves, connecting hoses and differential pressure gage body. Since the field test kits were evaluated at the Foundation laboratory with needle valves and connecting hoses provided by the manufacturer, it can only be considered USC Approved with the needle valves and connecting hoses provided by the manufacturer for that field test kit. Using other connecting hoses or needle valves that were not included from the manufacturer with the USC Approved field test kit invalidates the USC Approval.

Please note, that it is the decision of the administrative authority whether or not a USC approved field test kit is required to be used when field testing a backflow prevention assembly in its jurisdiction. The Foundation encourages all backflow testers to contact the administrative authority regarding what gages are acceptable.

Before the introduction of a field test kit Standard, the Foundation conducted reviews of gage equipment to determine whether they met the generalized guidelines shown in Section 9 (Field Test Procedures) of the Manual of Cross-Connection Control, Ninth Edition. Download list of acceptable gages.