What is one of the main components that must function properly during a pump test?

One of the main components that must function properly during a pump test is pressure gauges. Pressure gauges are essential for measuring the water pressure being output by the fire pump, which helps in determining the pump's performance. During a pump test, accurate readings from the pressure gauges provide critical data on how well the pump operates under various conditions, including flow rates and system pressures. This information is vital for ensuring that the pump can deliver adequate pressure to firefighting hoses during an emergency.

While other components like pipes and hoses, check valves, and water tanks are important to the overall operation of the firefighting system, the functionality of pressure gauges directly influences the ability to evaluate and verify the performance of a pump. Without functioning pressure gauges, it would be difficult to assess whether the pump is performing satisfactorily, leading to potential risks during firefighting operations.