Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fire Fighting Water Nozzle

The fire fighting water nozzle is one of the most critical tools that firefighters have to battle a fire. The nozzle is used to discharge a firefighting medium, usually water but can also be foam and even chemicals. The nozzle must be able to deliver the appropriate flow rate to match the specific conditions of a fire and the specific circumstances of a situation.

Fire fighting nozzles are available in a variety of styles and sizes, but the best choice may depend on a number of factors. For example, how much water the nozzle can discharge and how much pressure it has are important factors in choosing the correct fire hose nozzle for any given situation.

In addition, the type of fire being fought will influence the type of media used. Different classes of fires are categorized based on what kind of material burns and how that material uses oxygen to produce heat. A firefighting nozzle that is approved to disperse foam, for instance, can be very useful in extinguishing class B or class C flames by depriving them of the oxygen needed to keep them burning.

Another factor that influences the type of fire nozzle selected is the nozzle's intended application rate (gallons per minute), which determines how far and fast water moves to cool down the fuel and how deeply it penetrates the underlying structures. Some nozzles, such as the smooth-bore nozzle, are rated to have the greatest reach/gpm combination at lower engine pump pressures.

The nozzle's pattern and whether it can be used in fog or stream mode are also important considerations. Fog nozzles can better disperse water into small droplets that can more easily be converted to steam. This enables the water to more effectively absorb the heat of a fire while still displacing the oxygen needed for combustion. Straight stream nozzles disperse water in the shape of a column, which can have greater penetration than a fog nozzle but is not as effective at ventilating space or absorbing ambient heat.

Lastly, how the nozzle operates and is controlled is an important consideration as well. Most nozzles are designed to operate with either manual or automatic controls. Manual nozzles require that the nozzle operator physically turn the nozzle to change the pattern from fog to stream and back again. Automatic nozzles have a built-in mechanism that allows firefighters to adjust the nozzle pattern while keeping the same application rate.

The fire hose nozzle is a key tool in the fight against a fire, yet it is often taken for granted. Too many firefighters simply glance at it to make sure it is properly attached, but they should take the time to understand it and to know what they can and cannot expect from it when using it on a fire scene. The nozzle should be treated like a weapon and every firefighter should have a thorough understanding of its operation, maintenance requirements, downfalls, safety concerns, flow rates, reaction forces and special features.diesel fire pump