Test Requirements for Fire Fighting Hose Nozzles

Nozzles for fire fighting provide firefighters with diverse operational capabilities. Depending on the call scenario, a firefighter might choose between a straight stream or fog nozzle, for example. It’s not uncommon for a fire department to equip different types of trucks with various nozzle types so that firefighters have the right equipment available for any situation. No matter what type of firefighting hose nozzle you select, it should be tested regularly. NFPA 1964 outlines a number of requirements for fire hose nozzles, including that each must pass hydrostatic pressure tests to ensure that it can handle the intended operating conditions.

The key to fire hose nozzle testing is that a nozzle should be placed on an apparatus with water pressure equal to or greater than its maximum rated pressure. In addition, the nozzle must have the ability to operate its lever or rotational control without requiring more than three pounds of force to open or depress. Lever and rotational controls are also required to be able to hold up to 16 pounds of force when pressed, or 40 pounds of force to rotate.

A fire hose nozzle should be able to maintain its selected flow rate regardless of whether it’s in a straight stream, fog, or foam pattern. This is achieved through a unique orifice size that guarantees a consistent discharge rate.

Additionally, a firefighter should be able to easily activate a nozzle’s fog mode while it’s in a straight stream mode to create a water curtain or disperse vapors or flammable gases. Firefighters can also set up a fog nozzle to control or extinguish an active fire, preventing flames from spreading to adjacent structures and property lines.

While most nozzles are designed to be used with water, some are approved to disperse other media, such as an aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), which can be more effective in certain types of fires. Depending on the fire and the application, this can be an extremely beneficial option.

Fog nozzles can be operated from a pedestal or another location, and are also able to accept autonomous control for a variety of applications. However, the nozzle does not offer a flexible water stream width or the capability to change tips.

If you’re looking for a high-quality fire hose nozzle that offers diverse operational flexibility, browse Akron Brass’ selection of specialized handline nozzles. They’re built to support a wide range of fire and emergency response applications, including industrial, marine, mining, forestry, and wildland operations. For more information, contact us today. We’re always happy to help! Fire Fighting Hose Nozzles