Functions of Nozzles

Fire hose nozzles are designed to do a variety of things. Some fire nozzles are designed for a single purpose, like flowing water in a straight stream. Other nozzles allow for water to be pushed out of the nozzle in different shapes, in either a straight stream or a fog pattern.

Choosing a fire hose nozzle can be a simple process. First, you will need to determine your specific application:

• For penetration or distance, use a smooth bore.
• For DIY, just use a simple combination nozzle with a straight stream or fog with a twist or bail shut-off handle.
• Fire Departments typically use Selectable (Adjustable Gallonage) or Automatic (Constant Pressure) fire nozzles, designed for firefighting.

 

Types of Fire Nozzles

Smooth Bore / Solid Bore / Straight Stream

The smooth bore, or straight stream, fire nozzle is purposed to produce a solid stream of water with large droplets, providing maximum range and focused penetration.

Fixed Orifice / Single Gallonage

The fixed orifice nozzle is a combination fog nozzle with a predetermined pressure that cannot be altered. It is largely dependent on the water pressure of the source, which essentially determines the GPM.

Selectable or Adjustable Gallonage

Selectable or adjustable gallonage fire nozzles allow the operator to manually select a desired gallonage without shutting down water flow during operation. Fire Department's often utilize this kind of nozzle, as they are the best available.

Automatic or Constant Pressure

An automatic fire hose nozzle is designed to maintain a relatively constant pressure over a wide range of water flows. A mechanism in the nozzle automatically adjusts to decrease or increase in water flow to maintain a stable  pressure. 

Multi-Purpose / Combination

A combination fire nozzle is a nozzle with a straight stream used for penetration attacks and a fog stream for maximum reach and width. This is a great option for residential, agricultural, and Forestry use as well.