What is a key factor that influences friction loss in a fire hose?

Friction loss in a fire hose is significantly influenced by the length of the hose lay. As water flows through the hose, it encounters resistance from the interior surfaces of the hose, which leads to friction loss. The longer the length of the hose, the more surface area there is for the water to interact with, leading to increased friction and, consequently, greater pressure loss. This means that for longer hose lays, firefighters must account for this additional friction loss when determining the amount of pressure needed at the nozzle to effectively deliver water to the fire.

Other factors like the type of nozzle or the material of the hose can also contribute to friction loss, but the primary influence is the distance that the water travels through the hose. Water temperature typically has a negligible effect on friction loss compared to the physical dimensions of the hose and the flow characteristics associated with it. Understanding the impact of hose length on friction loss helps firefighters make informed decisions regarding water supply and pressure requirements during firefighting operations.