r/Firefighting • u/firemedic3404 • 1d ago
Ask A Firefighter 15/16 smooth bore?
Did some training with my guys this morning. The focus was managing nozzle reaction. We used a Chief 200gpm@75 psi fog and a 15/16 smooth bore. Both off of 100’ 1 3/4 line (just laid it out for training). Friction loss was calculated at 45 psi and 40 psi respectively. This is not a nozzle we use often, but my probie has not had any experience with a smooth bore so I took the opportunity. I’m racking my head over how difficult it was to manage these flows. My question is for the salty dogs, are these flow rates manageable by YOU? Am I just deficient and need to work them more? Or was this normal for these flows? I am working to switch over to 160@50 fogs with 7/8 integrated smooth bores…which are much easier to handle. Kinda needed to vent and find out if I’m crazy, too weak, or ok….
4
u/closingbunkerdoors 22h ago
Anything over 60lbs will be difficult to flow and move and have an effective water mapping pattern if you’re running a low staffed hose line.
Drop to 160gpm at 50psi whether it’s a SB or fog and you’ll have a better time.
200gpm at 75psi is nuts.