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Why Does It Always Have to be Done That Way?
Featured Author:
Paul Shapiro
Paul Shapiro specializes in the research, development and training of large flow water delivery systems and fire stream management. His extensive research and outcomes of large diameter hose has been published frequently in fire service trade magazines. Paul has made significant contribution to fire response efficiency with his application-based research of large caliber fire streams working with handline and master stream operations.
Paul has been involved with the fire service since 1981, and is serving Las Vegas as an Engineer with the City of Las Vegas Fire & Rescue. In March of 2007 his department gave him the Engineer of the Year award for 2006. He is a certified Fire Instructor III for the State of Nevada, has served on the faculty of many Fire Academies throughout the United States, and was named Instructor of the Year, 1999, by the Colorado Fire Academy. Paul is recognized nationally as an expert in his field, and is also the author of the popular book, Layin’ the Big Lines as well as the producer of the video, Large Flow Water Delivery.
More articles from this author:
Myth 5: If only a 2-1/2” port on the hydrant is available, do not use large diameter hose because it will not support it.
Reality: I hear this a lot. As a rule of thumb, the 2-1/2” port will flow only 20% less than the large port on the hydrant when using large diameter hose.
Myth 6: Large diameter hose cannot be used on a weak hydrant system.
Reality:In fact it’s just the opposite. Large diameter hose would be the best choice. A weak hydrant system will more than likely be lacking good hydrant pressure, therefore the supply hose with the lowest friction loss would be the size to use to make up for the weak hydrant pressure. 5” hose has less friction loss than 2-1/2” or 3” hose.
A warf hydrant used in conjunction with LDH.
