What is the effect on friction loss in a 5" hose when flowing below 500 GPM?

Friction loss in a hose is determined by several factors, including the diameter of the hose, the flow rate, and the length of the hose. When flowing below 500 gallons per minute (GPM) in a 5-inch hose, the velocity of the water is relatively low. At such lower flow rates, the friction loss is significantly reduced, which can be considered minimal.

In larger diameter hoses, like the 5-inch variety, the impact of friction loss becomes less pronounced at lower flow rates compared to smaller hoses. This is because the larger area allows water to flow more smoothly, encountering less resistance. Therefore, when operating below 500 GPM, the friction loss is negligible enough to be considered effectively nonexistent for practical firefighting operations. It allows for more efficient water delivery, enhancing the overall effectiveness of fire suppression efforts.