What primary factor affects friction loss in hose lines?

The length of the hose is the primary factor that affects friction loss in hose lines. In fire service operations, friction loss refers to the resistance encountered by water as it moves through hoses and fittings. As water flows through a hose, it experiences resistance due to the interaction with the inner walls of the hose. This resistance increases with the length of the hose; therefore, the longer the hose, the greater the friction loss.

Friction loss can be calculated using formulas that take into account the length of the hose, indicating that if you double the length of the hose, you can expect the friction loss to increase significantly. While other factors, such as the diameter of the hose and the type of fluid, also influence friction loss to some extent, the length of the hose is the most directly impactful factor in determining the overall friction loss experienced in a firefighting scenario.

Understanding this concept is crucial for effective water supply planning and management during fire incidents, as it informs operators of how to best set up their operations for maximum flow and minimum loss.