What is a typical nozzle pressure for a smooth bore 1¾-inch handline?

• A. Approximately 50 psi
• B. Approximately 25 psi
• C. Approximately 75 psi
• D. Approximately 100 psi

Answer: (A)

The key idea is how much pressure the nozzle needs to produce a solid, effective stream from a smooth bore handline. For a 1¾-inch smooth bore nozzle, the standard target is about 50 psi at the nozzle. That pressure provides enough velocity for good reach and penetration without creating excessive nozzle reaction on the operator or wasting flow due to high friction losses along typical hose lays. If you try a much higher pressure, the stream can become harder to control and the friction losses along the hose increase, while a much lower pressure yields a weak stream with limited reach. So 50 psi is the balanced choice that firefighters use to optimize performance with this size and type of nozzle.